An EdS degree can require 30 to 60 credit hours and does not require a dissertation. There are different types of EdS degrees that allow for specialization in the field. You can get an education specialist degree in teaching and learning, curriculum and instruction, in leadership and policy, in K-12 leadership, in special education or in school psychology. All are very practical degrees and all have different benefits and purposes.

Each specific education specialist degree has different curriculum and goals but all of them allow you to grow as an educator and become a stronger leader. Furthermore, an EdS degree can allow you to work at bettering the school you work in and perhaps the education system as a whole. 

An education specialist degree, or an EdS degree, is a postgraduate degree that is more advanced than a master’s degree but requires less coursework than a PhD or an EdD. In order to earn an EdS degree you must first attain a master’s degree.

EdS degrees are designed to provide knowledge and theory in education and are typically pursued by someone looking to become a principal, superintendent, special education teacher or an administrator at a school. Most EdS degree programs are based around certification preparation, as many students pursue the degree to meet qualifications for licensure. However, an education specialist degree is also beneficial for a teacher or other individuals in education.

It is commonly believed that an education specialist degree is only for people who want to become principals or administrators but an EdS degree is also helpful to have as a teacher. Having an EdS degree is beneficial for teachers as there is an opportunity for a pay increase and it sets you apart from other teachers. It increases your interdisciplinary teaching skills and you can directly apply what you learn in your degree program to your classroom.

Pay Increase

In some school systems having an EdS degree makes you eligible for a higher pay. Even if you earned an EdS degree in special education and are teaching 6th grade math, there is still a chance you could receive an increase in pay for your postgraduate degree.

Sets You Apart

If you are looking for a teaching job, having an EdS degree will set you apart from other applicants. You are already in the lead for a position if you have a postgraduate degree, but an EdS degree is particularly sought after. Even if you are already a teacher, holding this degree will make you more credible and distinguish you from other teachers at the school.

Increase Interdisciplinary Teaching Skills

Interdisciplinary education is on the rise and increasing amounts of schools are incorporating interdisciplinary teaching into curriculum. Getting an EdS degree will increase your knowledge on interdisciplinary teaching and enable you to incorporate it into your lesson plans to better reach students.

Expand Your Horizons

If you have been teaching the same thing for years and are looking to further pursue your passion and your knowledge, an education specialist degree can do just that. Choosing a specific program within an EdS degree can be an exciting way to expand your knowledge and expands your horizons. Having an education specialist degree can be helpful if you would like to expand your career outside of a traditional classroom too. With an EdS degree you can teach at a museum, senior center, corporation and other places where educators are needed.

Directly Apply Your Knowledge

As a teacher with an EdS degree, the knowledge you gain and theories you learn can be practically applied in your classroom. Someone who becomes an administrator with an EdS degree can use the knowledge to lead, educate and encourage teachers to apply the theories. Yet, they cannot directly apply the knowledge or directly monitor the outcome of the application. As a teacher with an EdS degree, you are able to use your new knowledge in the classroom and benefit your students.

Earn your EdS at Grand Canyon University. Our Eds in Teaching and Learning and our EdS in K-12 Leadership only require 30 credits, as opposed to the 60 credits required in our other programs. Additionally, the College of Doctoral Studies recognizes the difficulty learners can have attending classes on campus. For this reason, our EdS programs are offered entirely online, providing a seamless and comfortable educational experience. To learn more about our programs, visit our website or fill out the Request Info button on this page.