The College of Education and Human Sciences at Delta State offers an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Higher Education. Our 30 credit-hour, fully online program is focused on preparing individuals in post-secondary institutions for leadership in Higher Education. The Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education combines courses in two primary content areas, Curriculum and Leadership, to comprehensively prepare stronger instructors and leaders in higher educational settings.
This degree is an ideal choice for individuals currently employed in a postsecondary institution seeking to acquire or advance their careers as directors, coordinators, managers, or supervisors in higher education at various administrator or management levels.
Our faculty is dedicated to helping you reach your goals. They are highly qualified and have years of practical experience helping prepare educators for increased responsibility.
100
Online
30
Credit Hours
(10 Courses)
15
Month Program
Why Get a Higher Education Specialist’s Degree at DSU?
The content of the courses and related experiences will give candidates in higher education an in-depth perspective of curriculum and leadership from a holistic and reflective point of view. Online delivery affords you the flexibility needed for advancing your career without interrupting your current work duties and engages you in an online learning community that is rich in diverse teaching experiences.
Courses such as Introduction to Educational Leadership equips them with essential skills and knowledge for navigating administrative roles, while courses like Resource Management and Leadership for Continuous Improvement focus on practical strategies for optimizing institutional resources and fostering organizational growth. Through Practicum and Seminar in Educational Administration, students engage in hands-on learning experiences, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Applications accepted year-round
- Full-time and part-time options
- Flexibility to complete at your own pace
- Student advisement available online
- Fully-online program
- Begin classes any semester
- Complete program in 5 semesters
What Can I Do With an Educational Specialist’s Degree
in Higher Education?
Earning an Educational Specialist in Higher Education degree can open doors to many leadership opportunities. Expert educators ready for the increased responsibility of a leadership role will gain the tools they need to take the next step in their careers. Some areas in Higher Education that a graduate of this program may be able to enter include the following.
- Academic Advising
- Admissions
- Alumni Relations
- Campus Life and Safety
- Communication and Marketing
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Financial Aid
- Human Resources
- Instructor
- Intercollegiate Athletics
- Residence Life
- Student Affairs
- Student Success
- Student Support Services
”My purpose and enthusiasm for servicing students for the past 13 years in higher education has fueled my intent for leadership. By obtaining my Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education, I am confident that my contributions to colleges and universities will surpass expectations and produce future leaders who will carry on the torch of overall growth and professional advancement.
Tiffany Gaskin, Ed.S. in Higher Education graduateClass of 2023
Program Goals
The online Educational Specialist’s degree in Higher Education encompasses a diverse array of coursework and topics aimed at preparing professionals for leadership roles in educational settings. Students delve into foundational aspects such as Research for Educational Practitioners and Philosophy of Education, gaining a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of educational practice.
Additionally, the curriculum addresses specialized areas such as Adult Education and Supervision Roles in Instruction, providing insights into diverse learner populations and effective instructional supervision. Leadership for Curriculum and Development rounds out the program, emphasizing the importance of strategic curriculum planning and innovation in educational leadership contexts. Together, these courses offer a comprehensive foundation for aspiring educational leaders seeking to make meaningful contributions to the field.
Admission Requirements
- A Master’s degree from an accredited institution;
- A grade point average of 3.25 on coursework completed for the Master’s degree;
- Satisfactory score on one of the nationally recognized, standardized tests of verbal skills listed below:
-
- CORE Academic Skills for Educators: Writing (Test #5723) – minimum score of 162
- Praxis I Writing Test – minimum score of 174 on PPST or 320 on CBT
- National Teacher Examination (NTE) Communication Skills – minimum score of 653
- Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal Test – minimum score of 370 (Old Scale); 144 (New Scale)
- Three years of post-secondary-related work experience.
Curriculum
The Educational Specialist in Higher Education is a 30-hour program.
Higher Education
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| Core Education Courses | ||
| CUR 701 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| ELR 701 | Research for Educational Practitioners | 3 |
| Required Courses | ||
| CUR 703 | Dynamic Leadership for Curriculum and Assessment | 3 |
| CAD 770 | Introduction to Adult Education | 3 |
| SUP 731 | Supervision Roles in Instruction | 3 |
| AED 701 | Introduction to Educational Leadership | 3 |
| AED 704 | Resource Management | 3 |
| AED 721 | Leadership of Continuous Improvement | 3 |
| AED 736 | Practicum II in School Administration | 3 |
| AED 739 | Seminar in Educational Administration | 3 |
| TOTAL | 30 | |
Degree Requirements
A candidate for the Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education is required to meet the following:
- Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University.
- Complete a minimum of 30 semester hours of graduate work beyond the Master’s degree, consisting of 6 hours of core courses and 24 hours in major subject area. Courses at the 500-level are not acceptable on the Educational Specialist degree program.
- Maintain a grade point average of at least a 3.00 on all graduate work attempted toward the Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education. Candidates in the Educational Specialist degree must earn at least a 3.0 on all graduate work attempted by the end of the first 12 hours of coursework, then earn and maintain at least a 3.25 overall GPA in order to qualify for the comprehensive exam and graduation.
- Pass a comprehensive examination in higher education during or after the last term of course work.
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Graduate Academic Catalog.
Fees
Tuition at Delta State University covers the cost of classes.
Online courses are assessed a $5.00 per credit hour distance learning course fee.
Review the graduate academic catalog for other course related fees.
