Education Specialist (EdS)
Boyer Graduate School of Education
Gain Specialized Knowledge with Our Education Specialist Program.
Our Education Specialist (EdS) program is a post-Master’s practical distance education program emphasizing coursework in leadership and management in a variety of educational and public service settings.
The program provides students with advanced study in organizational development, education finance, law, ethics, and curriculum development. The EdS is of particular interest to individuals with public or private school teaching experience who seek administrative positions or middle level managers or who are interested in moving into higher levels of administration.
Students may select one of three academic concentrations in pursuit of the EdS degree program: Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, or Charter School Administration.
The EdS degree program is presented through distance education using online technology requiring no classroom or seminar attendance. The program is offered in both the Independent Study and Directed Study modalities.
Learning Modalities | Curriculum & Concentrations | Program Outcomes | Admissions Process
Upcoming Start Dates:
Independent Study: January 7th | March 4th
Directed Study: January 7th | May 6th
Tuition: $360/credit
Credits Required: 30
Total Program Tuition: $10,800
Learning Modalities:
Independent Study & Directed Study
Admissions Requirements:
Master’s Degree
Did you enroll in one of our EdS programs before the October 26, 2021 start date? You can find your program catalogs and other relevant information here.
Choose the Learning Modality that Works for You.
Independent Study
Our Independent Study modality gives you the flexibility to fit your program around your career and lifestyle.
Students have 8 weeks to complete each course, working independently with the support of a faculty mentor. The time to degree completion may be accelerated or extended, within the guidelines of the University.
Each course in the program contains a series of lesson assignments, generally consisting of reading assignments supplemented occasionally by various multimedia. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments, which are submitted for faculty evaluation.
Pay tuition in installments completely interest-free — each semester, just make a 30% downpayment upfront, followed by 3 monthly payments.
Start on any of six start dates throughout the year.
Directed Study
Our Directed Study modality offers a more structured and collaborative online learning experience.
Students will move through the program with a cohort of other students, typically completing one course at a time and two courses, or six credits, per semester. Each 8-week course in this program contains a series of readings, lesson assignments, and regular online asynchronous discussions.
Directed Study students may apply for federal financial aid to cover the cost of their education.
Start on any of three start dates throughout the year.
Curriculum & Concentrations
To graduate with our EdS, students are required to complete all courses in good academic standing and pass the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations. All Qualifying Courses and the Qualifying Examination must be successfully completed prior to moving on to the Core Courses.
Education Specialist students can choose from three concentrations, including Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, and Charter School Administration. Further information about each concentration and all courses in our EdS programs are available to view below.
Leadership & Administration
Moving up into or within education administration takes confidence, experience, and continuous education. Coursework covers a variety of topics relevant to today’s educators, including the legal and political framework of education in the US, societal diversity in education, curriculum development, and management of adult/occupational programs.
Our Leadership & Administration concentration prepares educators to excel as leaders within their schools and school districts.
+ L&A Qualifying Courses
EDU608 Educational Administration (3 credits)
This course examines conceptual foundations of educational administration with the aim of using theory and research to solve the problems of practice. The focus of this course is on the school as a social system with special emphasis on structure, politics, decision making, and quality outcomes.
EDU609 Leadership in Institutional Settings (3 credits)
This course explores concepts of leadership and leadership styles in the context of educational administration. Students examine the role of institutional leader, as well as factors that influence decision making, initiating change, psychological constraints, and techniques for establishing and maintaining a unique culture in the institutional setting.
EDU517 Educational Finance (3 credits)
This course explores the economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis is on the management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional setting.
EDU616 Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting (3 credits)
This course studies theory, strategies, and techniques of effective organizational behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques will be studied to improve organization effectiveness.
EDU600 Qualifying Examination (Pass/Fail)
+ L&A Core Courses
EDU615 The Laws and Politics of Education (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of the legal and political framework of education in the nation. Emphasis is on current issues and how they affect the learning environment.
EDU618 Principles of Curriculum Development (3 credits)
This course provides an analysis of the influences of curriculum and instruction from a philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspective. Various approaches to the design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction will be examined.
EDU619 Societal Diversity (3 credits)
This course examines diversity in society and in schools. Emphasis is on understanding the similarities and differences in culture, economic backgrounds, and academic diversity. It will prepare teachers for the wide diversity of students that they are certain to meet in their classrooms, schools, and communities. It provides an updated and broad treatment of the various forms of human diversity found in today’s schools, including nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, class, language, sexual orientation, and ability levels – highlighting the need for differentiation of instruction.
EDU620 Contemporary Topics in Educational Policy (3 credits)
This elective course allows students to examine several broad range contemporary topics in institutional management and policy.
EDU605 Management of Adult/Occupational Programs (3 credits)
This course presents an examination of the social forces involved with adult education. The history and philosophy of adult and occupational training will be reviewed, as well as training and development programs in both public and private sector settings.
EDU621 Research Methods (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
EDU700 Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
Educational Technology
Technology is increasingly a part of the classroom experience, from K-12 through graduate programs. Educators are increasingly expected to incorporate technology into their curriculum, online programs are gaining popularity, and both of those major changes shows how important it is to have school leaders with solid knowledge of educational technology concepts.
Our Educational Technology concentration includes coursework in online learning instructional design, technology management, laws and ethics of educational technology, and emerging educational technologies.
+ ET Qualifying Courses
EDU608 Educational Administration (3 credits)
This course examines conceptual foundations of educational administration with the aim of using theory and research to solve the problems of practice. The focus of this course is on the school as a social system with special emphasis on structure, politics, decision making, and quality outcomes.
EDU609 Leadership in Institutional Settings (3 credits)
This course explores concepts of leadership and leadership styles in the context of educational administration. Students examine the role of institutional leader, as well as factors that influence decision making, initiating change, psychological constraints, and techniques for establishing and maintaining a unique culture in the institutional setting.
EDU517 Educational Finance (3 credits)
This course explores the economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis is on the management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional setting.
EDU616 Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting (3 credits)
This course studies theory, strategies, and techniques of effective organizational behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques will be studied to improve organization effectiveness.
EDU600 Qualifying Examination (Pass/Fail)
+ ET Core Courses
EDU624 Online Learning Instructional Design and Methods (3 credits)
This course presents the learner with tools, skills, methods, research and related knowledge to design and manage curriculum for online learners in a variety of educational settings, including K-12, Post-secondary, and corporate environments.
EDU611 Technology Management in Education (3 credits)
This course presents theory and practical applications of managing educational technology and integrating technology into the curriculum, in face-to-face, and in online education environments.
EDU626 The Laws and Ethics of Educational Technology (3 credits)
This course presents relevant information related to laws, policies, ethics and safety within schools, with an emphasis on issues related to 21st century learning with technology and the Internet.
EDU613 Emerging Educational Technologies (3 credits)
This course presents emerging technologies and engages educators in applying emerging technologies, while preparing for perceived changes in the future, with an aim to structure more student-centered lesson plans which are adaptable to the devices and mobility available to them.
EDU619 Societal Diversity (3 credits)
This course examines diversity in society and in schools. Emphasis is on understanding the similarities and differences in culture, economic backgrounds, and academic diversity. It will prepare teachers for the wide diversity of students that they are certain to meet in their classrooms, schools, and communities. It provides an updated and broad treatment of the various forms of human diversity found in today’s schools, including nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, class, language, sexual orientation, and ability levels – highlighting the need for differentiation of instruction.
EDU621 Research Methods (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
EDU700 Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
Charter School Administration
Charter schools were created to help improve our nation’s public school system and offer parents an alternative public school option to meet their child’s specific needs. The core of the charter school model is the belief that public schools should be held accountable for student learning. In exchange for this accountability, school leaders should be given freedom to develop processes and systems to help students achieve and should share what works with the broader public school system so that all students benefit.
Our Charter School Administration concentration aims to equip educators with the skills necessary to be leaders in a Charter School environment.
+ CSA Qualifying Courses
EDU608 Educational Administration (3 credits)
This course examines conceptual foundations of educational administration with the aim of using theory and research to solve the problems of practice. The focus of this course is on the school as a social system with special emphasis on structure, politics, decision making, and quality outcomes.
EDU609 Leadership in Institutional Settings (3 credits)
This course explores concepts of leadership and leadership styles in the context of educational administration. Students examine the role of institutional leader, as well as factors that influence decision making, initiating change, psychological constraints, and techniques for establishing and maintaining a unique culture in the institutional setting.
EDU517 Educational Finance (3 credits)
This course explores the economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis is on the management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional setting.
EDU616 Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting (3 credits)
This course studies theory, strategies, and techniques of effective organizational behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques will be studied to improve organization effectiveness.
EDU600 Qualifying Examination (Pass/Fail)
+ CSA Core Courses
EDU615 The Laws and Politics of Education (3 credits)
This course provides an overview of the legal and political framework of education in the nation. Emphasis is on current issues and how they affect the learning environment.
EDU618 Principles of Curriculum Development (3 credits)
This course provides an analysis of the influences of curriculum and instruction from a philosophical, psychological, and sociological perspective. Various approaches to the design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction will be examined.
EDU619 Societal Diversity (3 credits)
This course examines diversity in society and in schools. Emphasis is on understanding the similarities and differences in culture, economic backgrounds, and academic diversity. It will prepare teachers for the wide diversity of students that they are certain to meet in their classrooms, schools, and communities. It provides an updated and broad treatment of the various forms of human diversity found in today’s schools, including nationality, ethnicity, race, religion, gender, class, language, sexual orientation, and ability levels – highlighting the need for differentiation of instruction.
EDU590 Charter School Marketing Management (3 credits)
This course examines strategic marketing and branding, and their contribution to effective charter school recruitment and operations. Topics include marketing strategy development, marketing research, communications, media relations, building partnerships, public relations, and fund raising.
EDU591 Charter School Governance & Administration (3 credits)
This course explores the administrative workings of charter school operations. Topics include facilities location, staffing, sourcing and reporting revenue, budgeting, auxiliary services, legal issues, and safety and security. The course also examines the practical skills necessary to work effectively with authorizers, the charter school board, and other groups that are critical to the success of the charter school, as well as the legal framework of charter school education at the national, state, and local levels.
EDU621 Research Methods (3 credits)
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
EDU700 Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
Program Outcomes
Education Specialist – Charter School
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1 - Apply best practices, current concepts, theories, and research about effective teaching, learning, and administration to improve one's professional practice as a teacher or administrator.
PLO2 - Employ effective and appropriate leadership techniques that support educational and administrative objectives.
PLO3 - Use multiple strategies to help students of various levels and backgrounds learn subject matter.
PLO4 - Discuss the American public school system's funding and budgeting practices and legal principles with a level of authority.
PLO5 - Use information and technology to plan instructional and administrative strategies and improve learning, productivity, and professional practice.
PLO6 - Develop, organize, and perform sound research studies in institutional settings.
PLO7 – Communicate effectively with learners, their families, and other professionals in ways appropriate to purpose and content.
Education Specialist Ed Tech
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1 –Apply best practices, current concepts, theories, and research about effective teaching, learning, and administration to improve one's professional practice as a teacher or administrator.
PLO2 – Employ effective and appropriate leadership techniques that support educational and administrative objectives.
PLO3 – Use multiple strategies to help students of various levels and backgrounds learn the subject matter.
PLO4 – Discuss the American public school system's funding and budgeting practices and legal principles with a level of authority.
PLO5 - Use information and technology to plan instructional and administrative strategies and improve learning, productivity, and professional practice.
PLO6 - Develop, organize, and perform sound research studies in institutional settings.
PLO7 - Communicate effectively with learners, their families, and other professionals in ways appropriate to purpose and content.
Education Specialist – Leadership & Administration
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
PLO1 - Apply best practices, current concepts, theories, and research about effective teaching, learning, and administration to improve one's professional practice as a teacher or administrator.
PLO2 - Employ effective and appropriate leadership techniques that support educational and administrative objectives.
PLO3 - Use multiple strategies to help students of various levels and backgrounds learn the subject matter.
PLO4 - Discuss the American public school system’s funding and budgeting practices and legal principles with a level of authority.
PLO5 - Use information and technology to plan instructional and administrative strategies and improve learning, productivity, and professional practice.
PLO6 - Develop, organize, and perform sound research studies in institutional settings.
PLO7 - Communicate effectively with learners, their families, and other professionals in ways appropriate to purpose and content.
Admissions Process
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Apply Online
Complete our online Application Form and attach any prepared documents. Additional documents may be emailed directly to Admissions@Taft.edu or your Admissions Representative after your application form is submitted.
Required Documentation:
Master’s Transcript
Two Letters of Recommendation
Personal Statement
Resume
Copy of ID
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Choose Your Start Date
Independent Study students are able to begin their program on any of six start dates throughout the year.
Directed Study students may begin on any of three start dates per year.
Complete information about our start dates, holidays, and other important dates can be found on our Academic Calendar.
Once you’re accepted into the program, your admissions representative will confirm your start date with you.
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Complete Your Enrollment Materials
Once your start date is confirmed, you’ll be provided with enrollment materials to fill out and sign. This includes your first tuition payment.