Specialist in Education in Educational Leadership
Specialist in Education (EDS)
What is the Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) program?
The Specialist in Education (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership prepares persons for leadership roles in educational administration positions. The Ed.S. is a terminal degree appropriate for students wishing to earn a post-master's, but not doctoral, degree.
The Specialist in Education program is designed for working professionals, with an eye toward developing leaders ready to serve within the accountability era facing educational institutions today. This educational leadership program prepares Western Michigan University graduates for current and future challenges and make them more competitive in the job market.
All classes are taught using an evening, weekend, or concentrated summer format (with a small, but growing number of Internet-based courses available).
Admissions and Program Requirements
Admission to this degree program is limited to those students who meet the requirements for administrator certification, and upon completion of an approved program of studies, will be eligible for endorsement as a central office administrator or superintendent of schools. These requirements include:
- An earned baccalaureate degree
- Satisfying all Department and Graduate College requirements for admission and graduation
- Completing the course work required by the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Leadership, and approved by the State of Michigan, for endorsement sought (Course work for the Ed.S. degree is to be approved by the student's supervisory committee)
- Successfully completing an oral examination in defense of the doctoral dissertation
- Successfully completing an oral examination in defense of the Specialist Project