Online Education Specialist Degree Programs

The accredited online education specialist degree program (Ed. S. degree program) in the United States is targeted for teachers, administrators, supervisors, and counselors in K-12 schools (i.e. elementary and secondary schools).

The work of an educator with an online educational specialist degree, upon attaining Ed. s. training includes working as a school psychologist or school counselor, and working in school leadership and educational leadership. Educational specialist also work as teaching specialists or teacher specialist where they work in the capacity of instructing other teachers in their teaching and curriculum development practice. Other educators with EdS degrees work as instructors at two-year colleges and junior colleges. Other areas of practice with a educational specialist degree are educational technology and educational leadership. This degree often acts as a bridge between a masters degree and an education doctorate degree, and some PhD programs will allow students to transfer a number of credits.

Selected Education Specialist Degree Programs

Walden University

• Ed.S. in Administrator Leadership for Teaching and Learning
• Ed.S. in Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development
• Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation)
• Ed.S. in Educational Technology
• Ed.S. in Special Education
• Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership

• Education Specialist (EdS) - Curriculum and Instruction
• Education Specialist (EdS) - Leadership in Education Administration

Liberty University

• Educational Specialist - Educational Leadership
• Educational Specialist - Teaching and Learning

Jones International University

• Education Specialist in K-12 Education Leadership

University of Phoenix

• Educational Specialist

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Education Specialist Training

The EdS. program is graduate education degree program that is often an intermediate degree between a master's degree in education and a doctorate in education (EdD) or a doctor of philosophy in education (PhD). The degree is ideal for experienced educators who want advanced certification and career advancement beyond the masters degree and perhaps transition into a doctoral program in a related area. Common areas in the education specialist degree are:

• School psychology and school psychology
• Curriculum and instruction
• Special education
• Instructional technology

To graduate with an EdS degree you need anywhere from 30 to 45 credit hours depending on the college or university you enroll in, whether it is an online university or campus program. The important thing is to ensure that it is an accredited online program or traditional campus.

As an instructional education specialist, you may take educational specialist courses in:

• Advanced Teaching and Instructional Strategies
• Assessment and Evaluation
• School Reform and Improvement
• Leadership for Teachers
• Educational Research Methods

In addition, research project may be required. Students graduating from a campus or education specialist degree program can expect to gain advanced knowledge and skills in:

• Philosophies of teaching
• Advanced instruction principles
• Research practices and utilization
• Content and classroom management

Education Specialist Careers

An educational specialist degree falls between a masters and PhD or EdD degree. Educators and teachers who choose an EdS degree program usually pursue leadership positions at K-12 schools or district level jobs. Many students continue on to the PhD or EdD, as many courses are transferable. As an education specialist, you will gain advanced skills in teaching, research, educational policy and administration, as well as instructional technology.

The EdS is an option for students wishing to specialize in a program area. In many states the degree leads to initial principal or administrator licensure in most states. Those who chose to pursue an EdS do so to meet state and professional requirements for career advancement in educational administration and leadership and advanced curriculum and instruction in various subject areas. Some professionals with an EdS work in administration at the school district level or state level where they plan, and monitor instruction, budgets, student activities, curriculum changes, policy reports and other duties.

Expected Salary and Projected Career Growth

The median salary for with an online education specialist degree in the united states is about $60,000. The educational specialist salary in the US is $69,919 as of 2011, with a range of $44,945 to $96,135. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports employment growth of 12% between 2008 to 2018.The salary range depending on the specialization and employer is anywhere from $48,000 to $84,000. The job opportunities for teachers is secondary and high school teachers, and in particular in subjects like mathematics and science as well as those who specialize in special education.