Advanced Curriculum and Instruction Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.)
Program Description:
The Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program is designed to enhance individual capabilities for leadership in the roles of principals, curriculum directors, superintendents, supervisors, educators, and adult development personnel. Candidates may consider bundling the Principal, CIPD, Superintendent, and/or Teacher Leader Endorsement program courses with other appropriate courses toward earning the Ed.S. degree. Candidates considering this degree should consult with an advisor for guidance in developing an appropriate and acceptable program of study within the first term of their program.
The program emphasizes the achievement of competence in such areas as leadership, institutional change, decision-making, organizational structure and theory, and communication processes. Further, the program focuses upon the development of broad understandings and experiences across the professional field, the acquisition of in-depth knowledge in specific areas of educational leadership, the acquisition of concepts from related fields of knowledge, and planned field experiences that integrate the concepts, skills, and attitudes acquired from their formal coursework.
Candidates seeking an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in advanced curricular and instructional leadership studies must possess a master’s degree from a regionally accredited post-secondary institution and a cumulative grade point average of 3.3 or higher in master’s degree study. Acceptable GRE or MAT scores are another entry criterion (not subject to being waived). Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the candidate’s professional or academic work are required. Letters should be submitted to the Leadership Studies Department for program review.
An applied research thesis is a mandatory program exit requirement. Planning for the research project begins in the research courses and is implemented during the program courses and associated field-based activities. An oral defense of the research project’s findings is presented to a thesis committee.
Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development (CIPD)
Administrative Specialist License
The CIPD Licensure courses may be taken as part of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program or as a standalone licensure program. Candidates seeking an Administrative Specialist: Curriculum, Instruction and Professional Development (CIPD) license must have a current permanent certificate or professional license, a minimum of three years successful classroom teaching experience under a permanent certificate or professional license, and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership or an advised equivalent. Candidates with an expired professional license must complete the renewal requirements for their license prior to the granting of the CIPD license.
Upon successful completion of the CIPD licensure program of study and passing the appropriate licensure exam, the holder of a current professional teaching license who meets the above criteria is eligible for a Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development (CIPD) license. Please consult with a licensure advisor in the college’s Office of Student Services for current testing information.
Superintendent Concentration
Program Description:
The Superintendent Licensure courses may be taken as part of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program or as a standalone licensure program. Candidates seeking a Superintendent license must have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership or an advised equivalent, a current building-level Principal license, and at least three years experience as a building principal.
Upon successful completion of the Superintendent licensure program of study and passing the appropriate licensure exam, the holder of a current principal license who meets the criteria detailed in the previous paragraph is eligible for a Superintendent license. Please consult with a licensure advisor in the college’s Office of Student Services for current testing information.
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