Educational Specialist
It has never been a better time for an opportunity to dig deeper into an educational issue that appeals to you, and conduct practical-based application processes in order to help solve that issue. Take what you’ve learned as an educational leader and grow your knowledge in writing, presenting, and leading in providing a solution for that issue with an Educational Specialist degree at Stetson University.
Related program:
Educational Leadership
Modified Educational Leadership
Program Overview
An Educational Specialist degree is viewed as springboard from a master's degree into a doctorate. It looks at some of the topics from your master's degree, and expands upon them to help a candidate understand potential issues and challenges should you pursue a doctorate. Students completing this program will be prepared for the realities of becoming advanced leaders in their educational settings, producing high-impact educational research, and being prepared to pursue a doctorate.
Program of study:
- One year, 30 credit program
- 100% online
- Synchronous meetings on Mondays from 6 – 8 p.m.
- Students may transfer in up to 6 credits of Master’s-level coursework previously completed
- 40% off In-Service Scholarship (link) for teachers and administrators
Faculty
Our leading faculty members of the Department of Education are highly regarded among Stetson University students and graduates alike.
Our faculty are always willing to engage with prospective students who are interested in the program. You may request an appointment with a graduate faculty member and our Office of Graduate Admissions will help you confirm the appointment.
- Lou Sabina, PhD, University of Pittsburgh
- Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Debra Touchton, PhD, University of South Florida, MA
Career Significance
Students come out of this degree program completing what is equivalent to the first three chapters of a doctoral dissertation. They are guided and mentored through the entire IRB process and learn the different types of research, and conduct a study that is similar to what a doctoral dissertation would be like. They cannot use this for their doctoral dissertation, but they will go through the rigor and understand the research process by the time they complete the program.
This degree has the potential for students to publish papers. What the students complete in this program in terms of their final project can be published in double-blind, peer-reviewed journals. An Ed.S. is unique because students have an "advisor," but they also have a "faculty mentor" who helps them with the process and procedure. Our responsibility is to work with them and take their papers and turn them into something publishable OR even an invited/refereed book.
When a student finishes an EdS, they should be able to conduct the research process, including IRB's, methodology, and publication, on their own. This program gives them an introduction to that process.
Career Outlook
Use the Career Insight tool to see what opportunities look like for you.