An EdS in Educational Leadership degree expands upon an education professional’s existing expertise. In this post-masters program, you would study the unique challenges that schools and students face in order to better prepare for administrative roles in education.
Many students pursue this program so they can better qualify for leadership roles and so they can grow their abilities to effect change on a larger scale within the field of education.
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Continue reading to learn more about taking an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership online and whether it’s the right degree path for you.
Online EdS in Educational Leadership Programs
An online EdS program in educational leadership is a popular choice for education professionals who are looking to take the next step in their careers.
An Education Specialist (EdS) degree falls between a master’s degree and a doctorate. With this postgraduate degree, you can further develop the necessary skills to pursue principal or other education administration positions.
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In addition to growing your proficiency in your field, you may also grow your career prospects. Upon earning this degree, education professionals may pursue licensure and take their careers to the next level. As a leader in the field of education, you may have the opportunity to promote your students’ success, execute your district’s mission, design curriculums, and much more.
That said, learning these skills will require you to study a series of subjects, including:
- Organizational leadership
- School reform
- School law
- Curriculum development
- Systems planning
Studying these subjects and many more can help build your expertise in various skills that are required for leadership or administrative positions.
Many EdS graduates go on to become principals at the elementary, middle school, or high school level, but those aren’t the only career options available. Other education administration positions can include:
- Director of education
- Director of student services
- Library director
- Department chair
- Vice principal
Students who successfully complete an Education Specialist (EdS) degree program in educational leadership often have increased career mobility within academia. Your advanced skills and credentials may help open the doors to a range of leadership roles.
Educational Leadership Careers & Salaries
An instructional leadership degree is beneficial for students who are looking to increase their job prospects within the field of education. By enrolling in this program, they commit themselves to a very specific curriculum that focuses on the various skills that are used in leadership roles.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are the median wages of potential career paths associated with educational leadership.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Chief Executives | $189,520 |
| Public Relations Managers | $129,430 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,000 |
| Fundraising Managers | $107,390 |
| Administrative Services Managers | $103,330 |
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals | $101,320 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $99,940 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $74,240 |
| Instructional Coordinators | $66,490 |
| Preschool and Childcare Center Directors | $49,690 |
Many graduates earn this postgraduate degree with the express purpose of becoming principals. That said, there are also several other careers that may be available to you following graduation.
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It’s important to note that having an EdS in Educational Leadership degree doesn’t guarantee entry into a specific position. That said, it can often help you increase your career opportunities, earning potential, and marketability in the field.
Educational Leadership EdS Curriculum & Courses
An EdS in Educational Leadership degree requires the completion of a variety of courses. Some of these courses may include:
- Teaching and Learning for School Leaders: This course familiarizes students with the research in education, learning, and teaching, and it shows you how research influences instruction.
- Communication and Collaboration for Leaders: In this course, you’ll learn what defines effective leaders and how to become one.
- Ensuring Quality Education for Students with Diverse Needs: This course explores the unique challenges faced by schools with diverse student populations.
- Policy and Law in School Organizations: In this course, you’ll learn about the legal responsibilities, obligations, and rights of educators.
- Using Data to Strengthen Schools: This course will familiarize you with the ways in which data can be used to improve schools.
- Educational Leadership and School Reform: This course reviews the concepts that define proper leadership in accordance with a school’s core values.
- Concepts and Cases in School Law: In this course, you’ll review the regulatory, contractual, statutory, and constitutional aspects of public schools.
- Designing and Evaluating the School District Professional Learning Community: This course explores how you can create learning communities that provide the necessary support to students.
- Managing Resources: Human, Financial, and Facilities: In this course, you’ll study staff selection, theories of supervision, mentoring, and more.
- Curriculum Development: This course delves into proper research, design, and reform of curriculums.
These represent only a few of the course options that may be available to you. You can review the curriculum of the program of your choosing to see if its courses align with your goals.
Admissions Requirements
An online EdS program in educational leadership has several admissions requirements. While the specific criteria can vary from school to school, here are some common admissions criteria for this postgraduate program:
- Master’s degree from accredited school
- Statement of purpose
- College transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
Understanding these admissions requirements can help you prepare for the application process. It’s also beneficial to discover the application deadlines for each program you’re interested in.
Accreditation
A school’s accreditation status can be a valuable asset to students for a variety of reasons. Essentially, a college or university can receive regional accreditation when a regional accrediting agency has determined that the school consistently provides students with a high-quality education.
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For many students, the primary benefits of attending an accredited university are the confidence you get in your education and the advantage you may have in the hiring process. Employers often have greater trust in your level of education and work ethic if you’ve earned your degree at an accredited school.
Educational Leadership Licensure and Certifications
Enrolling in an online EdS program in educational leadership may lead you down the path to obtaining licensure. While many programs don’t culminate in licensure, they can help prepare you to pursue licensure.
Licensure requirements will vary by state, but most require you to pass an exam or maybe even have internship or work experience. To ensure that you qualify for licensure upon graduation, it’s strategic to check the requirements set by your state’s board of education.
While it’s not necessarily required, depending on your prior education, an EdS in Educational Leadership program could be beneficial preparation for licensure.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Many graduate students seek financial aid to pursue higher education, and there are number of resources available to students who qualify.
Many students turn toward federal aid as their first recourse when searching for financial assistance. You can apply for this need-based aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you qualify, you might receive aid in the form of student loans, which often have lower interest rates in comparison to private loans.
You can also consider applying for scholarships and grants. These financial awards are often offered by schools, public organizations, and private institutions. Many employers also have tuition benefits for workers who want to further their education.
What Is an Ed.S. Degree in Educational Leadership?
An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in educational leadership is a postgraduate program that helps students develop the necessary knowledge and skills to qualify for leadership or administrative positions in education. An Education Specialist degree builds on your master-level education, as it is higher than a masters yet lower than a doctorate.
In an EdS program, you have the chance to hone both your practical skills and your research skills within the topic of educational leadership. With this degree, you can better understand and prepare for the challenges educational leaders face in the workplace.
What Can You Do with an EdS in Educational Leadership?
An EdS in Educational Leadership is designed to help students grow their qualifications for leadership positions as educators, particularly in K-12 education. With these skills in tow, graduates may pursue licensure to help them advance their careers.
A specialist in educational leadership may pursue principal positions in elementary schools, middle schools, or high schools. Others may become vice principals in these same settings. Professionals may also choose to work in other education administration roles, such as director of education, director of student services, health services director, department chair, and more.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Educational Leadership Specialist Degree Online?
An EdS in Educational Leadership program may require anywhere from 36 credits to 60 credits in order to be completed. Of course, the total credits required for completion will depend on the program of your choosing.
Completing educational leadership EdS programs online may take about 2 years. That said, this timeframe can vary depending on your circumstances. For instance, if you take the program part-time then you can expect the program to take longer.
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Some students can complete a 36 credit hour program in 1 year if they enroll full-time and year-round. Programs that require a thesis, though, can be expected to last longer than those that don’t.
What’s the Difference Between an EdD vs. EdS Degree in Educational Leadership?
Both Education Specialist (EdS) and Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership programs have notable differences.
| EdS in Educational Leadership | EdD in Educational Leadership |
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It’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the differences found in these programs so that you can choose the one that’s best for you.
What’s the Difference Between an EdS vs. Masters in Educational Leadership?
An Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and a masters in educational leadership can be easily confused with one another. The table below may help you differentiate between the two.
| EdS in Educational Leadership | Masters in Educational Leadership |
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While a masters in educational leadership requires applicants to hold a bachelors, an EdS in Education Leadership requires applicants to have completed a related masters.
Is an Online Specialist Degree in Educational Leadership Worth It?
Yes, an online specialist degree in educational leadership is worth it for many students. Education Specialist (EdS) postgraduate programs are beneficial for education professionals who want to increase their knowledge, skillset, and even love for the field. With this degree, you may increase your qualifications for various leadership roles.
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Graduates tend to fulfill leadership roles within K-12 education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5% job growth is expected for principals and K-12 education administrators overall over the next ten years, which is as fast as the average for all occupations.
Universities Offering Online EdS in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Arkansas State University offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership, Principalship. The program requires 30 credits, and can potentially be completed in as few as 18 months. Potential courses include Administration and Supervision of Special Education, Planning and Resource Allocation, or School Law.
Arkansas State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Clemson University offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership for experienced educators who already hold a master’s degree. Asynchronous courses last 8 weeks during the fall and spring, and 6 weeks during the summer. New students may begin in the fall. Graduates frequently go on to serve in administrative roles.
Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Florida State University offers an EdS in Educational Leadership and Policy online, designed for those with a master’s degree looking to pursue Level I certification. The program requires 33 credits. Potential courses include Instructional Leadership, Planning Effective Instruction, and Leadership for Diversity.
Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Indiana University’s EdS in Educational Leadership is available 100% online. Up to 30 of the 60 required credits may be transferred into the program. The curriculum is designed to prepare for building-level and district-level administrative roles.
Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Kennesaw State University offers an EdS in Educational Leadership for those who hold a Tier I Standard Educational Leadership certificate. The program requires 27 to 36 credits that can potentially be completed in just 3 semesters. Graduates may be eligible to pursue Tier II Educational Leadership certification in the state of Georgia.
Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Liberty University offers the opportunity to earn an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership 100% online. Courses are 8 weeks long and may include Advanced School Law, Conflict Resolution, Educational Leadership, and Public Relations. The program requires a total of 30 credits and can be completed in as little as 1 year.
Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Madonna University’s EdS in Educational Leadership features both online and face-to-face courses. The curriculum focuses on how to improve outcomes for disadvantaged students. The program requires 30 credits. Potential courses include Legal and Ethical Issues in Educational Policy, Strategic Planning and Program Assessment, or Leading, Teaching, and Learning.
Madonna University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Mississippi College offers a fully online EdS in Educational Leadership with a Curriculum and Instruction track for those with a master’s degree and 3 years of teaching experience. The program requires 41 credits, and can typically be completed in 1 year. Each term is 7 weeks long
Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
National University offers an EdS in Educational Leadership 100% online. New students can start every Monday. On average, the degree program can be completed in 18 months. The program requires 33 credits. Potential courses include School Law, Financial Issues in Schools, and The Research Process. Courses are 11 weeks long.
National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.
Northwest Missouri State University offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership K-12 for licensed teachers who already hold a master’s degree. The program requires 30 credits and may include courses like School Law, Curriculum Design, and School Supervision. On average, the required coursework can be completed in 1 year.
Northwest Missouri State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana offers a fully online EdS degree in Educational Leadership and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Leadership for those with a master’s degree. The curriculum aims to prepare students for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment Level I.
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Old Dominion University offers an EdS in Educational Leadership that can potentially lead to Commonwealth of Virginia Licensure in Educational Administration and Supervision, Pre-K-12. The program includes live online meetings once a week during the evenings, to accommodate professionals who work full-time. The same degree is also offered on campus.
Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Regent University’s EdS in Educational Leadership is available both online and on campus. The program requires 30 to 32 credits. Potential courses include Data-Driven Decision Making, Christian Worldview for Educators, or Research Design and Analysis.
Regent University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Alabama offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership (Instructional Leadership Certification). The program requires 3o to 33 credits. Potential courses include Strategic Leadership, School Finance and Financial Management, or Leading Learning Through the Curriculum. The program culminates with a comprehensive exam.
The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Arkansas offers the opportunity to earn an EdS in Educational Leadership 100% online. Courses are 8 weeks long, with live meetings once a week. The program requires 30 credits, which can typically be completed in 18 months.
The U of A is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
The University of Florida’s EdS in Educational Leadership can be earned online, on campus, or a combination of both. The program requires 42 credits beyond a master’s degree. For those with 3 years of teaching experience, the program may lead to eligibility for Florida’s Level I Educational Leadership certification.
The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Maine offers a 100% online EdS in Educational Leadership with a focus in District Level Leadership. The program requires an internship and 33 credits. Potential courses include Statistics for Scholarly Practitioners, School Finance and Business Management, or Contract Negotiation and Management for Educational Administration.
The University of Maine is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.
The University of Mississippi’s online EdS in Educational Leadership has start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The program requires 30 credits, including 400 hours of field experience. Live class meetings can be attended synchronously.
The University of Mississippi is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of North Georgia offers an EdS in Educational Leadership, Tier II for those who already have a Tier I certificate and at least 3 years of teaching experience. The degree program can be completed entirely online in 4 semesters, with each semester including 2 courses and a clinical component. No campus visits are required.
UNG is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
The University of Northern Colorado offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership. This program may lead to licensure in Colorado, which is required to become a principal. The program requires 30 credits. On average, the courseowkr can be completed in 18 months. Classes have weekly live meetings in the evenings.
The University of Northern Colorado is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Valdosta State University’s EdS in Educational Leadership leads to Tier II certification in Georgia. The program requires 30 credits of online coursework and clinical experiences. Potential courses include Trends and Issues for Principals, Executive Leadership for Education, or Leadership for Creating an Effective Learning Environment.
Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Walden University offers an online EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Preparation). The curriculum focuses on a holistic skillset, including both theory and practical methods. The program requires 36 credits.
Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
An EdS in Educational Leadership is available through Webster University. The program is available online and at multiple campus locations. The program requires 32 credits, including coursework, a portfolio, and internships. Potential courses include Leadership for Improving Learning, Trauma Informed Leadership, or Advanced School Law.
Webster University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
William Carey University offers an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership (Administrative Certification). Flexible classes are designed to meet the needs of working professionals while providing preparation for the School Leadership Licensure Assessment. The program requires a total of 33 credits.
William Carey University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
William Woods University’s online EdS in Educational Leadership aims to prepare graduates for district-level administrative roles in Missouri. Classes meet in the evenings and may include Issues in School Superintendency, Human Resources in Education, and School District Finance. On average, the program can be completed in 2 years.
William Woods University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Getting Your EdS in Educational Leadership Online
An Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership degree provides students with postgraduate training to help elevate their existing knowledge and skills.
Educators who pursue this degree path often want to pursue leadership or administration positions in education. This EdS degree could help you grow various technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills to help guide students, faculty, and districts toward success. Earning this postgraduate degree online is a strategic way to advance your credentials while maintaining your professional responsibilities.
You can start exploring online EdS programs from accredited schools today to find the one that best aligns with your schedule, interests, and goals.
