Understanding the Education Specialist (EdS) Degree: An In-Depth Guide

The field of education offers numerous avenues for passionate individuals to make a difference. While teachers often take center stage, various other professionals contribute significantly to the educational ecosystem. These roles often require specialized training, which an Education Specialist (EdS) certification can provide. But what is an EdS degree, exactly? This article provides a comprehensive overview of the EdS degree, exploring its nature, benefits, and potential career paths.

What is an EdS Degree?

An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is an advanced postgraduate degree designed for educators who want to develop expertise beyond a master’s degree without committing to a doctorate. The EdS degree represents a specialized education program in a separate category from both a master's degree and a doctoral degree. This unique designation is more advanced than a typical master's program but involves an expedited timeline compared to doctoral options such as the EdD. It is typically situated between a master’s degree and a doctorate (Ph.D.

Whether your interest lies in elementary education, secondary education, or higher education leadership, EdS degree programs are a great stepping stone for you to be an educational leader or administrator. These programs are the academic foundations for leadership roles in school institutions with strong emphasis on school administration and educational administration. It could provide less demanding research requirements - master and doctoral students typically must complete a substantial research project to receive a diploma.

The goal of the education specialist degree is to prepare education professionals for success in vital niches such as counseling, special education, or educational administration. This postgraduate degree confers advanced candidate certification, leaving graduates eligible to take on important roles such as school principal, director of pupil personnel, or even superintendent.

EdS vs. Master's and Doctoral Degrees

It’s essential to distinguish an EdS degree from master's and doctoral degrees. While many education professionals hold both a master's and an EdS degree, the EdS is meant to be pursued after a master's has been obtained (postgraduate degree). At that point, students can go on to pursue thirty additional graduate hours as part of the administrative education specialist program.

The EdS can most accurately be thought of as a middle ground between the master's and doctoral levels. While the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) and the Master of Arts in Education (MAED) represent a step below the EdS, the Doctor of Education (EdD) requires a far greater commitment. Often requiring up to 60 credit hours, this program can take two to three years to complete. The EdS only requires thirty credit hours, providing a swifter path to career advancement.

Another key difference between the EdS and the EdD degree is the scope of the degree. Online education specialist programs tend to be far more concentrated than their EdD counterparts. Education specialist students dive deep into specific areas of the field of education with the intention of using their strong experience and newfound knowledge to achieve targeted results. While graduates can serve as principal or in other leadership positions, many prefer to focus on previously identified specialties. The EdD provides broader coverage, typically with the intention of working in administration or educational leadership roles.

One of the appealing elements of EdS programs is that they typically take less time to complete than a doctoral degree (like a PhD or EdD). But, there can certainly be overlap between similar MAE and EdS programs.

Is an EdS a Terminal Degree?

Some of the appeal of the aforementioned EdD lies in its status as a terminal degree. This means that the EdD represents the highest degree that an educational professional can attain. This confers the EdD an extra element of prestige as compared to a master's or other upper-level credentials.

The status of the EdS is a bit more complicated. As mentioned previously, this program requires credit hours above and beyond the master's but is not quite as extensive in nature as a doctoral degree. Despite this, the education specialist degree is generally regarded as a terminal degree, as few professionals continue beyond this program to seek a doctoral degree. An education professional with either an EdD or an EdS can command an impressive level of respect.

EdS Program Structure and Curriculum

Since an EdS is a postgraduate degree, students should expect the coursework to be more rigorous than a bachelor degree program but perhaps less rigorous than a doctoral program. Upon selecting a specialty, most of the Ed.S. degree coursework will solely cover that one topic as the focus is on specialist knowledge. Given the coursework is almost half the amount of a Doctorate in Education, students earning their Ed.S.

Credentials - Some specialties qualify graduates to take advanced credential exams. It’s important to note that not every institution offers the same specialties.

EdS Degree Options and Specializations

Whether you desire a promotion, a lateral move, or more in-depth knowledge of your present specialty, you can count on the education specialist program to give your career a boost. Given the in-depth nature of online EdS programs, however, it's important to determine early on which specialization is preferred and how it will help you accomplish your targeted career goals.

Before deciding on a specific EdS degree, you’ll need to consider what specialty you want to pursue based on your career goals. Below are the top four EdS specialties: curriculum and instruction, educational leadership and administration, special education and school psychology.

Top areas of concentration align closely with various job titles:

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School Counseling
Director of Pupil Personnel
Superintendent
Supervisor of Instruction
Principal (P-12)

Curriculum and Instruction

In an EdS in curriculum and instruction, you’ll learn how to develop curricula so that other teachers can teach more effectively. With today’s focus on teacher accountability, anything that helps teachers attain “adequate yearly progress,” as required by No Child Left Behind, is always appreciated. And your subject-matter expertise and mastery of the art of teaching can make you qualified to develop curricula to help teachers help their students truly understand what they learn.

Educational Leadership and Administration

Educators who want to become school principals or administrators, but who don’t want to get a PhD, may find that an EdS in Educational Leadership and Policy is a great degree for them.

Special Education

Special education teachers work with children with learning, physical, mental, or emotional disabilities. Depending on the severity of their students’ disabilities, they teach a wide range of subjects, including reading, writing, math, and basic communication skills. Special education teachers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earned a median $64,270 per year in 2024.

School Psychology

An EdS degree in school psychology is one of the most intriguing because it’s the one degree that can allow you to practice psychology without getting a doctorate.

Career Paths with an EdS Degree

So, which career paths are available to you upon completion of an education specialist degree? An EdS program might offer potential career advancement opportunities for educational professionals already working in these areas.

Instructional staff looking to enhance their pedagogical knowledge or improve their overall teaching ability can benefit from an EdS program’s sheer professional development opportunities. Student mental health is a critical element in educational systems nationwide, and multiple EdS programs cater to this specialty.

Common career pursuits among EdS graduates include:

Principal: A principal manages the operations of a school, its teachers, students, and staff. They’re responsible for hiring school personnel, planning and managing the school’s budget, creating policies, communicating with parents and teachers when needed, planning the school’s academic calendar, and disciplining students when necessary.
School Superintendent: A school superintendent is the person in charge of several different schools within a school district. They make decisions regarding staff, spending, and facilities. They hire teachers, work with school principals, and respond to the demands of various stakeholders: students, parents, advocates, teachers, and the community.
Classroom Teacher: A classroom teacher prepares engaging lesson plans and instructs their students in the subjects they teach. They grade students’ assignments and exams while assessing students’ abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. They communicate with parents about students’ progress. Teachers who hold an EdS degree are also candidates for jobs as a school principal or superintendent.
Postsecondary Teachers: Postsecondary teachers teach a wide variety of academic and career-oriented subjects to college and graduate students. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the 2024 median pay for postsecondary teachers is $83,980 per year, with a 7% growth rate from 2023 to 2033, much faster than average. For professors in general (including adjunct, assistant, and associate), the BLS reports an average salary of $83,980.
School Counselor: School counselors play an important role in helping today’s students become tomorrow’s productive citizens. They provide guidance and support to students who deal with academic, parental, personal, and societal pressures. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for school and career counselors in 2024 was $65,140. While multiple paths allow passionate professionals to become school counselors, the EdS is one of the most reliable options for teachers who want to move into a counseling role. Upon studying education administration, psychological assessment, and counseling techniques, professionals with their education specialist degree can serve as counselors for students dealing with grief or mental health disorders.
Special Education Director: Teachers who excel in special education can take a step up in their career with the Director of Special Education Administration certification. Upon achieving this credential, they should be qualified to work in leadership roles within special education departments.
Supervisor of Special Services: Similar in some respects to the director of special education, this role focuses on services available under the state's special education regulations. This position tends to be broader in scope than the director of special education, with the special services supervisor also providing opportunities for 504 students with unique learning needs or even those who have been identified as gifted.
Educational Technology Specialist: Advanced tech plays an increasingly vital role in the field of education, so specialists will increasingly be called upon to help teachers and administrators make the most of new devices, programs, and applications. Educational technology specialists identify promising tech solutions and play a key role in implementing them at the district, school, or classroom level. They must be thoroughly familiar with how these opportunities relate to the curriculum or unique student needs.
Director of Pupil Personnel: Sometimes referred to as a pupil personnel services director, this high-level professional is responsible for tracking and improving student attendance. This requires a thorough understanding of local regulations and school board policies, plus close interaction with students and parents. This role may encompass complications such as guardianship, truancy, homelessness, and driver's license monitoring.
Supervisor of Instruction: Also known as the instructional supervisor, this administrative professional conducts district-wide curriculum reviews to determine where changes might be required. This role also involves the analysis and dissemination of educational initiatives. Many instructional supervisors assist with recruiting and screening candidates for a variety of school-based positions.

Benefits of Pursuing an EdS Degree

The education specialist degree is an important component of a far-reaching training system that aims to equip every education professional with the skills, knowledge, and drive needed to succeed in a notoriously demanding field. Upon graduating, students are well prepared to take on a variety of administrative or leadership roles.

For professionals who already have a master’s degree, and EdS is a great way to reach the next level without the time or cost required for most doctoral degrees. Tailored for educators seeking to enhance their expertise, knowledge, and leadership in the field of education. Positioned between a master’s degree and a doctorate, the Ed.S. program offers specialized training without the extensive research requirements of a doctorate.

Once you complete your EdS program how might your career change? Will you be more qualified for any specific positions?

Online EdS Programs

Yes, many institutions offer online Ed.S. degree programs, allowing working professionals to pursue their studies without disrupting their careers.

Job Outlook in Education

Every occupational field deals with changes, either from technological advancements or because of the way people view themselves and others. Nowhere is this more prevalent than teaching. The Bureau of Labor Statistics continually updates its list of occupations in the education, training, and library fields and predicts an expected 5% growth for all divisions in the next 10 years.

EdD vs. EdS: Making the Right Choice

Two frequently confused degree programs are the Doctor of Education (EdD) and the Educational Specialist (EdS). While both are advanced degrees typically begun after receiving your master’s, they differ greatly in scope and purpose. Compare EdD vs.

The EdD or Doctor of Education degree is a terminal degree for those looking toward leadership roles in education. In addition to studying administration and management practices in higher education, candidates for an EdD degree use current research to solve specific job-based needs. If you’re interested in advancing your career beyond classroom teaching, the EdD degree may be the next step for you. With its focus on higher-level education, the EdD degree often opens doors to college administration positions like Dean of Admissions, Student Affairs Director, and Chief of Academic Affairs. Receiving your EdD degree doesn’t provide any licensure or certification - that would be above and beyond the actual degree.

The EdD is a terminal, doctorate degree similar to the Doctor of Philosophy. The majority of schools require a dissertation.

The EdS degree is an advanced degree for those in the education field. Students working towards their EdS degree will find that the classes have a narrow scope of subject matter. With about one-half the credits of the EdD, this program usually takes much less time for students to complete. Most applicants for the EdS degree are aiming for one particular job, which requires more schooling. With an EdS degree, you’re primed for advancement in the education setting. If you remain a classroom teacher, you’ll have the extra tools and knowledge to help your students succeed.

The EdS degree program doesn’t require any dissertation, a plus for some individuals. Every state has distinct licensing requirements for principals and superintendents, and you should be able to direct your studies to help you prepare. The EdS degree is not a terminal or doctorate degree.

Students should consider the time commitment and cost associated with these degrees, as a doctoral degree will take longer and thus cost more. No matter which path you choose, you can rest assured knowing that the education field will always seek qualified, skilled, and passionate educators.

Is an EdS Degree Right for You?

The answer is yes if you aspire to further your education to help you solve real-world problems in your field of expertise, prepare you for a leadership role, or carve a new career path. Graduates with an Ed.S. degree can pursue leadership and specialized roles in various educational settings, such as public and private schools, colleges, and universities. Potential job titles include curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, special education director, school psychologist, education consultant, and assistant principal or principal.

Finding the right fit as a teacher involves preparation, commitment, and hard work. Long-term and short-term goals are essential to career advancement. Once you’ve figured out where you want to go, start looking for the advanced degree that will help you get there.

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