If you are ready to take your career to the top, but don’t have the time to do a doctorate degree, you will want to pursue an online Education Specialist Degree Program (EdS). These online educational specialist programs are for individuals who already have what it takes to lead the charge, but need extra courses and a certification to take the wheel. You will learn how to:
- engage with the district and the community
- lead a school
- advocate for individuals
Today’s schools call for leaders who are compassionate, ethical, and versatile. The curriculum of an education specialist EdS is designed to prepare individuals to be that type of leader. A number of programs recognize that there many ways to lead and many different populations in education looking for a high-quality leader. These school offers options- where that be in K-12 education, special education or as a superintendent.
We understand that as a working professional time is valuable, and money may be tight. That’s why we highlighted educational specialist programs that are accelerated, affordable, and high quality. To top it all off, we realized that this is not the type of job where you want to jump in without getting your feet wet first. We believe the best online EdS degree programs also include some form of internship or practical application. Those are just a few of the key elements that made up what we believe to be the top 20 best online EdS programs.
Steps to Becoming a Principal
Earn A Bachelor’s Degree in Education
A bachelor’s degree in education offers introductory course work in the field of education. It provides individuals with the field experience necessary to move on to the next step.
The next step is obtaining an initial teacher certification. Upon completion of your course material, you will begin student teaching. Once you have successfully completed your student teaching experience, head to your state’s department of education site to fill out the appropriate forms, obtain a background check and apply for your teacher licensure.
Begin teaching! Take a few years to live in the shoes of a teacher. You’ll learn crucial organizational skills and how the “guts” of the organization works. Your knowledge of a school’s innerworkings, and your empathy towards teachers will help you become not only a powerful leader, but a much more likely candidate for the job as principal.
After a few years on the job, and maybe experimenting with different grades, head back for a master’s degree. You can find a number of online programs in Instructional Leadership. A Master’s degree with years of experience are typically the baseline requirements for a position as a principal. Here you will learn how to research, budget for your school, effectively lead a team, and much. We recommend taking a look at a wide range of programs to ensure you have found programming to match your career needs.
While doing all of this, make sure your face it recognized in the community. Really, your reputation helps you to become a much more likely candidate than someone who is “coming in cold.” So, involve yourself with educational advocacy, volunteer with a nonprofit organization, and keep showing up to events to show your community that you care. A trusted school leaders understands the community’s needs first and foremost.
Plan your work and work your plan. If you’re not yet ready to lead a school, come up with an individualized plan that will set you up for success in your career. Could you take a different administrative role? Would you like to get your feet wet as an assistant principal? You don’t want to waste your talents and time at this stage so choose a job where you will further your knowledge of the job. If you feel confident that there’s no further in between step, apply to your dream job as a principal!
Steps to Becoming a Superintendent
- Learn your State’s Requirements.
- Become a Certified Principal
- Spend a few years working as a Principal
- Obtain and Educational Specialist Degree in Superintendency
- Sit for the Superintendency Exam
What is an Education Specialist Degree (EdS)?
An Education Specialist Degree Program (EdS) is a post-master’s degree that typically requires about 30 credit hours after your Master’s degree for completion. The programs are often very specific and match the board certification requirements for a career as a superintendent. An online education specialist is a great option for any individual who is looking to become a superintendent but simply does not have the time resource to spend on a Doctorate of Education (EdD). The EdD by comparison may take around 3 or 4 additional years to complete while education specialist programs may be completed part-time while working as a principal or full time in 18 months to 2 years. As you can see, online EdS programs provide students with a quicker route towards a career as a superintendent.
At What Stage in My Career Should I Pursue an Education Specialist Degree?
While in many respects, the answer to this question is highly subjective, we came to the conclusion that one should complete an education specialist EdS degree as soon as possible. Education specialist programs can both give you a pay boost as a principal and prepare you for a career as a superintendent. We like the principle to strike while the iron is hot (and before you’re too burned out to take on another degree and life as a professional). Pay attention to your state recommendations for certification. The only true non-subjective contributing factor to this is whether or not a time lapse between when you complete your EdS and sit for the exam is a determining factor of whether or not you can actually sit for the exam. Always check ahead as these types of variables differ state to state.
1.) University of Michigan Flint – Flint, Michigan
Affordability: $12,227/year in-state $18,293/year out-of-state
University of Michigan Flint is a public university located in Flint, Michigan. There are 6,418 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits the University of Michigan to award comprehensive degrees and professional certificates. Their student support services include:
- counseling services
- information technology services
- advising and retention
- career development
The University of Michigan offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate programs.
The University of Michigan Flint offers an online education specialist degree program. The flexible online part-time format can accommodate the needs of professionals with busy schedules. Field-based learning opportunities provide students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a K-12 or postsecondary environment. Students can complete their degree in just 20 months.
Students complete a variety of courses covering areas like:
- Contemporary Leadership Issues in Education
- Advanced Supervision and Human Resource Management
- Survey of School Reform and Community Partnerships
Graduates are well prepared for career paths such as:
- Postsecondary Education Administrator
- School Superintendent
- K-12 Teacher
2.) University of Arkansas – Fayetteville, Arkansas
Affordability: $7.875/year in-state and $21,420/year out-of-state
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. There are 29,068 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits U of A to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The student support services include:
- remedial help
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- employment for students
- military support
When it comes to academics U of A offers a wide range of degrees from public administration to educational psychology to anthropology. There are currently nearly 40 online degrees and certifications available.
The University of Arkansas offer an online Education Specialist Program in Educational Leadership. This program made it to our list for the outstanding academic excellence and affordable tuition. Most students are able to complete this 30-credit hour program in as little as 2 years. You will study areas like:
- finance
- school business and management
- community relations
- governance
- legal issues
Students also complete an internship. For a fast and affordable route towards a career as a leader in education, U of A is a fantastic choice.
3.) University of Kentucky – Lexington, Kentucky
Affordability: $12,311/year in-state and $32,185/year out-of-state
The University of Kentucky (UK) is a public research university located in Lexington, Kentucky. There are 30,390 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UK to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including:
- tutoring
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- credit for life experiences
When it comes to academics UK offers programming that ranges from acting to zoology. There are hundreds of degrees in all areas of interest. Some of their most robust schools are in the performing Arts, health, education, and foreign languages. There are currently 9 online degrees and professional certifications available.
UK offers an Education Specialist (EdS) in Principal Preparation. We selected this program for the stellar academic programming and affordable tuition rate. Students can complete the program in just 5 semesters. The EdS provides you with the requirements to meet the Level I and Level II principal certification requirements. UK uses competency-based learning and allows student to complete the first 12 credit hours asynchronously. The remaining 18 credit hours are completed live. There are dozens of electives from which to choose so that you can tailor your degree to match your interests and desired career focus.
4.) Arkansas State University – Jonesboro, Arkansas
Affordability: $4,986/year in-state and $9,972/year out-of-state
Arkansas State University (AState) is a public 4-year institution located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. There are 12,863 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits AState to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. Their student support services include:
- remedial help
- career and academic counseling
- placement aid for graduates
- on-campus day care
- employment services for students
- military support
When it comes to academics, AState offers an impressive range of degrees in areas like liberal arts and sciences. There are currently 20 online degrees and professional certifications available.
Arkansas State offer an online EdS in Superintendency. We selected this Education Specialist program because it’s accelerated, affordable, and ranked highly. The program itself requires just 18 months to complete. Students study areas like:
- school business management
- school district administration
- personnel administration
- curriculum theory and practice
- Schooling in a Pluralistic Society
We think this is EdS is a great fit for anyone seeking to become a superintendent who can truly handles 21st century challenges.
5.) Bowling Green State University – Bowling Green, Ohio
Affordability: $8,017/year in-state and $14,009/year out-of-state
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is a public research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio. There are 17,645 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits BGSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Their student support services include:
- remedial help
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- employment for students
- credit for life experiences
Bowling Green’s academic offerings are impressive. In fact, the university offers programming in areas like liberal arts and foreign language. There appears to be something for all interests at BGSU. They are currently offering nearly 20 online degrees.
BGSU awards an Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership. We like this program for the academic quality and affordable tuition rates. This is a good fit for individuals who already hold a master’s degree. The program requires 30 semester hours for completion. Required courses include:
- Fiscal Management and Resource Allocation
- School Culture, Instructional Program, and Professional Staff Development
- Information Management, Evaluation and Student Personnel Service
To become licensed, students must complete a comprehensive exam, district level internship and the OAE initial administrative licensure examination.
6.) University of Mississippi – University, Mississippi
Affordability: $8,938/year in-state and $25,782/year out-of-state
The University of Mississippi is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. There are 21,203 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UM to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Their student support services include:
- remedial help
- academic and career counseling
- military service
- employment for their students
When it comes to academic offerings, Ole Miss offers everything from anatomy to art history. There are currently 16 online degrees available.
Ole Miss offers an online Education Specialist Program in K-12 Leadership. We selected this online program for the high quality of the academic programming, and affordable rates. Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college and a class AA teaching license. This program is accelerated and may be completed in as little as 14 months. Students will study areas like:
- core value of leadership
- equity and cultural leadership
- instructional leadership
- building level human resource leadership
- data-informed leadership
- ethics
All participants will be involved in a community and external leadership program.
7.) University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri
Affordability: $9,950/year in-state and $27,245/year out-of-state
The University of Missouri is a public 4-year university located in Columbia, Missouri. There are 31,401 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Missouri to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The student support services include:
- academic and career counseling
- tutoring
- employment services
Their academic offerings are robust including a wide array of programs from music management to medicine. There are currently 40 online degrees and professional certifications available.
The University of Missouri offers a PK-12 Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. This online program made it to our list for the high quality of the academic programming and affordable prices. The EdS requires between 31 and 37 credit hours for completion. This is a 2-year program where the majority of classes are taught in the first year and the second year consists of two internships. You will learn about:
- organization and leadership
- structures and processes for effective schools
- advanced leadership for learning environments
- education politics and policy making
- leadership for data driven change
- instructional leadership
- fiscal and legal leadership
- ethics in education
If you see yourself as a strong leader principal or otherwise, this is a great fit.
8.) University of South Dakota – Vermillion, South Dakota
Affordability: $6,123/year in-state and $11,773/year out-of-state
The University of South Dakota is a public 4-year institution located in Vermillion, South Dakota. There are 9,464 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits USD to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The university offers tutoring, and academic counseling among their student support services. The university offers a wide array of academic programs including Native American studies and Drama. There are currently 17 fully online degrees and certifications.
USD offers several different education specialist degrees online including:
- Pre-K through 12 Principal
- School District Superintendent
- Director of Special Education
- Curriculum Director
We selected this education specialist program for the high quality of their online learning programs. USD provides:
- small classes
- flexible scheduling
- a great curriculum
Each program is two years and requires about 32 credit hours to complete.
9.) University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, Missouri
Affordability: $7,836/year in-state and $15,672/year out-of-state
The University of Central Missouri is a public 4-year university located in Warrensburg, Missouri. There are 10,530 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including:
- tutoring
- military support
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- credit for life experience
When it comes to academics, the university offers a very solid mix of programs in fields like agriculture and education. There are currently 21 degrees and professional certifications available online.
The University of Central Missouri offers an online Education Specialist degree program with a focus on Superintendency. If you have what it takes to lead your school district and are ready to move into a position of leadership, definitely check this program out. Students must complete 32 credit hours of coursework. They can develop their leadership skills through a curriculum focused on:
- the fiscal responsibility of leadership
- how to lead teams
- leadership and the law
Students culminate their experience with an internship. Not sure if you want to be a superintendent? Not a problem. This online course allows a ton of wiggle room- you can focus on their:
- elementary school principal program
- secondary principle
- special education director program
There’s even an option to complete an MSE.
10.) University of Nebraska Kearney – Kearney, Nebraska
Affordability: $6,216/year in-state and $13,656/year out-of-state
The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public 4-year institution located in Kearney, Nebraska. There are 6,275 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UNK to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. The student support services include academic and career counseling as well as placement aid for graduates. When it comes to academics UNK a wide array of career-ready degrees in fields like social work and business administration. The university offers 23 online degrees.
UNK offers an online Education Specialist degree for individual looking to become a superintendent. Depending on your past degrees, you will either be required to complete 33 or 69 credit hours. Those who already have a master’s degree complete 33-credit hours which includes online courses in:
- administrative theory
- educational administration
- school law
- school and community relations
Education specialist students also complete a field study and an internship.
11.) University of the Cumberlands – Williamsburg, Kentucky
Affordability: $4,282/year
University of the Cumberlands is a private 4-year institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. There are 19,272 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits University of the Cumberlands to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. Their academic offerings include programming in biology and business. Their largest department is their education department which offers nearly 20 different focus areas. Currently, there are 50 online degrees and professional certifications available.
UC Cumberlands offers one of the cheapest EdS degree online programs in our ranking. Their online Education Specialist program that may be completed in as little as 16 months. Though students may take this program at a pace that is right for them. The program prepares students for jobs as a superintendent of educational supervisor. Course offerings include:
- Administration Strategies for School Improvement
- The Politics of Education
- School Law
- Leadership
- Advocacy
- Accountability in School Counseling
- Diagnosis of Abnormal Behavior
12.) Wayne State College – Wayne, Nebraska
Affordability: $4,185/year in-state and $8,370/year out-of-state
Wayne State College (WSC) is a public 4-year institution located in Wayne, Nebraska. There are 4,580 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WSC to award bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. Their student support services include:
- military-friendly support
- tutoring
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- employment services for students
By far their most robust programming is in education. Though students may pursue degrees from the fields like business and communication. WSC currently offers 10 online degrees and professional certifications.
WSC offers an online Education Specialist degree with a focus on School Administration. We selected this online program because it is fast and affordable- requiring just 30 credit hours to complete. The program includes the following 10 courses and an interview:
- The Superintendency
- School Law for Administrators
- Problem Resolution in Educational Organization
- School Improvement Planning
- Educational Facility Planning
- Human Resources Administration
- Educational Finance and Business Management
- School and Community Relations
- Information Management
- Advanced Internship in Educational Leadership
Halfway through this program, you will be interviewed by your supervisor. For a fast and affordable education specialist degree, definitely check out this program.
13.) Liberty University – Lynchburg, Virginia
Affordability: $7,847/year
Liberty University is a private Evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are 94,709 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. The student support services include:
- remedial help
- academic counseling
- career counseling
- military support
- credit for life experiences
When it comes to academics, Liberty offers a huge number of programs for individuals interested in areas like Performing Arts and Education. There are hundreds of online degrees offered through Liberty.
Liberty University offers and online Education Specialist (EdS) program. We selected this online degree because it is fast, and high value. The EdS may be completed in as little as 18 months and requires just 30 credit hours for completion. Though one of our more expensive programs, the cost is relatively low for a private school education. This program provides you with a wide range of career opportunities including a career as a:
- curriculum specialist
- instructional supervisor
- school administrator
- teacher
- college administrator
14.) Delta State University – Cleveland, Ohio
Affordability: $8,190/year
Delta State University is a public 4-year institution located in Cleveland, Mississippi. There are 2,727 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Delta State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. Their student support services include:
- tutoring
- academic and career counseling
- employment for students
- placement aid for graduates
The focus of their academic offerings appears to be high needs fields like education and health, though students are able to find liberal arts degrees, degrees in the sciences, and even the visual and performing arts. The university currently offers 14 online degrees and professional certifications.
Delta State offers an online Education Specialist (EdS) program in Educational Administration and Supervision. We selected this program because it is fast and affordable. This online educational specialist degree is just 33 credit hours in length or 11 courses. The majority of programming focuses on educational administration and supervision, as well as curriculum development, and superintendency.
15.) University of Northern Colorado – Greeley, Colorado
Affordability: $11,192/year in-state and $20,205/year out-of-state
The University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) is a public research university located in Greeley, Colorado. There are 10,348 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UNCO to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. The university supports its students with:
- remedial help
- academic and career counseling
- employment for students
- placement aid for graduates
When it comes to academics, UNCO offers a broad range of degrees in fields like sociology and education. There are currently 18 online degrees and professional certifications available.
UNCO offers both an education specialist program in special education as well as MA with a dual licensure as a principal and special education director. The latter is a good fit for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree. We selected this online program for the flexibility, high quality of academic offerings, and affordable tuition. Some of the core courses include:
- programming in principalship
- program planning and organization
- policy budget and resource development
- applied research
- contemporary educational issues
- parent/ community engagement
16.) Northwest Nazarene University – Nampa, Idaho
Affordability: $10,764/year
Northwest Nazarene University is a private university located in Nampa, Idaho. There are 2,044 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits NNU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. There are a wide range of student support services including:
- remedial tutoring
- academic and career counseling
- credit for life experiences
Their academic offerings include programming in:
- education
- liberal arts
- business
There are currently 20 degrees and professional certifications available online.
NNU offers an education specialist degree in Educational Leadership. We selected this program for the affordable cost of tuition. You will study areas like:
- conceptual statistics and application for educators
- special education law for administrators
- data driven decision making
- labor relations in schools
- school facilities
- advanced school finance
- public relations and marketing for schools
- the superintendency
- special populations: issues and resources
Students take 33 credit hours of course work. The program requires students to complete a yearlong supervised internship to earn their online education specialist degree.
17.) East Carolina University – Greenville, North Carolina
Affordability: $4,749/year in-state and $17,898/year out-of-state
East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. There are 28,021 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits ECU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates.
To support student success, ECU provides:
- tutoring
- academic and career counseling
- employment for students
- placement aid for graduates
The university offers a vast number of programs including academic degrees in molecular biology and curriculum and instruction. There are over 50 online degrees and professional certifications available.
ECU offers an online Educational Leadership Specialist (EdS). We selected this program for the high quality of academics. Though one of our more expensive programs, we feel the quality of programming is where students find the value. This is post-master’s program that requires 38 semester hours for completion and costs $893 per semester hour. The program is divided into three main components:
- core
- internship
- concentration courses
Students can choose from two concentration areas including superintendent and dual language immersion administration. All students will study:
- Public School Administration
- Staff Personnel Problems
- an Introduction to Internal Evaluation in Education
- Theories of Educational Administration
- School and Community Cultures
- Directed Readings in Educational Leadership
There are two levels of the internship.
18.) University of West Alabama – Livingston, Alabama
Affordability: $6,678/year in-state and $13,356/year out-of-state
University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public 4-year university located in Livingston, Alabama. There are 5,594 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UWA to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. The university offers the full range of student support services from tutoring to credit for life experience. When it comes to academics, UWA focuses on a few high demand fields like education and business. There are nearly 30 online degrees and professional certifications.
UWA offers an online Education Specialist degree for individuals looking to become either a principal or an administrator. We selected this program for the high quality of academic programming and for the affordable tuition rates. The 30-credit hour program is divided into two main component parts: professional courses, and instructional support areas. The professional courses are in areas like:
- curriculum design
- advanced educational research
- challenges in rural education
- teaching English language learners
- educational assessment
- school reform models in elementary schools
19.) Indiana University – Bloomington, Indiana
Affordability: $9,909/year in-state and $31,932/year out-of-state
Indiana University is a public university in Bloomington, Indiana. There are 45,328 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Indiana University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. To support student success, Indiana University offers:
- Graduate and international student advising
- Career Advising
- Tutoring
- Writing tutorial services
When it comes to academics, Indiana University has over 100 research centers and institutes. They also have over 20 living learning centers and thematic communities.
Indiana University offers an online Education Specialist (EdS) degree. This online program is a good fit for education professionals who want to advance their career by moving into a leadership role. Programs requirements include both building-level administrator requirements and district-level administrator requirements. Graduates are prepared for a variety of roles including:
- Principal
- Department Chair
- Director of Student Services
20.) Northcentral University – San Diego, California
Affordability: $15,881/year
Northcentral University is a private distance learning university headquartered in San Diego, California. There are 12,648 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 1:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Northcentral University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, and credit for life experiences. NCU offers online degrees in the areas like psychology and business.
Northcentral University offers an Education Specialist degree program. We selected this degree for the affordable tuition rate and high number of specialists available. On average, online students complete this 33-credit hour program in 18 months. For a fast and affordable program that is highly flexible, this one is hard to beat.
Graduates are prepared for a variety of career opportunities as:
- Postsecondary Education Administrators
- Elementary and Secondary School Education Administrators
- Training and Development Specialists
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