Leadership, Ed.S.

Program Description

The Education Specialist degree is a practitioner’s degree at the post-master’s level for those who seek advanced credentials but not a full doctoral degree with a dissertation requirement. The objective of the degree is to develop skills and competencies that will make the student a more effective leader. The Ed.S. in Leadership is designed for individuals with a master’s degree who wish to advance their leadership practice in their chosen discipline.

Program Outcomes

1. Collaborate in communities of learning while building partnerships with states, school districts, or other organizations. (AO2)
2. Contribute to solutions for complex problems of practice with actions based upon theory, standards, and frameworks. (AO1)
3. Demonstrate evidence-based decision-making while applying principles of leadership in professional contexts. (AO3)
4. Develop and implement personal and organization-level knowledge and skills including technology. (AO4)
5. Use critical and creative thinking to demonstrate mastery of leadership models and strategies. (AO2)
6. Develop and implement innovative leadership strategies that enhance educational organizations, drive systemic improvement, and address real-world challenges in learning environments. (AO4)
7. Demonstrate growth as a professional and leader in leadership by implementing research-based strategies, influencing policy and practice, and fostering innovation in educational and organizational settings. (AO5)
8. Apply, analyze, and promote best practices in leadership. (AO5)
9. Demonstrate competence in the application of multiple research methods. (AO1)

Mission Statement

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Leadership prepares graduate students to contribute to their professional communities as leaders who address real-world problems through evidence-based decision- making. Students engage with other professionals in their specific fields, including partners ranging from school districts and state government to businesses and nonprofits, to apply skills and knowledge to complex problems of practice. In addition to highly interactive, project-based coursework, students will pursue original research in leadership culminating with a capstone project.