If you’re a teacher or in the education field, have a master’s degree, and want to advance your career, you should consider an education specialist (Ed.S.) degree. This advanced degree is between a master’s degree and a doctorate and may help you gain new skills without needing to invest as much time or money as a doctoral degree.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers online and hybrid Ed.S. programs through our Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. Here, our staff discusses our Ed.S. programs, how long they take to complete, and answers other frequently asked questions.
Earn a Degree in Less Time at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we keep flexibility and affordability at the forefront. We want our adult learners to expand their knowledge while being able to maintain their normal routine. Our online programs provide busy adults the opportunity to reach their goals anywhere they can access the internet.
We offer accelerated Ed.S. program options that allow you to earn your degree in about a year and a half.
Our Education Specialist Degree Programs
Our Ed.S. programs are 30 credits that combine synchronous class meetings with flexible online class work. You’ll meet with your instructor and classmates during scheduled times, allowing you to benefit from real-time discussion. You can ask questions and get clarification on topics you don’t understand during these online meetings.
Additionally, you can complete outside coursework and studies on your own time. We use this remote setup so our students can continue working and enjoy spending time with their families and hobbies while furthering their education.
We also offer a hybrid Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership program that combines in-person meetings and online learning.
Program Outline
Our hope is that students become experts in their field and moral and ethical leaders in their schools and communities. Our Ed.S. degrees are part of our School of Education and use practical studies and hands-on experiences to help students expand their knowledge and set themselves up for success.
Our instructors are experienced administrators and experts in the field of education, so you’ll receive an education from those who know what training and skills you need to be successful. We rooted these programs in leadership theory and principles, administration skills, and new teaching methodologies to help you become a subject matter expert in your chosen area.
Highlights and Courses
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we want our students to get the most out of their education. Not only do we offer financial aid and scholarships to qualified students, but we also provide each one with a dedicated advisor. Your advisor supports you from the moment you’re accepted to the moment you complete your degree. They’ll provide you with academic assistance and field experiences and answer any program-related questions.
Another highlight of our Ed.S. programs is an annual one-day Summer Institute. This intensive event allows you to connect with your instructors and classmates in person and engage with speakers and professionals from across Minnesota.
When you enroll, you’ll learn how to collaborate, manage operations, create effective learning environments for every student, and appreciate diversity. Depending on your specialization, you’ll take courses such as:
- Ethical Decision Making for School Leaders
- Organization and Human Resources Management
- Legal Issues in Education
- Leading Flourishing Schools
- School Leadership: Purpose and Motivation
Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ed.S. Degree
Earning your Ed.S. degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota unlocks career opportunities that can boost your salary potential and put you in a position for future promotions and advancements.
What Pathways Can I Choose From?
We offer training in three specialized areas, allowing you to receive one of the following upon graduation:
- K-12 Principal Licensure Preparation
- Director of Special Education Licensure Preparation
- Superintendent Licensure Preparation
What Can I Do With My Ed.S. Degree?
With your Ed.S. degree, you can become a mentor to guide other teachers and educators and oversee educational programs. Some potential career paths include:
- Instructional coach
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Director of Special Education
- Other types of school administrators, including deans, business managers, and assistant principals
What Are the Admission Requirements?
To be considered for admission into our Ed.S. Educational Administrator programs, you must have a master’s degree and three years of teaching experience. For the Ed.S. Teacher Leadership program, you only need a master’s degree with at least 21 credits from among any of the following: teaching techniques, curriculum design, communication skills, education research/assessment, education leadership, or administration.
You’ll also need to submit the following to our admissions team:
- Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee
- An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota from your undergraduate institution
- Other official transcripts documenting prerequisites and transfer credits
- A personal statement
- Two professional references
- Current resume
Quality Catholic Education for Character
At the core of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are Lasallian Catholic values. We design our programs to meet learners where they are so they can gain new knowledge, prepare for their future professional lives, and grow into who they’re meant to be.
Our mission is to provide practical education grounded in character formation and a deep understanding of the liberal arts. We want our alumni to be civic and moral leaders in their communities, jobs, and households. Our experienced and compassionate instructors awaken, nurture, and empower our students and deliver a relationship-driven and person-centered education, whether in-person or online.
Prepare for Future Success at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Are you ready to take the next step in your education and career and complete your specialist degree in education in under two years while continuing to work? Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota might be right for you. To learn more about our Ed.S. programs, request information today.
