The Educational Specialist degree in Administration and Supervision is designed for educators who hold a master's degree and wish to become advanced practitioners and school leaders. This EdS meets the needs of individuals whose career goals include licensure for advanced administrative positions in public and private schools (e.g., district administrator, building administrator).

The EdS in Administration and Supervision is a 36 semester hour program. Students take courses in their area of concentration at the specialist level (beyond the master's). The degree culminates in a practicum experience working in a school setting. Coursework that will lead toward licensure may be included as part of the degree requirements. Coursework is completed through a combination of on-campus and online courses. 

Admission to the EdS in Administration and Supervision

In addition to admission requirements of the College of Graduate Studies, admission to the education specialist program requires the following:

• A master’s degree from an accredited institution

• A minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale in all graduate work

• A well-written statement of purpose describing your background and goals as well as the importance of this degree in achieving those goals and demonstrating your writing ability

• Three letters of recommendation regarding your ability and character to succeed in this degree program from academic professionals

The education specialist program has selective admissions and may admit a limited number of students. Thus, meeting all formal criteria does not guarantee admission.

What to Submit with Your Application

• Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

• Statement of purpose

• Three letters of recommendation 

Requirements for the EdS in Administration and Supervision

For the Education Specialist degree, students must complete the following program requirements: 

• A minimum of 36 semester hours of approved graduate coursework beyond the master's level (7000 or 8000 level)

• Completion of a core course in administration and supervision (EDAS 8640)

• An education specialist practicum experience (EDAS 7920), which may include field experiences, internships, or other professional projects

In addition, no more than six semester hours of credit from any combination of workshops (7950), problems or special topics courses (7980), and independent studies (7990) may be included in the degree program.

All coursework and requirements of the specialist degree must be taken within a six-year period immediately preceding the date the degree is awarded.

Plan of Study

A plan of study identifying the courses for the specialist degree is required after 12 credit hours, generally at the end of the first semester of full time study. The specialist plan of study must include the following within the 36 semester hour minimum:

• 3 credits of required core

• 30 credits of specialization

• 3 credits of education specialist practicum

Licensure or endorsement may require additional semester hours to fulfill the credential requirements as well as degree requirements.​

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Guide for Developing a Plan of Study

Below is a guide for developing a Plan of Study for the Education Specialist in Administration and Supervision. Students should work with their faculty advisor to identify specific courses to fulfill program requirements. 

Additional hours are required to fulfill licensure requirements. 

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Administration and Supervision Core		3
EDAS 8640	Leading Systems Change
Specialization in Administration and Supervision
Select 30 credits as approved by faculty advisor		30
Education Specialist Practicum		3
EDAS 7920	Specialist Project In Educational Administration
Total Hours		36

1.Demonstrate critical thinking, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information related to school and/or district leadership
2.Conduct and present original research that includes a review of literature, research statement, methods, findings, and implications
3. Integrate leadership theory in order to analyze problems in schools and propose solutions
4.Use excellent oral and written skills for communication
1.Analyze organizational change by integrating theories of leadership and change models
2.Demonstrate critical thinking, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information related to school and/or district leadership.
3.Demonstrate leadership theories and practices of school leadership.
4.Use excellent oral and written skills for communication