How long does it take to become an education specialist? While earning an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree can give you higher earning potential and pave the way to new roles in your district, it also requires an investment of time and tuition. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers three different Ed.S. degree programs: Teacher Leadership for educators who want to advance their classroom careers, and Director of Special Education, and K-12 Principal pathways for those seeking administrative licensure. Here, we explore our program requirements to help you make the best decision for your career.
Key Takeaways
- Becoming an education specialist typically takes a year and a half.
- Our program trains students in the leadership and administration skills they will need to advance into more specialized roles.
- Earning an Ed.S. can be a fast way to improve your career opportunities and earning potential without investing time and tuition into a full doctorate.
What Is an Education Specialist Degree?
An Ed.S. degree is a post-master’s credential for educators who are looking to enhance their expertise, advance into leadership roles, or earn certifications (like principal or special education director) without having to complete a full doctoral dissertation. It is a specialized degree between a master’s and a doctorate, and can offer licensure preparation for aspiring principals and directors of special education.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, we offer three Ed.S. degrees:
- Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership: This program is designed for experienced teachers who already have a master’s degree and are seeking instructional and leadership expertise, rather than licensed administration.
- Ed.S. + K-12 Principal Licensure: This program is for educators with a master’s degree and at least three years of teaching experience. It provides licensure preparation for aspiring K-12 principals.
- Ed.S. + Director of Special Education Licensure: This program is designed for teachers with a master’s degree in any field, a valid classroom teaching license, and at least three years of special education teaching experience. It provides special education director licensure preparation.
The goal of these programs is to prepare teachers to adopt new roles in their districts. By completing an Ed.S. degree, you will be positioned to accept advanced positions, such as department director or teacher mentor, or earn licensure for principal and special education director roles.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Education Specialist?
While earning your Ed.S. can be an excellent way to elevate your career, it is an investment. The basic program requirements at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are as follows:
- Time: The Ed.S. degree programs at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota are intended to take one and a half years to complete.
- Tuition: With 30 credits and a tuition rate of $595 per credit, the programs cost around $17,850, not counting textbooks and fees.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota aims to make our programs accessible. Our Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership degree follows a hybrid format that combines online and on-campus courses, giving you extra flexibility to fit your coursework around a full-time job. Our Ed.S. K-12 Principal and Director of Special Education are fully online. We also offer a range of financial aid and scholarship options for eligible students to help them cover the cost of their education.
What Are the Benefits of Earning an Education Specialist Degree?
While earning your Ed.S. takes time, the benefits are significant. Most school districts have a “step-lane” salary schedule that bases annual income on experience and level of education, and an Ed.S. can bump you up to a better-paying lane, and put you in a position to gain additional licensure. According to Indeed, the average teacher salary in the U.S. is $43,351 per year. With an Ed.S., the average teacher’s pay is $63,842 per year.
Advanced roles also come with higher pay. If you accept a position as a teacher mentor, department leader, or coach, you may be able to earn more than you did as a teacher. That gives you yet another way to increase your income.
Advance Your Career at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
It’s never a bad time to advance your education for higher earning opportunities. In just a year and a half, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Ed.S. programs can open doorways to a higher salary and more specialized positions that require licensure. Request more info to find out how long it takes to become an education specialist, or apply now for admission to get started.
Ed.S. FAQ
What is the difference between a specialist degree and a master’s?
A specialist degree is a post-master’s degree that focuses on practical skills, letting professionals enter more advanced roles without requiring a second master’s degree.
Who should consider getting an Ed.S.?
The Ed.S. degree program is designed for experienced teachers who already hold a master’s degree and are looking for new career opportunities.
Is administrative licensure included in the Ed.S. programs?
It depends on the program. Our Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership program does not include administrative licensure. However, our Ed.S. programs in K-12 Principal and Director of Special Education do offer administrative licensure preparation.
