Even as professional educators share knowledge with their students, they are also lifelong learners. Whether training for certificates, a master’s degree or a doctorate, there are many avenues available to teachers who wish to further their education and professional development. Indeed, many educators return to school in one or another area — and many return more than once.
For educators with a master’s degree who seek a post-graduate higher education alternative to a Ph.D., an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree — such as the online Ed.S., Superintendent program at Arkansas State University (A-State) — can be ideal. These specialization programs help educators hone their skills and expertise in specific areas of interest while also leaving room for additional academic development if desired.
What Is an Ed.S. Degree? An Opportunity for Expert-level Specialization
The demand for teachers with expertise in a given role or field is rising. As a result, many education specialists remain in the classroom, using the expert-level skills and knowledge gained from a specialized program.
An Ed.S. degree can also serve as a steppingstone to jobs such as superintendent. A-State’s specialized superintendent Ed.S. program prepares graduates for this exact role. Students in this educational path will focus on administration, operational systems, management and other highly applicable subjects in their coursework.
Whether they aim to be in a classroom or an office, Ed.S. program graduates will be armed with specialized skills and knowledge to support their work. Areas of study run the gamut from topics like curriculum theory and educational policy to unique subjects like school business management and schooling in a pluralistic society.
Differences Between Ed.S. and Ed.D. Programs
Ed.S. programs can often be confused with Ed.D., or Doctor of Education programs. However, the two are very different in study and approach.
Most Ed.D. students pursue some kind of official leadership or administrative position in the field and are not looking to remain teachers in the classroom. Further, an Ed.D. degree is a terminal degree, similar to a Doctor of Psychology, signifying the completion of the highest level of education for that particular academic field.
As Ed.D. programs cater to those who wish to advance beyond classroom teaching, they tend to focus on the job’s more procedural and administrative elements. Many educators also use an Ed.D. degree to break into employee training or development for private corporations.
An Ed.S. program gives educators an option for specialization that takes about half the time compared to an Ed.D. Additionally, graduates of an Ed.S. program can always return to school and earn their Ed.D. degree if they choose. Applicants to A-State’s superintendent Ed.S. online program should have a master’s degree and at least three years of professional teaching experience.
Benefits of an Ed.S. Degree
With their additional expertise, Ed.S. graduates will deepen all aspects of their work and leadership in their schools. Education specialists perform consulting and collaboration duties both inside and outside of their own schools, often working with program directors and other teachers to ensure that curricula and activities are as effective as possible while adhering to standards and policy. Additionally, they may help train fellow staff members or develop training programs.
Education specialists can also work beyond their schools at the district level, executing similar responsibilities such as curriculum development and workshops or training on a broader scale. A-State’s Ed.S. program is unique in that it prepares graduates for education specialist roles as well as top leadership roles in district superintendency.
Salary Potential for Educational Leaders With an Ed.S. Degree
The average base pay for an education specialist in the United States is $92,340, according to September 2025 data from ZipRecruiter. The 90th percentile of pay for workers stands at roughly $116,500.
For educators with an Ed.S. who pursue superintendent positions, the salary potential can be higher. According to a salary study conducted by the School Superintendents Association, the median salary for superintendents during the 2023 to 2024 school year was $156,000, with the highest earners in large school districts making well over $300,000 annually.
Clearly, earning an Ed.S. degree offers educators an array of opportunities to advance their careers. With the option to pursue district leadership roles, graduates of the specialized Ed.S., Superintendent program at A-State can also gain a sizable increase in income potential. Plus, the non-terminal nature of an Ed.S. degree leaves room for graduates to continue their education, equipped with substantive post-graduate experience and credit hours to transfer.
Learn more about Arkansas State University’s online Ed.S., Superintendent program.