If you’re exploring advanced credentials in education, you will notice options. Should you pursue an educational specialist degree or administrative licensure? While both pathways are designed to prepare educators for leadership roles, they serve different purposes and are typically pursued for different outcomes. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers several options for both paths. It’s important to understand the crucial distinctions before investing your time, energy, and money. Here, we discuss the differences between Ed.S. degree and administrative licensure programs.
Key Takeaways
- An Ed.S. degree provides advanced leadership training.
- Administrative licensure programs meet state requirements for positions such as principal or superintendent without requiring a full degree.
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers flexible online formats, rolling admissions, and financial aid options to help working educators further their careers.
Comparing Ed.S. and Administrative Licensure Programs
An Ed.S. degree is an advanced graduate credential that sits between a master’s degree and a doctorate. It is intended for educators who want to deepen their expertise, develop advanced leadership skills, or specialize in a specific area of education without committing to a full doctoral program. Because studies go beyond a master’s degree but are shorter than a doctorate, Ed.S. degrees are commonly viewed as efficient options for career advancement, salary scale movement, or preparation for higher-level roles.
Administrative Licensure programs, such as the Online School Administrator Licensure Preparation program offered at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, are specially designed to prepare educators for formal leadership roles. These programs are tightly aligned with state licensure requirements and place an emphasis on practical competencies such as instructional leadership, school law, budgeting, supervision, and ethics. Unlike an Ed.S., these programs are outcome-driven, with licensure as the primary objective.
Both pathways strengthen your leadership portfolio, increase earning potential, and help you meet state requirements for administrative positions. Choosing between an Ed.S. and administrative licensure, or pursuing both, depends on your long-term goals and whether you want a degree or a targeted credential.
Program Options, Admissions, and Requirements for Administrative Licensure and Ed.S. Degrees
At Saint Mary’s, we offer flexible paths for educators seeking leadership roles through Ed.S. and administrative licensure programs. Our offerings include combined Ed.S. and licensure programs, as well as licensure and Ed.S. only programs:
- Educational Specialist Degree and Principal Licensure
- Educational Specialist Degree and Director of Special Education (SPED) Licensure
- Education Specialist Degree in Teacher Leadership
- Superintendent Licensure Preparation
Applicants must hold a master’s degree and have three years of relevant teaching or leadership experience. For administrative licensure programs, state-specific requirements apply, including classroom experience and endorsements.
Our Ed.S. and administrative licensure programs are offered entirely online, allowing you to balance coursework with professional responsibilities. Programs take about 6 months to 1.5 years to complete. We offer competitive tuition rates and a range of financial aid options, including scholarships and employer partnership programs. These resources help make advanced credentials more affordable for working educators.
Outcomes and Careers: Advancing with Ed.S. or Licensure
Both our Ed.S. degrees and Administrative Licensure programs teach you vital skills for leading teams, managing budgets, and navigating complex compliance requirements while shaping school policy and culture. Upon completion, you can qualify for high-impact roles, such as principal, superintendent, and SPED Director, depending on the program and your qualifications.
Adding an Ed.S. degree or an Administrative Licensure program to your portfolio can help you access strong salary potential and career growth opportunities. K-12 principals earn an average of $104,070 annually, while SPED Directors earn $102,692, and superintendents earn $95,168. Many education specialists choose to continue in leadership roles, within a school or district wide.
Why Choose Saint Mary’s University for Your Ed.S. or Administrative Licensure?
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota combines academic rigor, flexibility, and personalized support to help educators advance into leadership roles. Students benefit from education that emphasizes ethical leadership and provides access to experienced faculty mentors and a supportive alumni community. Our Ed.S. and Administrative Licensure programs are entirely online, so you can balance coursework with professional and family responsibilities. Additionally, we provide comprehensive student support services, such as tutoring, library services, and career services. To learn more about our Ed.S. and administrative licensure programs, request more info or speak to an admissions counselor today to apply.
FAQ about Ed.S. and Administrative Licensure Programs
What is an Ed.S., and how is it different from a master’s or doctorate?
An Ed.S. (Education Specialist) is a post-master’s degree that provides advanced leadership training without the research focus of a doctorate. It’s shorter than a doctoral program but offers more depth than a master’s for administrative roles.
Who should consider an Ed.S. or licensure preparation program, and what are the admissions prerequisites?
Educators seeking leadership positions, such as principal, superintendent, or special education director, should consider an Ed.S. or licensure program. Admissions typically require a master’s degree and relevant teaching or leadership experience.
How long does it take, and can prior credits transfer?
Our Ed.S. programs take 1.5 years to complete. The superintendent licensure preparation program takes 6 months to complete. Prior graduate credits may transfer, reducing time and cost depending on program policies.
