Archives: Faqs

faqs

What Is an Ed.D., and How Does It Differ From an Ed.S.?

A Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) is the terminal degree in education practice, designed for experienced educators who want to lead at the highest institutional levels. Unlike the Education Specialist (Ed.S.), which prepares professionals for specific administrative credential areas, the Ed.D. is a research-and-dissertation degree that qualifies graduates for senior leadership across K-12 districts, community colleges, […]

What is Risepoint’s role at A-State Online?

Risepoint is A-State’s education technology partner, providing marketing and enrollment operations support only. Arkansas State University confers all degrees and retains full academic authority over curriculum, admissions, and instruction.

Is A-State’s online MPA accredited?

Yes. A-State’s online Master of Public Administration, in both the Public Management and Nonprofit Management tracks, is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).

Is A-State’s online MSW accredited?

Yes. A-State’s online Master of Social Work, in both Standard and Advanced Standing tracks, is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Is A-State’s online MBA accredited?

Yes. The online MBA, in all concentrations, is accredited by AACSB International through A-State’s Neil Griffin College of Business, along with the online BSBA.

What’s the career timeline from teacher to principal?

The typical path runs from classroom teacher, to two-plus years of classroom experience, to a master’s degree in educational leadership (or direct entry to an Ed.S. if you already hold a master’s), to an assistant principal or principal role. Educators aiming higher than the building level often continue from principal into a Curriculum Director, Superintendent […]

What are the state licensure requirements for Arkansas principals, and which online programs meet them?

Arkansas principal licensure generally requires a bachelor’s degree, a valid teaching license, two to three years of classroom experience and a graduate degree in educational leadership from a state-approved program. A-State’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship is built to meet this requirement for educators who already hold a master’s degree; A-State’s MSE in Educational Leadership […]

What’s the difference between an Ed.S. and a master’s in educational leadership?

An Ed.S. is a post-master’s degree, meaning you must already hold a master’s degree to enroll, while A-State’s MSE in Educational Leadership is the base master’s-level credential for teachers with at least two years of classroom experience. The Ed.S. concentrations build on that master’s-level foundation toward a specific director, principal or superintendent license, and some […]

How do I decide which Ed.S. concentration is right for me?

Start with the leadership scope you want: campus-wide (Principalship), district-wide (Superintendent), subject-specific district leadership (Curriculum Director) or population-specific program leadership (Gifted & Talented Director, Special Education Director). If your goal is advanced literacy expertise rather than administration, the Ed.S. in Reading is the outlier concentration built for that path instead.

Which is better for my career: Curriculum and instruction vs. educational leadership master’s?

Choose the curriculum and instruction path (MSE in Curriculum & Instruction, or the Curriculum Director Certificate if you don’t want a full master’s) if your goal is shaping what and how students learn: instructional materials, program design, teacher coaching. Choose an educational leadership path (MSE in Educational Leadership, or the Building Level Administration Certificate) if […]

Can certificate credits apply if I later enroll in a full master’s program?

In some cases, yes, most directly with the Adult Education Certificate, which is designed so its 12 credit hours count toward A-State’s MSE in Adult Education for qualified educators. For other certificates, ask a student engagement specialist to evaluate your specific certificate coursework against the master’s program you’re considering; policies vary by department.

How many credit hours are A-State’s education certificates, typically?

Typically 12 to 21 credit hours, depending on the certificate: Adult Education is the shortest at 12 credit hours, most administrator-track certificates (Building Level Administration, Curriculum Director, Gifted Talented Director, Special Education Director) run 18 credit hours, and Special Education K-12 is the longest at 21 credit hours.

Do A-State’s graduate certificates stack toward a master’s degree?

It depends on the certificate. The Adult Education Certificate is explicitly built so every credit hour transfers toward A-State’s MSE in Adult Education. Several other certificates share coursework with related MSE or Ed.S. programs, so credits may apply with department approval. Check with a student engagement specialist for the specific certificate and degree combination you’re […]

Which A-State certificate is right for a teacher who wants to move into administration versus one who wants to specialize in curriculum work?

For administration, the Building Level Administration Certificate (principal-track) or the Special Education Director and Gifted Talented Director certificates (program-leadership tracks) are built for that path. For curriculum-specific work without a building-leadership title, the Curriculum Director Certificate is the closer fit, since it centers on district-wide instructional materials and program decisions rather than campus management.

Who should pursue an Ed.D. vs. an Ed.S.?

If your goal is a specific administrative credential — principal, superintendent — an Ed.S. may be the more direct and less expensive path. If your goal is the terminal academic credential for senior district or institutional leadership (or you’re aiming for roles like dean, provost or president), the Ed.D. is designed for that path.