From education sectors to nursing and healthcare, specialized leadership is always needed to teach the next generation of professionals. An education specialist degree program, also known as an Ed.S., is a postgraduate degree that prepares individuals to specialize and advance their professional expertise.
The benefits of an Ed.S. are many, but most notably, graduates extend their knowledge and position themselves for higher, more advanced roles that often come with salary increases and the opportunity to make a greater impact.
What Is an Ed.S. Degree?
An Ed.S. program is ideal for individuals who aspire to specialize at a higher level without certain requirements found in doctor of education (Ed.D.) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. As an education program, it’s highly regarded in the K-12 sector in roles within educational administration. However, such expertise can also apply in other fields.
An Ed.S. is a great career advancement pathway because it’s positioned between a master’s and doctoral degree. It’s considered a practitioner’s degree because it focuses on practical knowledge and skills developed through theoretical frameworks and real-world concepts that are immediately applicable. This benefit – as well as affordable costs and flexible course delivery – is particularly found in the Ed.S. programs at American College of Education (ACE).
Purpose of an Ed.S. Degree Program
Doctoral degrees are often marked by the dissertation requirement involving extensive research. Ed.S. programs do not require a dissertation. The practical application of Ed.S. degree programs sets them apart because this type of learning includes specialized coursework empowered by the latest relevant practices and methodologies. Students participate in real-world activities and hands-on experiences that don’t come with research-based study. Graduates are uniquely equipped to take on specialized advanced roles. For example, in the field of education, Ed.S. graduates are prepared to be curriculum directors or educational consultants.
There are many specializations students can choose from. ACE offers options in varying fields including:
- Ed.S. in Curriculum and Instruction
- Ed.S. in Early Childhood Education
- Ed.S. in Instructional Technology
- Ed.S. in Leadership
- Ed.S. in Nursing Education
- Ed.S. in Public Health Education
- Ed.S. in Second Language Instruction
- Ed.S. in Special Education
Key Differences Between Ed.S., Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
To fully understand what an Ed.S. is about, it helps to make some comparisons.
| Master’s Degree | Ed.S. | Doctoral Degree |
| Broad and applicable skills like problem-solving and decision makingThesis development and/or competency examsCore coursework and specialized coursesOne to two years to complete | Specialized skills intended to support specific career paths and rolesNo thesis or dissertation but sometimes an internshipSpecialized coursework based on degree typeEighteen months to two years to complete | Professional leadership skills through applied researchDissertation requiredTheoretical frameworks that are applicable to dissertation researchThree or more years to complete |
Career Opportunities With an Ed.S. Degree
Since Ed.S. degrees are education programs, they mostly benefit educators seeking educational leadership roles like administration, school district oversight, educational technology and advanced teaching. Ed.S. programs that specialize in other areas like leadership, nursing education or public health education still fall under the education umbrella, but they don’t necessarily result in careers within the K-12 sector. Let’s talk through a few of the most common roles with an Ed.S.
- Education consultant ($110,701 median annual salary): offers guidance to educational entities and organizations to improve academic achievement.
- School psychologist ($98,896 median annual salary): supports student learning abilities through avenues including mental health, social health, behavioral health, academic success and more. Note: This role often requires specialized certification.
- School superintendent ($180,560 median annual salary): oversees entire school districts and implements policies that benefit students and staff. Note: This role sometimes requires specialized certification.
Ed.S. Degree Requirements
While admission requirements for an Ed.S. program vary between institutions, most prefer a master’s degree in education or a related field, but others are sometimes accepted. Additionally, applicants should have teaching or educational leadership experience and letters of recommendation. Some programs require personal statements, standardized test scores or interviews.
Benefits of Earning an Ed.S. Degree
An Ed.S. comes with worthwhile benefits that support career growth. These include career advancement, salary increase potential and professional impact.
- Career advancement: Specialized coursework equips and qualifies graduates for niche roles.
- Salary increase potential: More education, especially at a postgraduate level, results in higher roles and higher pay.
- Professional impact: Practical application gained from hands-on learning allows graduates to have skills that are relevant and immediately applicable.
Is an Ed.S. Degree Right for You?
To decide whether an Ed.S. is for you, you’ll first want to think about your career goals and aspirations in education. Do educational leadership and administration roles sound exciting to you? Additionally, you’ll want to consider if you prefer the practical expertise gained through an Ed.S. versus research found in a doctoral degree. It also helps to consider the specific roles or educational impact areas you’re interested in. Do you need to specialize in a particular area to get to the role of your dreams?
Ed.S. FAQs
What’s the difference between an Ed.S. and an Ed.D. degree?
An Ed.S. is a specialized practitioner degree that equips students with highly focused skillsets whereas an Ed.D. is a doctoral degree focused on research-based applications accomplished through a dissertation.
How long does it take to earn an Ed.S. degree?
An Ed.S. takes one to two years. This often depends on course delivery, online or in person, as well as the length of courses. For example, ACE courses are five or ten weeks long.
Can I pursue an Ed.S. degree online?
Absolutely! Online Ed.S. degree programs allow students to have more flexibility and autonomy with their learning. All ACE courses are fully online.
Can I pursue a doctoral degree after completing an Ed.S. program?
Yes! An Ed.S. and doctoral degree are not one in the same, and oftentimes you can apply your Ed.S. credits to a doctoral degree program like at ACE.
If you think an Ed.S. is the right pathway for you, learn more about the Ed.S. programs at American College of Education.
