Education Specialist (EdS)

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Education Specialist

Degree:

Education Specialist (EdS)

Application:

$0 application fee. No essays/exams.

The EdS program is designed specifically for professionals who desire continuing education in response to the national and international need for professionals trained to work in diverse organizational settings. This program is tailored for students who aspire to engage in advanced levels of professional practice while increasing leadership and scholarship skills to develop solutions and communicate ideas to diverse stakeholders. The EdS prepares students for making informed, ethical decisions and improvements to current educational, organizational, and societal issues.

Please be advised that this program is NOT accredited in Kentucky by the Education Professional Standards Board and is NOT recognized for initial, additional, or renewal of certification or salary enhancement (rank change) for P-12 educators in Kentucky. For more information, please visit the Education Professional Standards Board’s website at http://www.epsb.ky.gov/mod/page/view.php?id=12.

Become an Expert with an Elective

Our Education Specialist (EdS) program was designed to provide those who want to know more about a certain subject within education, but do not need a doctorate, the option of advancing their education. An EdS degree is more advanced than a master’s degree, but less time and resource-consuming than a doctorate degree. If you are looking for an education specialist program, NU’s online program gives you the opportunity to develop the same specialized knowledge that you would find in NU’s EdD program, but without the requirement to write a dissertation.

Degree Requirements

The EdS in Education requires two Foundations courses, six Specialization elective courses, two Research courses, and one Capstone course for a total of 33 credit hours.

Both The Education Specialist (EdS) and Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (EdS-EdL) requires all foundations courses and specialization or core courses be completed prior to students starting the capstone course

  • Credit Hours: 33
  • Courses: 11
  • Estimated Time to Complete: 18 months

Course Sequence

Course Requirements

11 Courses

3.0 Credit Hours

This foundational course will introduce you to the concepts and practices of advanced graduate study. You will examine concepts and expectations of advanced graduate study and academic integrity as well as investigate best practices of scholarship and research. You will explore university resources and supports associated with student success, including technologies for learning and research. You will also evaluate the program process and requirements for success. Finally, you will advocate for self-care and reflection during your studies.

3.0 Credit Hours

Academic writing is at the heart of scholarly writing. How you explore and navigate your topic of interest is both a personal and professional matter. In this course, you will integrate effective research and writing skills, and evaluate standards of academic writing, honesty, and integrity. Literature and writing are closely related, so this course also offers you a first chance to examine the elements of conceptual and theoretical frameworks and critique the role of supporting literature and inquiry with conceptual and theoretical frameworks. Finally, you will synthesize the frameworks commonly used in educational research.

Specialization Elective Course 1

Specialization Elective Course 2

Specialization Elective Course 3

Specialization Elective Course 4

Specialization Elective Course 5

Specialization Elective Course 6

3.0 Credit Hours

In this introductory research course, you will explore the underpinnings of the research process, examine research paradigms, and investigate theoretical and practical foundations of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies used within educational research. You will identify criteria for the development of a quality research study that is ethical, accurate, comprehensive, cohesive, and aligned. Specific course topics will involve the ethics of conducting research; data collection and analysis techniques; and issues of feasibility, trustworthiness, validity, reliability, generalizability or transferability, and rigor. This course is intended to familiarize you with concepts and skills associated with conducting theoretical and applied research.

One of the following:

3.0 Credit Hours

This course focuses on qualitative research methodology and designs and the methods used to collect and analyze data in educational research. You will examine the principles of qualitative research and explore commonly used designs (also referred to as qualitative traditions or genres) with a focus on application and feasibility. Qualitative data collection and analysis methods will be examined for their suitability with regard to the research design selected. Alignment between qualitative designs and research methods, issues of trustworthiness pertaining to qualitative research, and the role and responsibilities of the qualitative researcher will also be explored.

3.0 Credit Hours

This course explores the quantitative research methodology and associated designs and methods. You will examine paradigmatic perspectives along with the tenets and conventions of quantitative research. This examination of designs and methods will include topics such as feasibility, validity, reliability, variable operationalization, inferential designs, and analytic software applications used within the quantitative research paradigm. You will also explore the components of aligned and coherent quantitative research designs that support meaningful research within the field of education.

3.0 Credit Hours

This course is the culmination of the Education Specialist (EdS) program. You will conclude your program by working with a specific educational program relevant to your current or future context. You will review the related literature and evaluate data that will help you to develop potential solutions and future areas of research related to your identified problem. Finally, you will reflect on your personal learning journey throughout your program.

Electives

*The elective courses can be satisfied with any doctoral level Sanford College of Education course. Suggested courses listed below from areas that include: Leadership in Curriculum and Teaching, Early Childhood Education, Special Education, English Language Learning, Social Emotional Learning, Leadership in Higher Education, Leadership in Coaching and Sport Management, School Safety, Security, and Emergency Management, and Trauma-Informed Educational Practices.

The course listed in the degree plan can be changed upon request. Students should contact their Academic and Finance Counselor for assistance.

Select 6 of the following:

  • LCT-7000 – Developing Instructional Strategies and Curriculum
  • LCT-7100 – Dispositions of Learner and Teacher
  • LCT-7200 – Design and Evaluation of Curriculum and Programs
  • EDL-9000 – Educational Leadership Theories
  • EDL-9200 – Leadership, Supervision, and Personnel in PK-12 Education
  • EDL-9500 – Innovation for Change in Educational Organizations
  • EDL-9600 – Policy Development & Implementation in PK-12 Education

Early Childhood Education (ECE)

  • ECE-7002 – Topics in Early Childhood Growth, Development, and Educational Programs
  • ECE-7005 – Early Childhood Curriculum and Assessment
  • ECE-7007 – Early Childhood Literacy and Literature
  • ECE-7009 – Families, Communities, and Schools as Partners in Early Childhood Education
  • ECE-7010 – Principles of Early Childhood Education
  • ECE-7030 – Topics in Early Childhood Program Administration

Select 6 of the following:

  • EDL-9000 – Educational Leadership Theories
  • OL-7100 – Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • OL-7102 – Leadership Ethics to Attain Organizational Excellence
  • EDL-9100 – Leadership for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
  • EDL-9200 – Leadership, Supervision, and Personnel in PK-12 Education
  • EDL-9300 – Legal Issues in PK-12 Education
  • EDL-9400 – PK-12 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
  • EDL-9500 – Innovation for Change in Educational Organizations
  • EDL-9600 – Policy Development & Implementation in PK-12 Education
  • EDL-9700 – Finance & Budgeting in PK-12 Education
  • SEM-7300 – Leadership Paradigms in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • TRA-7100 – Trauma-Informed Educational Practices within Community Contexts and Conditions
  • SEL-7600 – Comprehensive Planning for SEL Initiatives
  • SE-7300 – Leadership, Law, and Finance in Special Education
  • LHE-7600 – Strategic Planning and Operations in Higher Education
  • LHE-7200 – Student Services in Higher Education
  • LHE-7300 – Legal Issues in Higher Education
  • LHE-7400 – Academic Program and Curriculum Development in Higher Education
  • LHE-7500 – Financial Considerations in Higher Education
  • ESL-7100 – Second Language Foundations
  • ESL-7200 – Teaching English Language Learners
  • ESL-7300 – Assessing Diverse Learners
  • ESL-7400 – Developing Curriculum for English Language Learners
  • EDL-9100 – Leadership for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
  • ESL-7600 – Issues in ELL Education

General Education allows students to select courses from a broad range of electives to fit their personal and professional goals.

Students may take education courses at the 7000 or 9000 level including up to two courses from other fields (Psychology, Technology and/or Business) to fulfill their elective requirements. Additional courses (i.e., more than two courses) from other disciplines may be considered to fill this requirement, with Dean approval.

IEG-7100 – Introduction to International and Global Education

  • IEG-7200 – Perspectives on Culture, Society, and Education
  • IEG-7300 – Educational Conflict, Mediation, and Resolution
  • IEG-7400 – Globalization and International Education Policy
  • IEG-7500 – Ethical Issues and Responsibilities in International and Global Education
  • IEG-7600 – Capstone: Theory and Leadership in International Education and Globalization

Select 6 of the following:

  • LSM-7100 – Organization and Administration in Sport Management
  • LSM-7200 – Analysis of Sport Performance
  • LSM-7300 – Legal & Economic Aspects of Sports Management
  • LSM-7400 – Psych of Athletic Coaching
  • EDL-9000 – Educational Leadership Theories
  • LSM-7000 – Ethics/Diversity in Athletics
  • LSM-7500 – Contemporary Issues in Athletics

Select 6 of the following:

  • EDL-9000 – Educational Leadership Theories
  • EDL-9100 – Leadership for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
  • LHE-7600 – Strategic Planning and Operations in Higher Education
  • LHE-7200 – Student Services in Higher Education
  • LHE-7300 – Legal Issues in Higher Education
  • LHE-7400 – Academic Program and Curriculum Development in Higher Education
  • LHE-7500 – Financial Considerations in Higher Education
  • EDL-9500 – Innovation for Change in Educational Organizations
  • OL-7100 – Conflict Resolution and Mediation
  • OL-7102 – Leadership Ethics to Attain Organizational Excellence
  • OTL-7001 – Principles and Practices in Online Teaching and Learning
  • OTL-7002 – Online Teaching Instructional Strategies
  • OTL-7003 – Instructional Design and Engaging Activities
  • OTL-7004 – Online Teaching and Learning
  • OTL-7006 – Facilitating Adult Learning Online
  • OTL-7007 – Developing Online Content Ethically and Legally
  • SEM-7100 – Risk Analysis: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
  • SEM-7200 – Communicating, Collaborating, and Planning for Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • SEM-7300 – Leadership Paradigms in Safety, Security, and Emergency Management
  • SEM-7400 – Violence Prevention and Response
  • SEM-7500 – All-Hazards Response and Recovery
  • SEM-7600 – Capstone: Developing Strategies and Policies to Further Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Practices
  • SEL-7100 – Foundations of Social Emotional Learning
  • SEL-7200 – Implementing SEL in the Modern Classroom
  • SEL-7300 – Integrating SEL into School Culture and Climate
  • SEL-7400 – Incorporating SEL with Policy Development and Implementation
  • SEL-7500 – Involving Caregivers and Communities
  • SEL-7600 – Comprehensive Planning for SEL Initiatives
  • SE-7100 – Advanced Topics in Special Education
  • SE-7200 – Analyzing Data and Monitoring Student Progress
  • SE-7300 – Leadership, Law, and Finance in Special Education
  • SE-7400 – Implementing Programs for Students with Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
  • SE-7500 – Implementing Programs for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
  • SE-7600 – Advanced Capstone in Special Education

TRA-7100 – Trauma-Informed Educational Practices within Community Contexts and Conditions

TRA-7200 – Linking Theory and Practice to Design Trauma-Sensitive Environments

TRA-7300 – Social Emotional Learning and the Ethic of Care in Trauma-Sensitive Environments

TRA-7400 – Relating Educator Dispositions to Learning in Trauma-Sensitive Environments

TRA-7500 – Culturally Responsive Systems and Restorative Approaches for Building Trauma-Sensitive Environments

  • TRA-7600 – Community-wide Trauma and Learning: Next Steps in Advanced Practice and Research

Career Outlook

Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

Here are some careers this degree could prepare you for:

Please select the state you will work in to view job data in your area

  • Top Jobs in this field
  • Median Salary
  • Job Openings
  • Education Administrators for Preschool and Childcare Programs

  • $52,049

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 6,974

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.
Median Salary:
$52,049 annual +8% above US average
Job Openings:
6,974 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $34,291
  • Medium
    $52,049
  • High
    $95,409

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Child Development
  2. Preschool Education
  3. Working With Children
  4. Marketing
  5. Early Childhood Education
  6. Developmental Psychology
  7. Lesson Planning

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • KinderCare Education
  • YMCA
  • Learning Experience
  • La Petite Academy
  • Learning Care Group
  • Childcare Network
  • Right At School
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Education Administrators for Elementary and Secondary Schools

  • $102,866

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 25,291

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.
Median Salary:
$102,866 annual +114% above US average
Job Openings:
25,291 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $69,465
  • Medium
    $102,866
  • High
    $163,222

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Student Services
  2. Curriculum Development
  3. Special Education
  4. Project Management
  5. Lesson Planning
  6. Classroom Management
  7. Data Analysis

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Learning Care Group
  • Npower (Nonprofit)
  • KinderCare Education
  • Northrop Grumman
  • Raytheon Technologies
  • Childcare Network
  • Clark County School District
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Postsecondary Education Administrators

  • $102,197

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 18,685

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Plan, direct, or coordinate student instruction, administration, and services, as well as other research and educational activities, at postsecondary institutions, including universities, colleges, and junior and community colleges.
Median Salary:
$102,197 annual +112% above US average
Job Openings:
18,685 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $62,580
  • Medium
    $102,197
  • High
    $209,822

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Student Services
  2. Marketing
  3. Higher Education
  4. Academic Affairs
  5. Project Management
  6. Enrollment Management
  7. Administrative Support

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Indiana University-Bloomington
  • Uncommon Schools
  • Coast Community College District Office
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • University of Chicago
  • The University of Texas System
  • University of Illinois System Offices
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Training and Development Specialists

  • $64,410

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 38,669

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Design or conduct work-related training and development programs to improve individual skills or organizational performance. May analyze organizational training needs or evaluate training effectiveness.
Median Salary:
$64,410 annual +34% above US average
Job Openings:
38,669 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $35,803
  • Medium
    $64,410
  • High
    $118,030

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Merchandising
  2. Process Improvement
  3. Project Management
  4. Performance Management
  5. Learning Management Systems
  6. Community Outreach
  7. Retail Operations

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Walmart
  • Abercrombie & Fitch
  • Whole Foods
  • Boys & Girls Clubs Of America
  • Buckle
  • Amazon
  • Goodwill
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Preschool Teachers

  • $36,662

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 67,968

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Instruct preschool-aged students, following curricula or lesson plans, in activities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth.
Median Salary:
$36,662 annual -23% below US average
Job Openings:
67,968 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $27,367
  • Medium
    $36,662
  • High
    $61,425

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Preschool Education
  2. Child Development
  3. Lesson Planning
  4. Early Childhood Education
  5. Classroom Management
  6. Working With Children
  7. Special Education

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • KinderCare Education
  • Bright Horizons
  • Cadence Education
  • Learning Care Group
  • Learning Experience
  • La Petite Academy
  • YMCA
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Kindergarten Teachers

  • $62,618

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 14,438

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to kindergarten students.
Median Salary:
$62,618 annual +30% above US average
Job Openings:
14,438 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,532
  • Medium
    $62,618
  • High
    $100,462

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Early Childhood Education
  4. Curriculum Development
  5. Learning Styles
  6. Child Development
  7. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Clark County School District
  • IDEA Public Schools
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • The Goddard School
  • Broward County Public Schools
  • Pasco County Schools
  • Lee County Public Schools
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Elementary School Teachers

  • $63,405

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 114,982

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic and social skills to students at the elementary school level.
Median Salary:
$63,405 annual +31% above US average
Job Openings:
114,982 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $46,490
  • Medium
    $63,405
  • High
    $105,135

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Curriculum Development
  4. Special Education
  5. Learning Styles
  6. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
  7. Instructional Strategies

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Clark County School District
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • National Heritage Academies
  • State Of West Virginia
  • Pasco County Schools
  • Phalen Leadership Academies
  • Broward County Public Schools
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Middle School Teachers

  • $64,004

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 51,054

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach one or more subjects to students at the middle, intermediate, or junior high school level.
Median Salary:
$64,004 annual +33% above US average
Job Openings:
51,054 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $47,000
  • Medium
    $64,004
  • High
    $105,148

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Mathematics Education
  3. Classroom Management
  4. Science Education
  5. Curriculum Development
  6. Differentiated Instruction
  7. Learning Styles

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Stride K12
  • Uncommon Schools
  • Kipp Massachusetts
  • Kipp Austin Public Schools
  • Springfield Public Schools, MO
  • Wake County Public Schools
  • Michigan Association Of School Boards
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Secondary School Teachers

  • $65,104

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 80,288

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach one or more subjects to students at the secondary school level.
Median Salary:
$65,104 annual +35% above US average
Job Openings:
80,288 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $47,778
  • Medium
    $65,104
  • High
    $107,218

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Lesson Planning
  2. Classroom Management
  3. Curriculum Development
  4. Mathematics Education
  5. Learning Styles
  6. Differentiated Instruction
  7. Instructional Strategies

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Success Academy
  • Clark County School District
  • Stride K12
  • Chicago Public Schools
  • Charter Schools USA
  • IDEA Public Schools
  • YMCA
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Special Education Preschool Teachers

  • $65,174

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 2,394

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic, social, and life skills to preschool-aged students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Median Salary:
$65,174 annual +35% above US average
Job Openings:
2,394 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $41,076
  • Medium
    $65,174
  • High
    $135,598

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Early Intervention
  2. Special Education
  3. Child Development
  4. Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP)
  5. Preschool Education
  6. Psychology
  7. Working With Children

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Action Behavior Centers
  • Sevita
  • Soar Autism Center
  • All About Kids
  • Thom Child And Family Services
  • Kennedy-Donovan Center
  • About Play
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Middle School Special Education Teachers

  • $66,547

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 7,009

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Teach academic, social, and life skills to middle school students with learning, emotional, or physical disabilities. Includes teachers who specialize and work with students who are blind or have visual impairments; students who are deaf or have hearing impairments; and students with intellectual disabilities.
Median Salary:
$66,547 annual +38% above US average
Job Openings:
7,009 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $48,038
  • Medium
    $66,547
  • High
    $105,583

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Special Education
  2. Individualized Education Programs (IEP)
  3. Lesson Planning
  4. Classroom Management
  5. Curriculum Development
  6. Disabilities
  7. Instructional Strategies

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Stride K12
  • North East Independent School District
  • Springfield Public Schools, MO
  • Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District
  • Seattle Public Schools
  • Oakland Unified School District
  • Fayette County Public Schools
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.
  • Instructional Coordinators

  • $75,034

    avg. salary (USA)

  • 22,900

    job openings (past yr.) past year
Develop instructional material, coordinate educational content, and incorporate current technology into instruction in order to provide guidelines to educators and instructors for developing curricula and conducting courses. May train and coach teachers. Includes educational consultants and specialists, and instructional material directors.
Median Salary:
$75,034 annual +56% above US average
Job Openings:
22,900 past year
Salary Range:
  • Low
    $45,694
  • Medium
    $75,034
  • High
    $116,014

ALl of USAMost Desired Skills

  1. Instructional Design
  2. Curriculum Development
  3. Project Management
  4. Learning Management Systems
  5. Adult Education
  6. Educational Technologies
  7. Special Education

ALl of USATop Companies Hiring

  • Chegg
  • Stride K12
  • Pearson Education
  • Clark County School District
  • Cardinal Health
  • Cengage Learning
  • HSS
Data Source: The career outcomes data presented is sourced from Lightcast, which provides insights based on real-time job postings, public datasets, and analytics. Lightcast derives its data from sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW), and the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES). While accurate and reliable, this data reflects general labor market trends and may not represent individual outcomes or specific local conditions. For more details on Lightcast’s methodology, visit their Data Overview.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a graduate of National University’s Education Specialist (EdS) program, you will be able to:

  • Develop skills to support educational practices across diverse instructional and organizational settings
  • Communicate with diverse audiences about educational theories, research, and practices
  • Analyze professional skills, dispositions, and technology options for learning and educating diverse groups
  • Apply evidence-based solutions for addressing educational, organizational, and societal issues
  • Analyze current research, theories, and instructional practices in educational and organizational environments
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Admissions

Next start date: Every Monday

Year-round enrollment

Transfer Students Welcome

More about transferring to NU.

Enrolling in a university is a big decision. That’s why our dedicated admissions team is here to guide you through the admissions process and help you find the right program for you and your career goals.

Admission to the Education Specialist (EdS) program requires a conferred post-baccalaureate master’s degree and/or doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited academic institution or an international institution determined to be equivalent through an approved evaluation service.

To speak with our admissions team, call (855) 355-6288 or request information and an advisor will contact you shortly. If you’re ready to apply, simply start your application today.

APPLY NOW
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Scholarships and Financial Aid

National University is dedicated to making higher education affordable, as well as accessible. Through NU scholarship offerings, eligible students are able to reduce the financial burden of college, start classes sooner, and finish their programs faster while focusing on achieving their goals.

Helping You Save Money

1:1 assistance for navigating the financial aid process, generous transfer credit policy, needs-based tuition reduction grant, and $77+ million in scholarships.

National University Key Grant

Do you qualify for a needs-based scholarship? Learn more about the NU Key Grant Scholarship and other scholarship opportunities to unlock the door to your dreams!

Accreditations

WASC Senior College and University Commission logo

The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) accredits public and private schools, colleges, and universities in the U.S.

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Why National University?

We’re proud to be a Veteran-founded, San Diego-based nonprofit. Since 1971, our mission has been to provide accessible, achievable higher education to adult learners.

Today, we educate students from across the U.S. and around the globe, with over 240,000 alumni worldwide.

headshot of Francisco, class of 2016

“National University has impacted my career. You can immediately apply what you learn in class to your business.”

Francisco R.,

Class of 2016

What makes a degree
with National University unique?

Free Tutoring Sessions

Access personalized tutoring sessions at no cost — empowering your learning.

Online

Flexibility meets quality education with our online learning option.

24/7 Support

Get assistance anytime, anywhere with our round-the-clock support services.

Military Friendly

Committed to serving those who serve — diverse resources and support for veterans and family. Military and Veteran Admissions.

Mentoring Network

Individual student and alumni career guidance, professional development opportunities, and customized career support.

Transfer Students Welcome

NU makes it easy to get your degree, even if you started it with another university. Learn more about transferring to NU.

Accelerate Your Career With NU

At National University, you’re part of a family. As a student, you’ll have the support of staff, faculty members, students, and alumni who will be there with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you pursue your goals.

Our network of 240,000 alumni is a large global community that provides our graduates with the professional connections to get a leg up in your new career.

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FAQs

An education specialist degree, or EdS, is an advanced practitioner course that goes beyond the master’s degree. It is designed for educators seeking to continue their studies but not interested in a doctorate program.

If you aspire to further your education beyond the master’s degree to help you solve real-world problems in your field of expertise, prepare you for a leadership role, or carve a new career path, the answer is yes.

Career Potential*

  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary
  • Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
  • Education Administrators, All Other
  • Training and Development Specialists
  • Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
  • Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
  • Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education

*Positions may require additional experience, training, and other factors beyond successfully completing this degree program. Depending on where you reside, many positions may also require state licensure, and it is the responsibility of the student to ensure that all licensure requirements are met. We encourage you to also review program specific requirements with an NU advisor. Any data provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not guarantee that completion of any degree program will achieve the underlying occupation or commensurate salary.

Additional Resources

Program Disclosure

Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.

Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.

NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.

All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.

National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.

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