At a Glance
$607
Cost per Credit
28-30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
18-24 months
Program LengthEducational Specialist, EdS
Program Overview
At a Glance
$607
Cost per Credit
28-30
Credit Hours
100%
Online
18-24 months
Program LengthWhy Study Education Leadership?
The Educational Specialist in School Administration from Lindenwood University’s College of Education and Human Services was built specifically for those who currently hold an MA in Education. This education specialist degree online program leads to initial principal certification, helping you prepare to serve as an educational leader. You will cover the skills needed to effectively lead teachers and other school staff in order to create a productive and positive educational environment. Furthermore, you will analyze current research to understand what works in education and help teachers implement those best practices in the classroom.
This online eds program leads to eligibility for initial principal certification in the state of Missouri and requires at least 21 credit hours of coursework at the 60000 level and you must pass the Pearson #058 Assessment. You must also have a valid teaching certificate at the level which you intend to be certified and two years of teaching experience.
What You'll Learn
Our EdS program develops your approach to administration in school settings in key areas, such as curriculum implementation, student assessment, teacher and staff development and more, and leads to eligibility for principal certification in the state of Missouri. Pursue either an Educational Administration or School Administration concentration path, alongside coursework in:
- Administration, Instructional Leadership, and Assessment
- Advanced School Finance
- Educational Research
- Foundations of Education Administration
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this education specialist degree online program covers the following:
- Ethical Leadership: develop the skills to become an ethical leader, administrator, and mentor in school environments.
- Apply Research to Practice: learn how to apply research to your role in education.
- Fundamental Oversight: understand how to apply effective administrative oversight methods in all types of academic settings.
- Problem-Solving and Innovation: become a high-level critical thinker who can solve challenges and inspire innovation in school environments.
Career Outlook
In addition to making a positive impact on the lives of students, this online eds can help graduates pursue lucrative career paths across the field of education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, school principals can earn a median annual salary of $103,460.
Graduates of this education specialist degree online program can pursue several professional roles, including:
- Principal
- Educational Administrator
- Training & Development Specialist
- Educational Director
- Instructional Coordinator
- Director of Student Services
Course Spotlights
Being an online EdS degree student doesn’t mean that you will sacrifice access to the tools, resources, support, and community that you would have through a traditional on-campus program. In fact, you will still get the college experience — just at an affordable price from the comfort of your home.
- Accessible: Flexible online programs, affordable tuition, and a generous policy with no limits on how many credits can transfer in, we help more students meet their learning and career goals.
- Career-Focused: Our programs align curriculum to industry realities from experienced instructors who share real-world insights.
- Quality: After nearly 200 years in higher education, we know how to deliver the highest-caliber of accredited academic experience.
- Student-Centered: Every aspect of your Lindenwood learning experience is designed to drive learning and career goals.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this online EdS program is $607. Besides affordable tuition, we offer a generous transfer policy of credits toward your degree completion to further offset tuition costs—to save you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community colleges to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to 9 credits toward your educational specialist degree online completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 19 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
The online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Administration program provides a curriculum designed to prepare educators for administrative leadership in K-12 settings. Through this comprehensive program, you can develop expertise in educational leadership, school management, and instructional supervision. Upon completion, you can achieve initial principal certification and start helping teachers implement best practices in the classroom. Courses are taught by expert faculty who can help you build the confidence to succeed in your career in the field of education.
Major Coursework – 18 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 60000 | Administration, Instructional Leadership, and Assessment | 3 |
| EDA 60500 | Advanced School Law | 3 |
| EDA 61000 | Human Resource Administration | 3 |
| EDA 61500 | Advanced School Finance | 3 |
| EDA 62000 | School District Administration and Visionary Leadership | 3 |
| EDA 64100 | Educational Administration Internship and Innovative Leadership | 3 |
Additional Coursework – 6 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 53000 | Public and Community Relations | 3 |
| EDA 58300 | Relational Leadership and Community Outreach in Diverse Societies | 3 |
| EDT 50900 | Innovation Mindset | 3 |
| EDU 57000 | Educational Research | 3 |
Research Coursework – 6 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EDA 64500 | Statistics in Educational Administration | 3 |
| EDA 65000 | Specialist Project | 3 |
Educational Specialist Concentrations
Educational Administration
Prepare to make an impact on education through your leadership with a master’s in educational administration (EdS). The master’s in education administration concentration can lead to education administrator certification and position you for educational leadership in your career. This education specialist degree online program develops your fundamental approach to oversight within educational organizations and settings, in key aspects of education administration. Students entering the education administration degree track will have previously earned a master’s degree in School Administration.
School Administration
Make a difference through your leadership with a master’s in school administration (EdS). The school administration degree concentration track can prepare you for leadership positions within schools or school districts. This school administrator degree program is designed for those already serving in education who aspire to a role in school administration, and want to develop their approach to administrative oversight. Students entering the EdS School Administration program track will have previously earned a master’s degree – typically in education – either a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Arts in Education. This school administrator degree program is designed for those already serving in education who aspire to a role in school administration, and want to develop their approach to administrative oversight. Students entering the EdS School Administration program track will have previously earned a master’s degree – typically in education – either a Master of Arts in Teaching or a Master of Arts in Education.
Career Opportunities
Curriculum Coordinator
Develop and implement curriculum standards, instructional materials, and educational programs to ensure students and teachers meet goals for academic excellence.
Education Administrator
Manage school or district-wide operations, including budgets, personnel management, curriculum development, and student services.
Instructional Coordinator
Evaluate teaching methods and curriculum, provide professional development for teachers, and implement strategies to improve learning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EdS degree?
An Education Specialist degree is for students with a graduate degree who want to take their career to the next level in education. Students who want to pursue administrator and leadership positions in academic settings are prime candidates for EdS programs.
Is an online EdS degree a doctorate?
No, an EdS degree is a step between a master’s degree and a doctorate-level degree in education.
Can you get an EdS degree with a master’s?
You can complete your Master’s in Education online at Lindenwood in as little as two years.
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Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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