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3 Education Specialist Degree Options Online

Northwest Missouri State University now offers three excellent Educational Specialist programs for those interested in making a difference in local schools and student success. The Educational Leadership K-12, the Superintendent, and the Generalist online programs prepare experienced educators with the skills needed for career advancement into leadership roles.

Because courses in these programs are taught by the same faculty who teach in-person classes, online students receive the same quality education as their on-campus colleagues. Moreover, the Educational Specialist programs are 100% online, so coursework is available at all times of the day for those who need a flexible academic schedule. Known in Missouri as the “university for educators,” Northwest also offers several dates throughout the year to begin either program. Read on to learn about each distinct program and how they can help you transition into leadership roles in education.

Educational Specialist – Educational Leadership K-12

The online Ed. S. – Educational Leadership K-12 program at Northwest is specifically designed to enhance competencies for prospective educational leaders and set participants on a path to gratifying careers in principalship and other higher-salaried positions in education. In addition to participation in a K-12 internship, students take courses on topics such as:

  • Foundations of Educational Administration
  • School Supervision
  • The Principalship
  • The Middle School
  • Relational School Leadership

At the successful completion of the program, students are equipped to lead academic organizations and create responsive educational cultures, ready to meet the needs of students, staff and the community. Students may also pursue a special education program director certificate or, with additional coursework, earn certifications for either elementary principal or superintendent

Educational Specialist – Superintendent

The Ed. S. – Superintendent program is ideal for educators in the classroom or building leadership positions who want to transition into the superintendent’s office. The required coursework, which includes a seven-week long internship in school administration and supervision, integrates academic principles with professional experience, focusing on topics such as:

  • The Superintendency
  • School Buildings and Equipment
  • School Law
  • School Finance
  • Curriculum Design

In addition, specific learning objectives are crafted to prepare students for critical analysis of educational issues, leveraging professional development to obtain student success, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

While the Ed. S. – Superintendent program does not result in licensure in the state of Missouri, it is the next step in the professional progression to career administrator certificate and to qualification for superintendent upgrade.

Educational Specialist – Generalist

Like the other educational specialist programs, the generalist program adds a sought-after credential to your resume, which can lead to upper-level positions in education that will likely increase your earning potential. This program is more individualized that the others, allowing the students to tailor the curriculum to their interests and goals. Degree candidates work directly with faculty to craft a degree plan that fits their needs.  

Program and Application Information

The online Ed. S. – Educational Leadership K-12 and Ed. S. – Superintendent programs each require nine seven-week courses and an internship, for a total of 30 credit hours. Tuition costs for either program is $9,750 (plus a $50 application fee), regardless of in-state or out-of-state status. To qualify for admission, applicants must hold a master’s degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. Out-of-state students are responsible for ensuring whether the program will meet the certification requirements of their state.

Learn more about Northwest Missouri State University’s online Educational Specialist programs.


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