Northwest Missouri State University now offers four AAQEP-accredited online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) programs for those interested in making a difference in local schools and student success. The Educational Leadership K-12, Superintendent, Educational Diagnostician and 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 peers. Moreover, the Ed.S. online courses are accessible at all times of the day for those who need a flexible academic schedule. Plus, Northwest conveniently offers several start dates throughout the year to further accommodate student needs. Read on to learn about each program and how they can help professionals transition into leadership roles in education.
Educational Specialist – Educational Leadership K-12
The online Ed.S. – Educational Leadership K-12 program at Northwest enhances competencies for prospective educational leaders and sets 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
- Multicultural education for diversity, equity and inclusion
At the successful completion of the program, students have the skills and knowledge to lead academic organizations and create responsive educational cultures that meet the needs of students, staff and the community. Through additional coursework and experience, students may also pursue special education administrator certification or superintendency certification.
Educational Specialist – Superintendent
The online Ed.S. – Superintendent program is ideal for educators in classroom or building leadership positions who want to transition into the superintendent’s office. The required coursework, which includes an 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, this Ed.S. specialization prepares students to think critically about educational issues, leverage professional development to support student success, collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, and much more. The Ed.S. – Superintendent program does not immediately result in licensure in Missouri but is a critical step in the professional progression toward earning the Missouri Career Administrator Certificate and qualifying for the superintendent upgrade.
Educational Specialist – Educational Diagnostician
Northwest’s online Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician program provides educators with the knowledge to accurately determine student eligibility for special education services. This program also enhances the educator’s ability to develop more effective, research-based learning plans and learning experiences for students with diverse needs. Required coursework covers topics such as:
- Advanced developmental psychology for educators
- Assessment for intervention
- Applied learning theory for students with exceptionalities
- Educational diagnosis and cognitive assessment
Earning this degree allows educators to pursue several specialized careers, such as educational diagnostician or academic assessment specialist. Plus, graduates of the Ed.S. – Educational Diagnostician program who already possess a Missouri teacher or student service credential are eligible for certification as a school psychological examiner.
Educational Specialist – Generalist
Like the other Ed.S. programs, the online Ed.S. – Generalist program adds a sought-after credential to the educator’s resume, opening the door to upper-level education positions with increased earning potential. This program is more customizable than the other Ed.S. specializations, allowing 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, augmenting the 12 credit hours of required courses with 18 credit hours of elective coursework selected from an extensive list. Elective courses cover topics such as:
- Integrating the technology curriculum
- Building a virtual learning environment
- Culture and student engagement
- Leading in the digital age
- Change management in education
Studying current, relevant and cutting-edge topics like these prepares educators to be leaders in addressing the most pressing issues impacting their school community. While this degree does not prepare educators for a specific certification, it does give them the tools and knowledge to be more impactful in teaching and department leadership roles.
Program and Application Information
All Northwest’s online Ed.S. programs require 30 credit hours of coursework for degree completion. To qualify for admission, applicants must hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning. The minimum GPA varies by program. Certain programs also have teaching degree or certificate requirements. Out-of-state students are responsible for ensuring the Ed.S. program meets their state’s certification requirements.
Earning an educational specialist degree can be an excellent option for educators looking to broaden the scope of their impact and advance their careers. Northwest’s four online Ed.S. options provide educators with highly specialized studies, from the granular focus of educational diagnostician coursework to the individualized elective options of the Ed.S. – Generalist program. With these options, educators can target and achieve their unique educational and professional goals.
Learn more about Northwest’s online Educational Specialist programs.
