Educational Specialist with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

The Ed.S. is unique to the field of education, a postgraduate degree somewhere between a master’s and a doctorate. Students pursue a doctorate to obtain the highest level in their area. The Ed. S. is not a doctorate and requires about half the credits. Ed. S. students are those that want to gain skills for a particular type of job (e.g., principal, superintendent, director of educational technology).

What makes for a successful leader in education?

Purdue specific outcomes and program highlights: 

  • Distinguish yourself in the education industry with a superior credential from an institution with worldwide recognition and impact.
  • Learn tools & highly relevant techniques for leading K-12 schools.
  • Advance and network with an experienced and motivated peer group for mutual support, team exercises, and enhanced learning. 
  • Learn educational leadership practices and how to be applicable in working with individuals.
  • Designed for working professionals to provide the needed flexibility without interfering with your career.
  • Opportunity to engage with faculty with expertise in the area of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

Why choose Purdue’s Education Specialist in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies?

The Ed.S. degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership is a post-master’s degree program designed to advance the career of building level school administrators and prepare them for a district level leadership role. The degree is coordinated with the requirements for the Indiana District Level Administrator license. Coursework for the Ed.S. and licensure can be completed in 2 years.

Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.

The Ed Specialist degree is an online program featuring a combination of virtual class meetings, online content, and internship experiences in your own school or local area. This program has rolling admissions. You may start the program any fall, spring, or summer. 

Advancing your degree beyond Ed.S.

Purdue University believes in stackable credentials.  Should you choose to pursue a Ph.D degree in Educational Studies with a concentration in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, you will be able to use 30 credit hours from the Ed.S. degree (earned at the Purdue West Lafayette campus only) towards the Ph.D degree.

Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR).

Completed applications should be submitted by the deadlines listed below:

TERMTECR DEADLINEGRADUATE APPLICATION DEADLINE
Fall StartJuly 15August 1
Spring StartDecember 1December 15
Summer StartApril 1April 15

MAKE YOUR NEXT GIANT LEAP

APPLY NOW

For more information, view the:

Request Information – Ed.S. in Educational Leadership

This program leads to an Indiana District Level (Superintendent) license. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) at licensure@purdue.edu before continuing with program application.

Please visit the Graduate Licensure Program page for information about license eligibility requirements.

Career Outlook

An Ed. S. is designed in many areas of concentration but are mostly designed for K-12 educators.  Positions are available in public, charter, and private schools.

Educational specialists evaluate and provide recommendations to improve curriculum planning, individual lessons, and teaching methods at one or more grade levels. They also help coordinate and communicate expectations and progress among students’ parents/guardians, guidance counselors and teachers.

Job Titles

  • District Administrator
  • Curriculum Coordinator
  • Education Consultant
  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Academic Advisor

Make your next giant leap

Apply

Questions?

Admissions:
 edgrad@purdue.edu
Program Content Information:
Contact edleader@purdue.edu
Course Registration, payment, drops/withdraws, and removing holds:
Purdue Online purdueonline@purdue.edu
Career accounts:
ITaP (765) 494-4000