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Educational Specialist Degree and Administrative Licensures
Join one of the largest Ed.S. programs in Minnesota.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers one of the largest Ed.S. programs in Minnesota, preparing today’s educational leaders through a clear administrative licensure pathway for K-12 principals, directors of special education, or superintendents.
No matter your administrative career path, earning an Ed.S. degree from Saint Mary’s means developing expertise aligned with Minnesota’s state competencies for educational administration.
What’s more, our three educational administration specializations go beyond licensure. The Ed.S. program inspires ethical leadership — grounded in moral integrity, virtuous decision-making, and strength of character. Here, you’ll learn to redefine school leadership with integrity and impact
Strong schools start with strong leaders: Become the leader who makes a difference. Apply now and take the first step toward your leadership journey!
Not ready for an administrative role? Our Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership is for experienced teachers wanting to build instructional and leadership expertise — without pursuing licensed administration.
All claims regarding Saint Mary’s Ed.S. program being one of the largest Educational Specialist programs in Minnesota are based on thorough competitive market research and due diligence, including the 2023–24 Legislative Report produced by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators.
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Ed.S. Specializations at a GlanceSaint Mary’s University of Minnesota offers three fully online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) programs designed for experienced educators seeking licensure as a principal, director of special education, or superintendent in Minnesota. Use the chart below to quickly compare Ed.S. specializations, including credentials earned, licensure options, start dates, cost, and field experience requirements. |
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| Program | Ed.S. + Principal Specialization | Ed.S. + Director of SPED Specialization | Ed.S. + Superintendent Specialization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who Should Apply? |
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| Earned Credential | Earn Ed.S + MN principal licensure | Earn Ed.S + MN director of SPED licensure | Earn Ed.S + MN superintendent licensure |
| Location / Learning Format | Online | Online | Online |
| Completion Time | 1.5 years | 1.5 year | 6 mos |
| Credits | 30 | 30 | 6 |
| Start Dates | Sep • Jan • May | Sep • Jan • May | Sep • Jan • May |
| Cost | $17,250 | $17,250 | $3,450 |
| Field Experience | 320 hours | 320 hours | 320 hours |
Leading with character: Our Ed.S. program sets you apart.
“Our program is proud of our graduates who go on to successfully lead school communities,” said Diane Moeller, program director for the Ed.S. program. “By embedding virtue ethics and character into our program, we prepare leaders who are not only license-ready but also guided by integrity as they lead today’s complex school communities.”
Moeller was honored as the National Distinguished Principal® by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in 2006.