Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) in Educational Administration

Earn a specialist's degree in Educational Administration

Prepare for roles in educational leadership at the district level with SBU's Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree program in Educational Administration. Our education specialist degree program serves as the basis for recommendation to be certified as a district-level administrator. You will be equipped to progress in your career as an educational administrator with advanced knowledge, instruction and theory beyond the master's degree level.

Developed in accordance with certification requirements established by the Missouri Board of Education, our Ed.S. degree is approved by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in addition to accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.

Upon successful completion of this program, required coursework, and a state test, you will receive certification as a district-level educational administrator.

For admission into the Education Specialist degree program, you must currently hold a master's degree and a valid teaching certificate, and have at least five years of teaching experience.

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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

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.

"SBU has a strong family culture; strong mission; strong focus; commitment to excellence in teaching and learning; and commitment to a Christian environment."

Dr. Nancy Colbaugh

Associate professor of graduate education

Specialist in Educational Administration Course Rotation

Course Delivery Types

Online (OL) — Complete assignments when it is most convenient for you. A collaborative online learning community is facilitated by our highly qualified faculty through the Blackboard Learning Management System. A “+ #” indicates the number of real-time class sessions, if any, during the semester. Real-time class sessions may be accessed through Zoom video conferencing software, ITV or seated on campus.

Hybrid (H) — Interact with your peers and faculty through a fusion of real-time class sessions and online coursework. Real-time class sessions may be accessed through Zoom video conferencing software, ITV or seated on campus. Online coursework is facilitated through the Blackboard Learning Management System.

Arranged — Internships are arranged with faculty.

Note: You can begin the course rotation in either fall, summer or spring terms.

Education Specialist Plan (PDF)

Education Specialist Plan with Leveling (PDF)