An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree prepares students to become leaders in education, licensed principals, special education directors, and superintendents. At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our mission is founded on Lasallian Catholic values. We emphasize strengthening the moral character of our educational leaders so they can be pillars in their communities. Here, our team discusses our remote Ed.S. degree program.
Boost Your Knowledge and Guide the Future
We’ve designed our practitioner-based curriculum to equip students with practical skills, personal formation, and sound theory to become leaders with knowledge and character. The title “Education Specialist” is a unique achievement and helps set you apart from your peers. It signifies that you possess advanced and specialized expertise in the field of education while showing your commitment to personal learning and educating others.
The Ed.S. in Educational Administration degree program is for educators with a master’s degree who want to continue their education. This degree allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of administrative leadership and learn the latest teaching methodologies. You focus on a specific discipline within education—principal, director, or superintendent—so you can become a subject matter expert and stand out when applying for open positions.
Advance Your Education With Experienced Experts
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our Ed.S. program is highlighted by an administrative license certificate and an additional six credits of specialized coursework. Experienced administrators and experts in the education field teach the classes in this 36-credit program. Upon completing this program, you’ll have the practical skills to be a successful administrator.
Some of our program highlights are:
- Participation in a one-day summer institute to connect with faculty and peers in person while hearing from inspirational speakers
- Access to a dedicated university advisor with experience in education who supports you every step of the way
- Scholarships for students that qualify thanks to our partnership program with regional and national employers
Knowledge You’ll Gain
During your time in the program, you’ll learn several practical skills, including:
- Inclusive leadership and effective communication
- Collaborative planning and decision-making
- Operational management
- Practical ethical leadership
- Diversity appreciation and cultivation
You’ll focus on combining leadership theories with these skills through several unique courses:
- Ethical Decision-Making for School Leaders
- Leading Flourishing Skills
- Continuous Improvement for Learning
- School Leadership: Purpose and Motivation
Admission Requirements for an Education Specialist Degree
As with most programs, this program does have some prerequisites. To be accepted into our Ed.S. program, you must have the following:
- A master’s degree
- At least 21 credits from any of the following: teaching techniques, communication skills, curriculum design, education leadership or administration, or education research/assessment
- Three years of teaching experience as required by the Board of Administrators for the State of Minnesota
- A valid teaching license in the position you gained the experience
Additionally, if you have a transcript from a university outside the United States, such as in Ireland, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada (with the exception of Quebec), or Australia, you must pass an English proficiency test. We accept:
- Duolingo with a minimum score of 100
- International English Language Testing (IELTS) with a minimum score of 6
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum score of 72
- International Test of English Proficiency (ITEP) with a minimum score of 4
- Pearson Test of English with a score of 51
- Michigan Language Assessment Battery (MELAB) with a minimum score of 74%
Where Your Degree Can Take You
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our School of Education uses hands-on experience and practical studies to help you advance your education. Our remote, online Ed.S. program can help you move up in your career and become a mentor to other educators. We’ll provide you with the skills and knowledge to set you up for success, no matter what your career path. Some careers our students go on to seek include:
- Superintendent: An overseer of an entire school district, its employees, and facilities
- Director of Special Education:A supervisor of special education programs who implements specialized curriculum, and evaluates the success of students
- Instructional coach:A guide for teachers who helps them improve their lesson plans to get students more engaged with their learning
- Principal: A supervisor and overseer for an entire school and all its activities
- School administration positions:Dean of students, assistant principals, assistant superintendents, and business managers are some examples.
Benefits of Our Remote Ed.S. Program
Our Ed.S. program is fully remote, with online, synchronous sessions completed with their peers and work completed independently. You can continue to work while furthering your education. It is an accelerated program, allowing you to earn your degree in one year with an additional two years required for your licensing. Additionally, our remote program enables you to continue spending time with your family and pursue your hobbies.
At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, our commitment to accessible education extends to keeping our programs affordable. We offer financial aid and scholarships to our graduate students who qualify so they can continue their education without hardship. You’ll also benefit from the following:
- Additional career opportunities
- Increased salary
- A strengthened resume
Prepare for Success With Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Are you ready to take the next step in your career and become a mentor to teachers and a valued educational leader? Consider an Education Specialist degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Our admissions staff can answer any questions and help you apply. Request more information or to see if our program is a fit for you.
