Sometimes, having a unique skillset can make or break your search for the perfect job. This is true for most professional fields, but perhaps none more than the world of education.
Schools offer a diverse range of employment options that require a broad range of specific skills, from educational technology and learning analytics to leadership and administration. For educational professionals hoping to add specialization to their toolkit, the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) online programs from Arkansas State University (A-State) may be an ideal option.
What Goes Into an Educational Specialist Degree?
Before embarking on an educational journey, it’s important to understand what to expect. For example, an Ed.S. program is aimed specifically at professionals, like teachers, who have already earned their master’s degree and are looking for ways to gain a deeper understanding of the specialized areas in their field.
According to Indeed, “Institutions offer these specialist degrees through on-campus, online and blended programs for teachers to expand their skills in the classroom or pursue leadership roles. An Ed.S. degree program typically focuses on a specific discipline within education.”
Differences Between Educational Degree Programs
One key thing to keep in mind when choosing a degree program is the distinction between an Ed.S. and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). While the former is a specialist degree intended to help you gain skills in a specific area, the latter is the highest-level academic graduate degree available for students in the field of education.
In addition, an Ed.D. is more in-depth and time-intensive, often requiring a commitment of between four and seven years, according to Indeed. “Doctoral programs in education often require capstone projects, which are practical projects applying complex skills and ideas or dissertations, which are academic research papers studying a topic in education in-depth.”
Areas of Specialization for Educational Specialists
The Ed.S. programs offered by A-State offers numerous concentrations that are tailored for many distinct professional interests. For example, the Education Specialist in Reading degree offers two different tracks: An Advanced Perspective option for students with an MSE in Reading who want to better understand the research foundations of literacy; and a Professional Practice track, which is designed for students who want to strengthen their pedagogical skills.
Another option you can pursue at A-State includes an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Director, which equips graduates with the tools to design student-centered learning activities. This concentration places an emphasis on leadership and administrative responsibilities needed to direct curriculum design. Yet another route involves enrolling in the Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director program, a perfect way to gain expertise in how to set and meet appropriate goals for a special education setting.
Benefits for Administrative and Supervisory Roles
An Ed.S. can be very beneficial for educational leaders. The coursework gives them the conceptual tools they need to better implement new initiatives in their schools.
One such tool is the ability to keep outcomes in mind, as New Leaders states: “No matter what your initiative is — adopting more culturally responsive instruction, embarking on a new way forward for professional development, or taking the steps to implement a new technology platform — you’re making a strategic choice that rolls up to a larger, ideal future state you have in mind for your school community.” While daunting, an administrator with the right knowledge base and experience can navigate the difficulties of change, turning challenges into opportunities for community growth.
Is an Educational Specialist Career Right for You?
For education professionals hoping to push their careers to the next level, an Ed.S. offers both specialization and flexibility. Educators can select the specialization that suits their interests and ambitions.
A-State’s online programs provide graduates with the competence and confidence to navigate a complex, evolving field. It’s an ideal way to achieve your goals and continue to have a positive impact on student outcomes.
Learn more about A-State’s online Ed.S. programs.