About Ed.S.
The fully-online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree is a post-master's program in which candidates attain a broad and systematic understanding of professional education, knowledge of a particular field of specialization, and an ability to apply theoretical concepts of education in an actual educational context.
This program is designed for the experienced practitioner who holds a master's degree and administrative certificate and wishes to complete the requirements for a superintendent's certificate from area states.
Program Requirements
Requirements for admission are usually met by those who hold a current administrative certificate. In special circumstances, individual plans of study can be formulated to complete all requirements for candidates who hold a master's degree and valid teaching certificate.
Application to the program should be completed online by October 1, April 15, or June 1 for the following semester.
Before beginning an application, please contact the department at 402.554.2721 or email edleadership@unomaha.edu for more details.
The 100% online Ed.S. degree is 69 hours, 30 which must be completed within 10 years, and 15 which must be completed after acceptance to the program. If a required course has been taken previously, an elective may be substituted. A tentative list of classes and calendar are part of our plan of study.
Should You Apply for Ed.D or Ed.S.?
Candidates in both degrees usually have a PK-12 school background. Valid administrative certification along with a master's degree is required.
Most Ed.D. candidates continue to work full time, take classes one night a week, and complete their degree in three to five years—and other certifications (i.e. Superintendent's Certificate), concentrations (i.e. school library leadership), or areas of emphasis (i.e. STEM) may be embedded within the program.
Ed.D. candidates choose that degree over an Ed.S. because they understand that a specialist degree is separate from a doctoral path, and not a stepping stone. They seek to be educational experts in their areas of emphasis and look to the blend of practitioner and research focus to reach their personal and professional goals.
Ed.S. candidates typically choose a specialist pathway rather than the Ed.D. because it is a shorter route to Superintendent Certification or because it includes a field project instead of dissertation.