Specialist in General Educational Administration
EdS
Educational specialist degree at CMU
If you're looking to become a school or district-level administrator, have worked in an educational setting for at least 3 years and hold a master’s degree, our ed specialist degree in educational administration can help you take the next step in your career.
Personalize your education specialist degree to your career goals with one of two concentrations:
- Instructional Leadership (Elementary and Secondary certification).
- Administrative Leadership concentration (Central Office certification).
If you're planning on pursuing a doctorate degree in education, you can also choose a thesis option. You'll graduate ready to take the next step in your career, and more importantly, ready to inspire change in your organization.
AT A GLANCE
Why our educational specialist degree?
Our ed specialist degree program will extend your academic foundation, skills and abilities while building your leadership capacity in a variety of educational settings. You'll work with experienced faculty and practicing leaders to help you transform your organization.
Our educational specialist degree is aimed at professional educators seeking to become school or district administrators (certification option) or those looking to enhance their preparation for a doctorate degree in education (thesis option). You'll collaborate with an adviser to tailor a course schedule based on your areas of interest. Classes include:
- Organizational change in educational institutions
- Instructional supervision and leadership
- Educational policy analysis
- Action research
Classes are fully online and taught in the evenings and Saturday mornings to accommodate professional schedules, allowing you to continue your career while preparing for your next steps. You'll graduate prepared to pass either the Michigan Administrator Certification Assessment at either the building or district level.
Central Michigan University is Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation CAEP accredited.
What to expect in our ed specialist degree
As a student in our educational specialist program, you'll join one of the country's top-ranked providers of online learning.
- Earn your degree from a leading institution: We confer 700 master's degrees in teaching every year, more than any other college in Michigan.
- Balance work and education: Advance your career without leaving your job. Our online program allows you to take classes from anywhere.
- Gain real-world experience: Complete an internship while working under the direct supervision of an executive educational leader.
- Collaborate with experienced professionals: Engage with dedicated faculty who are invested in your success and growth in the field.
- Expand your professional network: Connect with fellow educators and industry leaders, opening doors for future opportunities.
Concentrations
Administrative Leadership K-12
Instructional Leadership K-12
Careers for an educational specialist
Step into a leadership role with your Ed.S. in general educational administration. This educational specialist degree prepares you for key positions like principal, district administrator, or educational consultant, empowering you to drive impactful change in schools and districts.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Elementary & Secondary School Administrator | $63,712 |
| School Principal | $103,460 |
| Superintendent (Education) | $103,840 |
Support for Education and Human Services students
Explore our scholarships, including the College of Education and Human Services General Scholarship and others. These opportunities are designed to help you cover costs so you can focus on what matters most: your studies.
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