Many individuals looking to advance their careers and qualify for higher-level positions in the world of education often pursue either their Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) or their Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree.
Both degrees provide students with higher-level knowledge and skills, cover similar topics, and are typically pursued after a master’s degree.
But, they also have distinct differences regarding the intent for the degree, the requirements, and an individual’s goals and objectives.
This article will examine both a Doctor of Education and an Education Specialist degree for candidates to determine which degree suits them and their career goals best.
An Education Specialist (EdS) degree is an advanced graduate degree designed specifically for educators who want to gain further specialization in their field. This degree is situated between a master’s degree and a doctorate providing educators with advanced training and skills to take on leadership roles or specialize in a particular area of interest.
In this comprehensive guide, we will dive deep into everything you need to know about the EdS degree – from what it is, who should pursue it, key benefits, career options, and more. Whether you are an experienced teacher looking to advance your career or simply curious to learn more, read on to get the full scoop on this unique professional degree for educators.
What is an Education Specialist Degree?
Also known as Educational Specialist, the EdS degree aims to provide specialized knowledge and skills to educators through rigorous coursework and applied learning. It typically requires 30-60 credits beyond the master’s level and includes advanced courses, independent research, and practical projects tailored to the chosen specialization.
Unlike PhD and EdD programs which focus heavily on original research, the EdS emphasizes coursework and developing hands-on skills and competencies It is designed as a terminal degree, meaning it is a final degree and not a stepping stone to the doctorate. With an EdS, educators can attain the highest level of professional proficiency in their field without pursuing a doctoral dissertation.
Some common specializations in EdS programs include curriculum and instruction educational leadership school psychology, early childhood education, special education, educational technology, and more. Coursework blends theory and practice to build expertise.
Key Benefits of Earning an EdS Degree:
- Increased skillset and specialized knowledge in a chosen education field
- Preparation for leadership roles like principal, administrator, curriculum specialist etc.
- Opportunity to gain a state license or certificate
- Higher salary potential and career advancement prospects
- Sense of personal and professional achievement
Who Should Pursue an Education Specialist Degree?
The EdS degree best serves educators who wish to bolster their skills and move into advanced roles, without committing to a lengthy doctoral program. Ideal candidates include:
- Teachers aspiring for specialized roles like reading specialist, curriculum coordinator, instructional coach etc.
- School counselors and psychologists pursuing leadership positions or state licensure
- Principals, administrators, department heads seeking to advance their careers
- Instructional designers and technology specialists gaining expertise
- Higher education faculty and administrators developing their teaching and leadership skills
- Educators who want to specialize in areas like special education, early childhood etc.
For working professionals, the EdS allows you to take the next step while still working, without disrupting your career and finances like a PhD would. It is designed specifically to meet the needs of education practitioners.
Key Differences Between EdS and PhD/EdD Degrees
While the EdS degree provides advanced training beyond the master’s, it is quite distinct from the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees in the education field. Here are some of the major differences:
- Focus: EdS prioritizes coursework and applied learning while PhDs/EdDs emphasize original research
- Duration: EdS can be completed in 2-3 years part time while PhDs/EdDs take 4-7 years on average
- Credits: EdS requires 30-60 credits versus 60-100+ credits for PhDs/EdDs
- Cost: EdS is the more affordable option, with lower tuition and opportunity costs
- Purpose: EdS provides professional development while PhDs/EdDs are geared towards research and academia
- Career impact: EdS prepares you for leadership roles while PhDs/EdDs are required for university teaching and high-level administration
So in short, the EdS hits the sweet spot between a master’s and doctorate – you get advanced expertise and skills without the heavy research demands of a PhD/EdD. It’s designed for climbing the career ladder, not training future professors.
What Career Options Are Available with an EdS Degree?
Pursuing an EdS degree opens doors to exciting leadership and specialized careers across all levels of education. With advanced training in your chosen field, you become qualified for greater responsibilities and higher-level roles.
Here are some excellent career paths to consider with an Education Specialist degree:
- Principal – Manage daily operations and leadership of a school
- Superintendent – Oversee district-level strategy and multiple schools
- Curriculum Coordinator – Develop curriculum and assessment strategies district/state-wide
- Instructional Coach – Provide specialized training and mentoring to improve teaching
- Special Education Director – Lead special education programs, staff and compliance
- School Counselor – Address student mental health, career, and academic needs
- Educational Consultant – Advise schools, districts, and education organizations
- Dean – Lead an academic area like the college of education in a university
- Professor – Teach graduate-level courses in areas like curriculum, instruction, and leadership
And many other leadership and upper management roles in K-12 schools, districts, higher education, education non-profits, and government education departments.
Is an Education Specialist Degree Worth It?
Given the significant investment of time and money, is pursuing an EdS degree worthwhile? For ambitious education professionals, the answer is typically yes. Let’s explore some of the key benefits this degree offers:
Career Advancement and Leadership Roles
The EdS opens doors to leadership positions and specialized roles like principal, superintendent, director of curriculum etc. These roles often require an advanced degree along with experience. With an EdS, you gain the qualifications to advance.
Increased Salary Potential
Higher degrees equal higher pay. Professionals with an EdS degree typically earn 15-30% more than those with a master’s. With greater expertise, you become eligible for senior-level positions with salary bumps.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge
An EdS allows you to deeply immerse in your field of interest through rigorous coursework. You build cutting-edge skills and expertise to excel and innovate in your role.
Sense of Achievement
Earning an advanced graduate degree brings immense professional and personal satisfaction. You feel empowered as an expert in your education field.
Expanded Network and Opportunities
In your EdS program, you gain access to a network of faculty, peers and alumni who can provide mentorship, collaboration and new career opportunities.
Key Tips for Pursuing Your EdS Degree
If you’ve decided to take the leap and enroll in an Education Specialist program, here are some tips to make the most of it:
-
Choose the right specialization – Select an area that matches your experience, interests and career goals. This is your chance to become an expert!
-
Look for practical applied learning – Prioritize programs that offer internships, action research, and real-world projects. This builds tangible skills.
-
Learn from faculty who are practitioners – Seek out professors with K-12/higher ed leadership experience. They provide insider perspective.
-
Leverage your network – Connect with classmates and professors for collaborations, mentoring and career help.
-
Schedule wisely – Balance your courses and workload with your professional and personal life. Pace yourself.
-
Soak up new knowledge – Go above and beyond readings and assignments. Read widely in your field and attend conferences.
-
Save and plan finances – Between tuition and time off work, an EdS requires financial planning. Apply for scholarships.
-
Use career services – Take advantage of campus career counseling and workshops to position yourself for jobs.
With commitment, planning and perseverance, your EdS degree can take your education career to new heights!
Education Specialist (EdS) Degree FAQs
What is the difference between an EdS and a master’s degree?
The EdS degree requires 30-60 credits beyond a master’s, providing advanced specialized training, while master’s degrees typically involve 30-36 credits of initial graduate coursework.
How long does it take to get an EdS degree?
Most EdS programs take 2-3 years to complete part-time while working. Accelerated programs may allow completion in 1.5 years. The credit and timeline varies by school and specialization.
Is the EdS degree worth it?
Yes, for educators who want to specialize, move into leadership roles, qualify for promotions and higher pay. It provides advanced expertise without a lengthy PhD.
What jobs can you get with an EdS degree?
Those with an EdS often become principals, superintendents, curriculum directors, instructional coaches, special education coordinators, deans, school counselors, district administrators and more.
What is the salary increase with an EdS?
On average, professionals with an EdS degree earn 15-30% higher salaries than those with a master’s degree alone. Increased pay depends on your role and experience.
Can you get a doctorate after an EdS?
Yes, many educators start with an E
What Courses Do Students Take in a Doctor of Education Program?
While each college or university differs, most Doctorate of Education Ed.D. programs consist of sixty to sixty-five post-masters credit hours incorporating educational leadership, research and analysis, international education, and dissertations.
Additionally, the curriculum can also vary depending on the concentration. At University of Bridgeport, some of the Ed.D. courses required for students in our Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership program include:
- Introduction to Education Leadership
- Curricula Theory
- Grant Writing
- Constitutional Law
- Literature Review
- International Education Concepts and Theories
- Dissertation Proposals
How Long Does It Take to Complete a Doctor of Education Degree?
Designed for the working educational professional, Doctorates of Education are full doctoral and terminal degrees and often require a substantial amount of time and dedication to complete.
These programs typically last at least two and a half years, if not more, depending on whether a student is enrolled full- or part-time.
Our full-time students fast-track their career advancement by completing their sixty-two credits in as little as three years in our online, hybrid program. Students complete all of their courses online except for two one-week doctoral residencies that will be done in person during the first two summers in the program.
The first two years will focus on collaborating and communicating with fellow students and faculty through online discussion boards and collaborative assignments. Then, our students dedicate their third year to writing and defending their dissertations.
