Are you looking to advance into a school leadership position? You may be wondering whether an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree is the better option. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer both Ed.S. and Ed.D. degrees for experienced educators. Here, we compare an Ed.S. vs. an Ed.D. to help aspiring school leaders determine which is the best fit. Many students eventually choose both!
Key Takeaways
- Education Specialist (Ed.S.) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degrees are ideal for experienced educators looking to transition into leadership roles.
- Ed.S. and Ed.D. degrees differ in their academic focus, program length, licensure preparation, and more.
- Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers both Ed.S. and Ed.D. programs that are fully online.
Ed.S. vs. Ed.D.: Which Is Right for You?
What Is an Ed.S.?
An Ed.S. is a postgraduate degree for experienced educators seeking to advance to advanced positions or leadership roles. It is positioned between a master’s degree and a doctorate degree. Ed.S. degrees typically don’t require a dissertation, but they often require an internship or field experience.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer:
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- Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership program: This program is designed for educators who want to pursue roles like teacher leader, curriculum specialist, and instructional coach, not licensed administration.
- Ed.S. and Principal Licensure program: This program is for educators who want to pursue licensed administration to become K-12 principals.
- Ed.S. and Director of SPED Licensure program: This program is for educators who are seeking licensure to become Directors of Special Education.
These programs are offered 100% online and are designed for experienced teachers who want to advance their careers. They feature 30 credits and take a year and a half to complete.
What Is an Ed.D.?
An Ed.D. is a terminal degree that focuses on applying research to real-world leadership situations within education and adjacent fields. It is designed for experienced educators who aim to spearhead organizational change, including those who want to become school superintendents, principals, or directors. The Ed.D. program also prepares organizational leaders from healthcare, government, and more. Ed.D. programs typically require a dissertation or capstone project.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers a Leadership, Ed.D. program with two pathways :
- Ed.D. in Leadership: This 55-credit Traditional Research Pathway takes 3 years to complete coursework + time to dissertation completion It is designed for working professionals with a master’s degree who aim to lead K-12 schools, universities, or other educational institutions.
- Executive Ed.D. in Leadership: This 39-credit Executive Pathway takes around two years to complete and requires a capstone project instead of a dissertation or comprehensive exam. It is tailored to working professionals with a master’s degree and 5+ years of leadership experience who are looking to drive change and improve outcomes within organizations and communities .
These programs are fully online, allowing students to learn while they continue working. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota also offers an Ed.S. to Ed.D. pathway, where students can apply up to 15 credits from their Ed.S. degree directly toward an Ed.D., reducing the time to doctoral completion.
Comparing Ed.S. vs. Ed.D. Skills and Competencies
In Ed.S. programs, the focus is on gaining specialized practitioner skills for school-level leadership. The knowledge gained is ideal for those seeking roles as teacher leaders, curriculum specialists, and teacher mentors. When combined with administrative licensure preparation, Ed.S. programs can also be suitable for educators looking to become principals or district directors.
In Ed.D. programs, the curriculum focuses on leading change across an organization. Students learn to use applied research to investigate real problems of practice, weigh evidence, and design solutions, often through a dissertation or capstone project. An Ed.D. is well suited to educators and professionals pursuing senior leadership roles in K-12 systems, higher education, nonprofits, healthcare, government, and other organizations with a desire to contribute new knowledge to their field.
Comparing Cost, Time, and ROI
Since Ed.S. programs require fewer credits and are shorter than Ed.D. programs, the overall cost of tuition is also lower. However, earning the prestigious title of Dr. through an Ed.D. can set graduates up for higher long-term salaries than those with Ed.S. degrees. It’s smart to weigh the cost of tuition with the salary range you can make upon graduating to see which option offers the better return on investment.
Which Degree Fits Your Career Goals?
Both degrees serve experienced educators, but they are built for different goals. An Ed.S. is a strong fit for those who want to deepen their expertise and step into school or district leadership as a teacher leader, curriculum lead, K-12 principal, or director of special education.
An Ed.D. is often the better option for those who want to lead systemic change across an organization, whether in a school district, a college or university, or a field outside education such as healthcare or government.
Some roles, including principal, superintendent, and director of special education, require state licensure. Before you choose, confirm that the program provides the licensure preparation your state requires.
Not sure which path fits? A Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota advisor can help you compare your options.
Advance Your Education Career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Whether you choose an Ed.S. or Ed.D., you can gain the leadership skills you need to advance your teaching career. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our School of Education programs offer focused curricula, flexible online formats, and mentorship from experienced faculty. To learn more about Ed.S. vs. Ed.D., request more information today.
Ed.S. vs. Ed.D. FAQ
What is the difference between an Ed.S. and an Ed.D.?
An Ed.S. is between a master’s degree and a doctorate degree and focuses on specialized practitioner skills, while an Ed.D. is a doctorate degree that focuses on organizational leadership and change.
Can Ed.S. credits apply toward an Ed.D. later?
Yes, Ed.S. credits can often be applied toward an Ed.D. later, but it depends on the specific school’s policies. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, students can apply up to 15 Ed.S. credits toward their Ed.D.
How does an Ed.D. compare to a Ph.D.?
An Ed.D. provides leadership skills to help graduates advance within their area of expertise, while a Ph.D. is mainly research-focused and is for those planning to teach and research full-time.
