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Hamline professor Simmon from the program Educational Specialist in front at Hamline building
EdS

EdS Educational Specialist

Online or Hybrid

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Hamline’s Educational Specialist degree

Lead your school to innovation and transformation. School districts are looking for leaders who will help their students succeed from day one. With Hamline’s Educational Specialist (EdS) degree, you will receive the preparation required to implement impactful change, build relationships, and become a culturally responsive and effective educator-leader.

What will it take?

11-12
courses
32
credits
Cost per Credit
571
Time to Complete
24
months
Next Session Starts
June 3, 2024

Educational Specialist program details

Important Dates
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Format
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Time to Complete
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Tracks and Courses
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Start dates and application deadlines

We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning that you can apply and start your Educational Specialist degree at three separate times throughout the year. We recommend applying at least six weeks before the term you want to start begins to ensure your spot.

How to apply

Fall 2023 term starts
Spring 2024 term starts
Summer 2024 term starts

Educational Specialist degree format

With our flexible format, you'll have the option of taking fully online or hybrid courses.

  • Online courses are synchronous and held in the evenings with varied start and end times, but generally 6–8 p.m.
  • Hybrid courses are online with one to three sessions in-person on Saturdays, 9 a.m.–3 or 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Time to complete your Ed Specialist program

You can complete your degree in two years (taking 6-8 credits per term).

Already have your administrative license?

If you already have an administrative license from Hamline, you can earn your Educational Specialist degree with just two more courses (six credits).

EdS degree options

Hamline offers two different pathways for educators holding a master's degree.

Ed Specialist - Administrative Licensure

If you are interested in pursuing administrative licensure in one of three areas—principal, superintendent, or director of special education—this advanced degree provides you with both administrative licensure preparation and the added credential of an EdS degree.

Courses (32 credits):

  • GED 8100: Leadership and Organizations (4 credits)
  • GED 8101: Human Relations in Organizations (2 credits)
  • GED 8125: School Finance (2 credits)
  • GED 8142: Education Law and Ethics (4 credits)
  • GED 8145: Introduction to Administrative Licensure (2 credits)
  • GED 8150: Initial Leadership Assessment (2 credits)
  • One course in licensure area (4 credits)
  • Field Experience I (2 credits)
  • Field Experience II (2 credits)
  • Field Experience III (2 credits)
  • GED 8600: Equitable Innovation and Transformation: Skills and Strategies for K-12 Educational Leaders (4 credits)
  • GED 8690: EdS Action Research Project (2 credits)

Explore EdS-Admin Lic Courses

Ed Specialist - Leadership for Equitable Innovation and Transformation

Are you a practicing educator with a master’s degree who wants to explore leadership in your own practice and organization, but doesn’t want to pursue the pathway of administrative licensure? This advanced degree is designed to provide you with leadership skills focused on equity and innovation.

Courses (32 credits):

  • GED 8021: Designing Effective Learning Environments (2 credits)
  • GED 8022: Action Research: Practice and Application (2 credits)
  • GED 8024: Educating for Equity and Social Justice (4 credits)
  • GED 8100: Leadership and Organizations (4 credits)
  • GED 8101: Human Relations in Organizations (2 credits)
  • GED 8142: Education Law and Ethics (4 credits)
  • GED 8200: Understanding Learning (2 credits)
  • GED 8210: Investigating Contemporary and Critical Issues in Education (2 credits)
  • GED 8220: Policy, Leadership, and Advocacy in Education (4 credits)
  • GED 8600: Equitable Innovation and Transformation: Skills and Strategies for K-12 Educational Leaders (4 credits)
  • GED 8690: EdS Action Research Project (2 credits)

Explore EdS-Leadership courses

How we help make your Ed Specialist degree affordable

Competitive tuition

When you invest in an Educational Specialist degree from Hamline, you benefit from a prestigious degree from Minnesota's first university. We work hard to ensure our tuition, accompanied by tuition discounts and other financial aid, is a worthwhile investment for all students.

Tuition

Financial aid

In addition to the tuition discounts listed below, additional financial aid is also available, and many graduate students use low-interest loans to finance their education.

  • Learning partnership discounts - 10% off tuition
  • Service scholarships - 10% off tuition
  • Alumni discounts - 10% off tuition

Scholarships

Financial aid

Already have your Administrative Licensure from Hamline? Get your Ed Specialist degree with just six credits.

Salary and career information

School districts have started to offer pay and leadership incentives to educators who earn an Educational Specialist (EdS) degree as an advanced degree on salary schedules.

With an EdS from Hamline, you’ll be ready to lead in positions such as:

  • Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
  • Instructional coach
  • Director
  • Program coordinator
  • Department chair
  • Principal
  • Superintendent
  • Director of special education

Educational Specialist frequently asked questions

  • What is an EdS degree?

    An EdS is a postgraduate degree unique to the field of education. For professionals who already have a master’s degree, an EdS is an effective way to reach the next level of professional advancement without having to complete a doctoral degree.

  • Is an EdS degree the same as a master’s degree?

    EdS is a postgraduate degree unique to the field of education. It is considered more advanced than a master’s degree but requires less coursework than a PhD or EdD.

  • What is the difference between an EdS and PhD or EdD?

    EdS is an advanced degree where students explore possible research fields; the EdD is a terminal degree in education with a focused research component and completed research study (dissertation). As such, the EdS requires less coursework and time than the EdD.

  • Is the EdS a stackable credential?

    Yes, you can get a master’s degree in education, literacy education, natural science and environmental education, teaching, or teaching English to speakers of other languages at Hamline, and then get advanced credentialing with either EdSp degree. Then, if you decide to pursue your EdD at Hamline, the EdS can be used to satisfy your elective requirements.

  • I want to pursue the administrative licensure pathway. What are the specific licensure requirements?

    Contact us at gradprog@hamline.edu, and we’ll be able to provide you with answers to all of your questions. You can also consult our administrative licensure page and frequently asked questions for more information.

Take your first step today