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More about the Specialist in Educational Administration

The Specialist program requires a minimum of 30 credits beyond a masters degree. Entering students are expected to have an earned masters degree in educational administration or a related education or administration field.

The EdS program begins with a short, intensive summer program where students form a cohort of professional colleagues that meets online and on one Saturday each semester across the 2-year programs.

After the first summer, students follow an individual program plan involving online, face-to-face and hybrid courses and field based learning and apprenticeships. Students work closely with an academic adviser to construct their programs.

Students who successfully complete their EdS degree may qualify for the Michigan Department of Education's Central Office Endorsement if they already hold Michigan School Administrator Certification.

Specialist Program Framework and Requirements

Core Studies

Core studies address critical issues that stretch across the development of schools, districts and educational systems. These include:

  • Advanced studies in organizations, leadership, and systems change;
  • Critical consideration of policies that influence the orientation, operation, and outcomes of schools;
  • Applied analysis of district systems and operations;
  • Implementation and support for quality instructional programs
  • Exploration of the role of external educational providers in the service of school and district improvement.

Specialized Studies

Specialized studies, through elective courses, support targeted learning for specific career interests in the following areas:

  • Advanced System Leadership
  • Curricular and Instructional Program Development
  • Professional and Adult Development
  • Human Resource Management
  • School Finance and Operations
  • Policy and Politics
  • Urban Specializations
  • Assessment and Accountability
  • International Education
  • Educational Service Providers

Field Studies

  • Students take part in a team practicum in which they develop a descriptive case of a real district in Michigan, pose questions of immediate concern to the district, analyze collected data, and propose a strategic plan of action.
  • Field experience is offered through strong, ongoing relationships with a set of MSU mentors who are practicing administrators with district responsibilities.
  • In consultation with their advisors, students can also earn credit through national or international study tours or other field placements.

Specialist Signature Pedagogy

The Signature Pedagogy of the Ed.S. program has four key components:

  • Core courses have a hybrid delivery, generally meeting four times each semester on campus with online engagement between meeting dates;
  • Core courses earning 4 credits have an applied analysis component using real and relevant data;
  • A team of MSU mentors engage students throughout their core courses and provide targeted support for professional development;
  • A Michigan district partners with the Ed.S. program for the team practicum.

Earning the Central Office Endorsement

The State of Michigan has established a multi-layered system of credentials, endorsements, and enhancements to guide the preparation and professional development of educational leaders. Upon completion of the Ed.S., the K-12 Educational Administration Department can recommend graduates to the Michigan Department of Education for the Central Office Endorsement if they have up to date Michigan School Administrator Certification.