Online Education Specialist Degrees (EdS)
Advance Your Impact in Education
If you’re an active teacher looking to positively affect the future of learning, an EdS degree may be the right choice for you. We offer specialist degrees in education to equip you with knowledge in educational leadership, help you acquire curriculum development expertise, and teach you to develop school improvement plans so you can gain a deeper understanding of how to make an impact in the education field. Through exploring theories, models and policies, you will have the opportunity to become a thoughtful leader in education.
Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in Schools
Earning an EdS gives educators the opportunity to set themselves up for potential advancement or in their careers. Graduates may choose to pursue high-level positions in education, using their advanced knowledge of K-12 instruction, leadership and development to influence others and the quality of learning throughout schools. With collaboration, research and leadership skills, online education specialist degree graduates can be equipped to make a difference as leaders in their teaching community.
Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University
Graduate Admission Requirements
Education Specialist Degrees Available at GCU
We offer two different paths for those looking to earn an Ed specialist degree. You can choose to take specialty coursework focused on analyzing and developing K-12 leadership or aim to improve student outcomes by taking a deep dive into teaching and learning.
The Education Specialist in K-12 Leadership helps active teachers enhance their knowledge in education policy development, staffing and organizational leadership while further developing instructional skills. An intensive study of educational policy analysis and leadership research offers the opportunity to positively influence others and improve learning in school systems.
Our EdS option focuses on teaching and learning to help K-12 educators develop deep knowledge of different models and theories of teaching to improve student outcomes in educational communities. Through the study and implementation of research-based strategies and emerging trends in education, EdS students will have the opportunity to promote successful student learning in diverse classrooms.
EdS Degree Coursework
This program aims to prepare aspiring leaders in the education field to become well-versed in their sector of education, whether that be through influencing K-12 instruction or improving leadership at that level.
Specific courses may vary slightly depending on your area of focus, but you can expect to cover topics such as:
Educational policy development
Strategic planning in education
Leadership theories and models
Professional learning communities
Effective teaching strategies and trends
Global politics of education
Education Specialist Degree Program FAQs
If you’re looking to potentially advance your career in education, you likely have many questions. Review some commonly asked questions and answers to gain more insight into earning your degree.
What is an EdS degree?
What is the difference between an EdS vs. PhD?
How long does it take to get an EdS degree?
Is an education specialist degree worth it?
Career Opportunities for Education Specialist Degree Graduates
Education specialist graduates strive to make a difference in education by contributing their knowledge to the improvement of instruction, leadership and student learning. It’s important to review your state’s teaching requirements when choosing to pursue any postsecondary teaching position.
Graduates of an EdS program may go on to explore various career opportunities, such as:
Postsecondary education teachers
Elementary, middle and secondary teachers
Education administrators
Doctoral Student Resources
As a doctoral student, you will have access to various resources and supportive, knowledgeable faculty that will be there alongside you in your journey to earning your EdS.
Browse through these links to explore some of the resources offered.
The EdS programs at GCU are designed for current educators who are looking to gain specialized knowledge in their field.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (“BLS”), Education Specialists, as of May 2023, retrieved Aug. 1, 2024. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as education specialists, nor does it reflect earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc., against a pool of candidates.