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Education Specialist Degree in Curriculum And Instructional Leadership (Ed.S.)

Earn a specialist's degree in curriculum and instructional leadership

Study current issues K-12 educators face and discover how to create aligned learning environments that support students both today and in the future. Students will then apply what they learn throughout the courses directly to their classroom or school district initiatives.

In this Ed.S. program, students will enhance their leadership skills teaching best practices in communication, collaboration, and action-based research. Learn how to coach, mentor, consult, and evaluate effectively to facilitate continual improvement in teaching and learning methods.

What are the career prospects for a graduate of the education specialist program in curriculum and instructional leadership?

Graduates of the specialist degree could hold positions such as district leaders for curriculum, teacher trainers, department heads, and any other leadership position that does not require an administrative certification.

What are the program requirements?

A master’s degree in education is required to enter the Education Specialist program. The program is 33 hours with students required to maintain continuous enrollment until the completion of the field study.

Want to learn more and apply?

Visit the Graduate Education page to learn more about the application and admissions process, financial aid, and more.

Admissions Information

Course format

online icon face-to-face icon

This degree is offered through online and face-to-face classes.

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The SBU Advantage

  • Learn from faculty who are highly qualified educators with experience as teachers, principals and superintendents. In addition to their roles as faculty members, many also serve on state and national education boards.
  • Benefit from an engaging and relevant curriculum with an emphasis on practical application. Learn in our classroom one night and apply it in your classroom the next day.
  • Fit classes into your busy schedule through our convenient online and hybrid offerings that are scheduled with the time-constrained demands of the working educator in mind.

Faith Integration

SBU's Education graduate degree programs have been intentionally designed to model how the Christian faith shapes expertise, practice and experiences in professional educational settings. To assist students in developing as transformative agents in today's schools, our programs provide a foundation to become both scholars and practitioners — a synthesis of academic knowledge, practical skills and servant leadership. We desire that our students, while working toward a graduate degree in education, become true servant leaders who are able to integrate their faith into their practice to make a difference in today's society.

Nancy Colbaugh
"We believe in the leadership capacity of classroom teachers and are excited to provide this new opportunity for educational growth and advancement. This program is designed to provide a comprehensive and thorough study of the current issues that face our teachers and provide a path to enable the creation of aligned learning environments that support students both today and tomorrow."
Dr. Nancy Colbaugh
Associate professor of graduate education

Education Specialist in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership Course Plan

Year 1

Spring

EDU 7206 Aligned Learning Environments 6

Summer

EDU 7253 Comparative Global Curriculum 3
EAD 7043 Research and Statistics 3

Fall

EDU 7243 Technology Integration 3
EAD 7003 School District Administration 3
Total hours 16
 

Year 2

Spring

EDU 7223 Equity for College and Career Readiness 3
EDU 7233 Instructional Leadership: Coaching, Mentoring, Consulting, Evaluating 3

Summer

EDU 7213 Communication and Collaboration for Continuous Improvement 3

Fall

EAD 7013 Personnel Administration 3
EAD 7063 Field Study 3
THIS IS A PROPOSED GUIDELINE. Please check the catalog and see your advisor for your final degree requirements.
Southwest Baptist University reserves the right to make changes to degree plans without advanced notice or obligation.
The student is responsible for understanding and completing all general education, degree, departmental and graduation requirements.

Download in PDF format:

Education Specialist in C&I Leadership Plan (PDF)