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What is an Educational Specialist (EdS) Degree?
By
Cece Gilmore
Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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If you want to learn more about what an EdS degree is, you are in the right place. This postgraduate degree, somewhere between a master’s and doctorate degree, is unique to the field of education. There are many unique fields in education that one can go into after earning an EdS. Read more about exactly what an EdS is and what occupations you can go into with this unique postgraduate degree!
What is an EdS degree?
EdS is short for “education specialist degree.” An EdS degree provides individuals with the opportunity to explore and expand within unique areas of the education field, such as curriculum writing or special education. Typically, an EdS will focus on one specialization of a small part of the education field. There are several central topics that one could specialize in within an EdS program.
An EdS degree might be just the degree to gain the qualifications you are looking for without the hefty price tag and time commitment of a PhD or doctoral degree. For those who desire to work in a school setting who want to apply their knowledge and skills to practice, this degree might be ideal.
Types of EdS degrees
EdS in special education
An EdS in special education enables an individual to receive higher leadership roles in the field of special education.
Some highlighted roles of a higher leadership role in special education
- Oversee the special education program
- Take an active role in decision-making for the special education program
- Review current district, state, and federal laws
EdS in educational leadership and policy
An EdS in educational leadership and policy is a degree for educators seeking to become school principals or administrators who do not want to earn a PhD.
Some highlighted roles of an educational leader
- Develop effective educational programs
- Provide leadership for the school
- Promote the improvement of teaching and learning
EdS in counseling
An EdS in counseling qualifies earners for careers as professional counselors or school counselors. It is important to check with your state’s requirements to determine if an EdS is the best option for your career aspirations.
Some highlighted roles of a school counselor
- Identifying issues affect school performance
- Counsel students
- Helping students achieve academic goals both short-term and long-term
- Consult with parents and teachers regarding issues that arise
EdS in curriculum and instruction
People who earn an EdS in curriculum and instruction are qualified to develop effective curriculums for teachers to use. This degree focuses on the creation of instructional content, reviewing teacher resources, and understanding the best ways to evaluate student performance.
Some highlighted roles of a curriculum instructor
- Develop new curriculum
- Improve existing curriculum
- Work in large groups in order to teach and guide other teachers and administrators
EdS in school psychology
An EdS in school psychology allows individuals to become practicing school psychologists in three years without earning a doctoral degree. School psychologists are staff members within a school setting that help support students’ ability to learn and thrive.
Some highlighted roles of a school psychologist
- Identify at-risk students and provide interventions
- Consult with teachers to improve support in the classroom
- Create school-wide practices and policies and interpret school outcome data
- Administer testing for students to determine what resources are needed to help them learn
- Help families understand their children’s learning and mental health needs
Also see: Graduate school funding options
Benefits of an EdS degree
Additional career opportunities
One of the most common reasons people pursue an EdS degree is to explore career opportunities beyond classroom teaching. The credential can be instrumental in earning leadership roles in schools.
Convenience
Online EdS degree programs are offered to help make the process extremely convenient for students who have current jobs in the education field. In addition, the convenience of an online program may be a cheaper option than a PhD or doctorate.
Pursue a passion
Gaining an EdS degree in a specific field can help you learn more about what you are truly passionate about within the field of education.
Learning opportunities
An EdS degree is the perfect opportunity to build your skills and pursue further education and specialization in a field. The qualification helps individuals improve their current careers and learn more about their education field and various roles within it.
New career credentials
Receiving an EdS degree provides the opportunity to gain more experience and credentials to add to a resume. This will put you at an advantage as you will have a higher degree and more experience than those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Increase in pay
Depending on your school and job role, pursuing an EdS degree often leads to a higher pay scale or a promotion within your position.
PhD credits
An EdS degree may offer a leg up credit-wise if you want to pursue a PhD degree in the future. This is because some schools count your course credits from EdS degrees toward PhD programs. Overall, earning a EdS will lower the cost and time needed to earn a PhD.
Also see: Top graduate school scholarships
Key Takeaways
Don’t miss: Top education scholarships
Frequently asked questions about EdS degrees
Is an EdS degree worth it?
What EdS program should I choose?
How many credits are required for an EdS degree?
How much does an EdS degree cost?
What jobs can I get with an EdS?
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