October 16, 2021

EdS Degree (Meaning, Benefits, Degrees, Duration)5 min read

If you want to expand your profession, learn new skills, and earn more money as an educator, various degree options are available to you. One is an EdS degree, an acronym meaning “Educational Specialist Degree”. This can also be written as “Specialist in Education” (S.Ed.).

Table of Contents

What is an EdS degree?

Technically, the educational specialist degree is a postgraduate degree that is more advanced than a master’s degree and doesn’t require much coursework like a PhD or an EdD.

For professionals who have already earned a master’s degree, an EdS degree is a great way to take those giant steps without spending much time or cost like most doctoral degrees.

They normally require 30-65 credit hours of coursework (depending on specialization and school) and can be finished in a year or two after completing your master’s degree.

An EdS degree is a specialist educational degree available in the United States (US). It is designed to provide theoretical knowledge in the educational field way above the master’s degree level.

There are various specializations in this field; they include training and development, school psychology, computing technology, special education, counselling education, adult education, and curriculum and instruction.

Degrees in Educational Specialist

Before deciding to get an EdS degree, you will need to decide on the specialization of the EdS degree you want to opt for.

This should align with the goals you set for your career, as degree programs could differ in respect to one’s career goals or opportunities.

This article discusses the top four EdS programs, and in no particular order, they include

Special education
Educational leadership and policymaking
School psychology
Curriculum and instruction

Curriculum and Instruction:

This field provides you with proficiency in developing curricula to help other teachers pass on knowledge more effectively.

Here, you will get to work on instructional and teaching materials and be given resources, educational objectives, and the most efficient methods for evaluating students. You will also develop all curriculum for each class.

Read this: Educational Directions (Everything you need to know)

Educational Leadership and Policy:

Educators who desire to become administrators or school principals, but not through a PhD, should opt-in for an EdS program in Educational Leadership and Policy.

EdS degree programs in educational leadership and policy are based on recent research and studies.

They are suitable for educators who wish to improve the quality of education and make a significant impact on their learning communities (both schools and the global educational system).

Special Education:

Here, there is preparation for leadership roles in institutions across the country as you will be assisting students with special needs.

School Psychology:

Acquiring an EdS degree in school psychology is fascinating as it allows you to practice psychology without earning a doctorate. An EdS program in school psychology enables you to gain skills and knowledge in the following:

Interpersonal relationships with colleagues, students and their parents.
Indirect and direct interventions, as well as psychological assessments.
Legal and ethical problems linked to school psychology.

Benefits of EdS Degree Programs

Education specialist degree programs are available in universities, online, and a combination of the two.

It is noteworthy that getting enrolled in an online EdS program is the only feasible way to bag a specialized post-master’s degree whilst juggling work with academics.

Online degree programs have an advantage over other degree programs due to their flexibility and convenience, which helps one cope with handling family, teaching duties, and graduate studies altogether.

Below are the benefits of EdS programs:

EdS programs help boost your credentials even without having earned a PhD:

An EdS degree opens up opportunities for an affordable and quicker way to get specialized in a field, improve your value and esteem as an educator, and become eligible to take up leadership positions.

Makes completing a PhD faster:

If you desire to acquire a doctorate in education, it’s a plus when you take up EdS programs as some of your credits could be transferrable to your doctoral program.

Switch up Areas/Fields of Specialization:

Some teachers may have an interest in areas of expertise other than their primary academic area.

For instance, you may possess years of experience as a high school teacher specializing in the subject area- mathematics, but then become seemingly intrigued by advancements in e-learning and educational technology.

An online EdS degree can help you focus on your profession and become an education technology leader.

However, career aspirations change as well. Thus, with ten years of teaching experience, one could become a principal, an assistant principal, or even a district administrator.

That is what an EdS degree does; it prepares you for anything.

Taking up programs in Educational Leadership and Administration can groom you to take up leadership roles in education.

Takes lesser time for Completion:

An EdS degree takes less time to complete as it has about one-half the credit units of the EdD. You could consider it a second master’s degree as it takes about 15 months or more to complete and doesn’t require a dissertation like other degrees.

An EDs degree opens up Job Opportunities:

Having an EdS degree gives you an edge over others as it grooms you for advancements in education. If you intend to be a classroom teacher, an EdS degree provides you with additional knowledge and extra tools to help your students excel.

If you are specialized in teaching fields such as English (as a second language), international education, sports management or special education, then get yourself ready should an opportunity arrive.

Moreover, if you have an EdS degree, you could work as a superintendent or a school principal. These jobs primarily concentrate on administration duties or probably coursework curriculum.

EdS Degree

Conclusion

You can influence educational districts or institutions if you earn an Educational Specialist degree.

As a strong agent of change, you’ll be able to lend your voice by addressing and solving issues; thereby, allowing for a more effective educational system and environment.

On the other hand, finding a specialized area as a teacher involves a lot. Commitment, preparation, and hard work are all needed. However, in growing in your career, you must make both short term and long term goals.

Once you figure it out, waste no time searching for a degree that will help you realize your goals. Thanks to the variety of programs available, it is sure you see at least one that meets your requirements.

Awesome one; I hope this article answered your question.

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