Educational Specialist Degree Programs and Career Facts

<h3 id="section---WhatYouNeedToKnow">What You Need to Know</h3> <p>An Educational Specialist degree qualifies an individual to work as a practitioner in a variety of settings, including distance learning courses or professional development classes for working teachers. Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree programs are post-master's programs designed to specialize or advance your education career into administration, special education or counseling. Most Educational Specialist programs have online options; however, the program will likely conclude with an internship in an actual classroom setting. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> <b>Schools </b> </td><td> University of the Rockies, John Hopkins School of Education, Harvard University, Indiana University - Bloomington</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Career Outlook*</b> </td><td> Job outlook for an instructional coordinator is 7% from 2021-2031</td></tr> <tr><td> <b>Median Salary (2021)*</b> </td><td> $63,740 (<i>For all instructional coordinators</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---WhatSTheDifferenceBetweenEd.S.Ed.D.AndPh.D.Programs">What's the Difference between Ed.S., Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs?</h3> <p>Education Specialist, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education programs all require a master's degree in education prior to acceptance. Unlike the Ed.D. and Ph.D. programs, an Ed.S. degree is not part of a doctoral program. Ed.S. programs allow you to specialize your educational knowledge and skills in a specific aspect of academia. Courses from an Ed.S. program can also be applied toward a doctorate degree in some cases. Though you'll participate in internships and conduct research, these programs tend to emphasize professional development. </p> <p>Ed.D and Ph.D. programs place more emphasis on research, and doctoral candidates complete a dissertation based on original research. Doctoral programs usually require more time to complete and focus on preparing you for an academic career at the postgraduate level or high-level administration. Some Ed.D. and Ed.S. programs are offered online. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatWillILearn">What Will I Learn?</h3> <p>There are a variety of program topics available and your program focus will vary based on your interest. If you'd like to become an administrator or principal, consider an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership program that teaches you about school development, management and law. Alternately, if you are a teacher and want to remain in the classroom, you might want to consider programs in technology application or teacher leadership. Class topics and Ed.S. degree specializations may include the following: </p> <ul><li>Psychology </li><li>Special education </li><li>Counseling </li><li>Curriculum development </li><li>School administration </li><li>Leadership skills </li><li>Research in academic improvement </li><li>Integration of technology into curricula </li><li>Learning styles </li></ul><h3 id="section---WhatAreTheJobDutiesOfAnEducationalSpecialist">What Are The Job Duties Of An Educational Specialist?</h3> <p>Educational specialists work with teachers, school administrators and guidance counselors to develop curricula and assessments. They might also evaluate teachers to identify whether or not particular teaching methods are effective, and then recommend new or additional strategies to use. Educational specialists also help with implementing learning standards and providing professional development to school staff. </p> <h3 id="section---WhereCanIWork">Where Can I Work?</h3> <p>Career opportunities depend on your background and your Ed.S. program emphasis. You can work in elementary, middle or high school districts as a teacher, curriculum director, counselor or principal. You might be required to earn a different state license or take assessment examinations based on the profession you're interested in. State licensure requirements vary, and some mandate different licensing levels for teachers, advisers and administrators. With a master's degree, you could be qualified to teach in undergraduate programs at private or community colleges.</p>