EducationSpecialist (EdS)
The Education Specialist (EdS) program is a post-master’s, fully online degree for experienced educators aiming to advance into higher administration or develop specialized expertise. Students choose from three concentrations—Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, or Charter School Administration—tailoring their studies to career goals. Offered in both Independent Study and Directed Study formats, the program provides flexibility for working professionals while delivering advanced leadership, management, and decision-making skills.
Key Links
A Pathway to Advanced Educational Leadership
Through the Education Specialist program, students gain advanced expertise in areas such as organizational leadership, educational technology integration, curriculum design, and school administration. Coursework explores critical topics including the legal and political framework of education, diversity in the classroom, technology management, and budgeting practices. By applying these skills, graduates are prepared to navigate complex challenges, foster innovation, and lead educational institutions with confidence.
What You'll Learn
Graduates of the Education Specialist program develop the advanced knowledge and leadership skills to make a lasting impact in education. Key areas of learning include:
Educational Leadership and Administration
Apply best practices in management, policy, and organizational development to improve school systems and student outcomes.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Design
Create effective, research-based curricula that meet diverse learner needs.
Education Finance and Law
Understand funding structures, budgeting processes, and legal principles that shape educational institutions.
Ethics and Professional Responsibility
Apply ethical frameworks to decision-making in administrative and instructional contexts.
Technology Integration in Education
Leverage emerging technologies to enhance teaching, learning, and organizational productivity.
Research and Data-Driven Decision-Making
Design, conduct, and apply research studies to guide institutional strategies and improvements.
Curriculum
The Education Specialist curriculum offers a blend of foundational coursework and specialized study. Students complete all qualifying courses and examinations before advancing to their chosen concentration. The three available concentrations—Leadership & Administration, Educational Technology, and Charter School Administration—provide targeted expertise to match professional goals. Coursework integrates theory, research, and practical application to prepare graduates for senior leadership and specialized administrative roles in education.
Students may choose one of the following concentrations:
Leadership & Administration
Build expertise in educational leadership, legal and political frameworks, diversity in education, curriculum development, and managing adult/occupational programs.
Educational Technology
Master instructional design for online learning, technology management, educational technology law and ethics, and emerging tech tools.
Charter School Administration
Develop leadership skills for charter school environments, balancing accountability, innovation, and collaboration across public education systems.
Filter By:
- L&A Qualifying Courses
- L&A Core Courses
- ET Qualifying Courses
- ET Core Courses
- CSA Qualifying Courses
- CSA Core Courses
The Laws and Politics of Education
EDU615 | 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.
Principles of Curriculum Development
EDU618 | 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.
Societal Diversity
EDU619 | 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.
Contemporary Topics in Educational Policy
EDU620 | 3 credits
This elective course allows students to examine several broad range contemporary topics in institutional management and policy.
Management of Adult/Occupational Programs
EDU605 | 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.
Research Methods
EDU621 | 3 credits
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
EDU700 | credits
Online Learning Instructional Design and Methods
EDU624 | 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.
Technology Management in Education
EDU611 | 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.
The Laws and Ethics of Educational Technology
EDU626 | 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.
Emerging Educational Technologies
EDU613 | 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.
Societal Diversity
EDU619 | 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.
Research Methods
EDU621 | 3 credits
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
EDU700 | credits
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The Laws and Politics of Education
EDU615 | 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.
Principles of Curriculum Development
EDU618 | 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.
Societal Diversity
EDU619 | 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.
Charter School Marketing Management
EDU590 | 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.
Charter School Governance & Administration
EDU591 | 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.
Research Methods
EDU621 | 3 credits
This course emphasizes the types of research designs and the skills needed to develop and organize research studies in institutional settings.
Comprehensive Examination (Pass/Fail)
EDU700 | credits
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Program Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Education Specialist (All Concentrations)
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.
Tuition and Admissions
Applicants must have completed prior college coursework to qualify for the degree completion program.
- Tuition Per Credit: $450
- Credits Required: 30
- Total Program Tuition: $13,500
- Learning Modalities: Independent Study and Directed Study
- Program Duration: Can be completed in as little as 12 months, and must be completed within 5 years
- Admissions Requirement: Master’s degree
Required Course Materials
Each program has a list of required textbooks and resources for its courses. Textbook information, including titles, authors, and ISBNs, is updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Before purchasing materials, we recommend confirming the list with Student Support or reviewing your course syllabus in the e-learning platform.
Resources and Support
At WHTU, your success is supported at every stage of your academic journey. From advising and career planning to writing help and technical support, our student services are designed to meet the unique needs of online learners. Explore the full range of resources available to help you stay on track and reach your goals.
What Sets WHTU’s EdS Apart?
The Education Specialist program combines academic rigor with practical application, making it ideal for working educators seeking specialized leadership roles. The program’s three concentrations allow students to align their studies with their professional aspirations, while flexible learning formats enable them to balance coursework with their careers.
Explore Further
Discover what sets the School of Education apart—from our accomplished faculty and flexible admissions process to personalized guidance at every stage. Whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to apply, we’re here to support your journey.