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The degree of Specialist in Education, (Ed.S) the highest degree offered by the university, requires approximately two years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree and one year of advanced study beyond the master’s degree. A minimum of 30 graduate semester hours beyond the master’s degree is required, although frequently the specialist degree program may require additional hours.
The specialist degree is a professional degree for educators at elementary, secondary, vocational, and higher education levels. The degree is normally earned in the discipline in which the master’s degree has been awarded, but it may be earned in another major field if the student has adequate background and meets required admission standards.
The specialist degree program is especially designed to make effective use of students’ professional experience, which is required as part of the admission standards, as well as to utilize previous academic study. Specialized and advanced professional competence beyond the master’s degree is the main objective of study.
Graduate study at this level stresses research in all courses, including special research projects, seminars, practica, and internships, and the development of depth of knowledge of the work of scholars in the disciplines of study. Admission to the program is reviewed in relation to the level of university resources in the areas in which students wish to specialize, previous academic achievement and professional experience relevant to the specialization, and to the development of an effective program that will result in that specialization.
The Specialist in Education degree program is designed to be a terminal degree, independent of further graduate study. However, some students may wish to apply portions of the degree to cooperative or independent doctoral programs. Whether any part or all of the specialist program is acceptable towards a doctorate independently offered at another institution is solely within the jurisdiction of the institution offering the doctorate.
Specialist Degrees Offered
Specialist in Education
Community College and Higher Education
Counseling
General School Administration
School Psychology
Workforce Development & Education |
