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?
Educational Specialist program details
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.
Educational Specialist degree format
The EdS: Administrative License track can be completed through a combination of online and hybrid courses. Online courses have synchronous meeting times. Hybrid courses include online learning, with one to three in-person sessions. These in-person sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The EdS: Leadership track can be completed fully online.
See the Tracks and Courses tab for descriptions of these tracks.
Time to complete your Ed Specialist program
You can complete your degree in two years (taking 6 to 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). You will take the first course fall semester and the second course spring semester to complete the EdS in nine months.
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.
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.
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.
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 discounts - 10% off tuition
- Alumni discounts - 10% off tuition
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
EdS program news
