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Online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) Certification

The opportunity to further develop your knowledge, skills, and credentials in the areas of school administration, school supervision, and school counseling.

Female professor teaching a class
Female professor teaching a class

Types

Master

Location

Online

Credits

30 hours max

Cost

$315/credit hour

Invest in your future while safeguarding theirs.

Teachers dedicate their lives to shaping students’ futures—now it’s time to invest in your own. The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Certification program at ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ provides the advanced knowledge and leadership skills you need to take your career further. Offered in a convenient online Ed.S. format, this accredited program prepares educators to pursue positions in school administration, district leadership, or community college teaching. With six eight-week enrollment periods each year, you can complete your education specialist certification online in just over a year while continuing to work full time.

Whether you want to advance beyond the master’s or Rank I level, expand your expertise in curriculum development and educational leadership, or qualify for higher-level opportunities in Kentucky and beyond, ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ Ed.S. certification program equips you with the respected credentials employers value. Flexible scheduling, online coursework, and a mission-driven focus make this education specialist program an accessible pathway to advancing your career in education.

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

100%

Accredited
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

Education Specialist Certification

Our online Education Specialist Certification program utilizes a collaborative online environment to facilitate learning and accommodate the busy schedules of working adults. We offer six eight-week enrollment periods throughout the year, making it possible to complete an affordable post-graduate degree in education in just over a year. As a student in our online Ed.S. Certification program, you’ll have several different levels and options to choose from. ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ education certification programs allow graduates to seek specialized certification in the content area from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. 

Course Requirements

Option 6 is Kentucky's university-based alternative certification route.  Teacher or administrative candidates who are fully admitted into one of the programs below are eligible for hire via Option 6.  Upon receiving an offer for hire in a qualifying position, Option 6 candidates may earn a temporary/provisional license for employment as a teacher while concurrently completing coursework in one of the programs below.

The Option 6 program is for individuals enrolled concurrently with employment as a teacher (in the MAT program) or as an administrator (in the MAED or Ed.S. programs).  Candidates in the Option 6 programs follow Track B for Continuous Assessment, while candidates in the Traditional programs follow Track A for Continuous Assessment.  Students must have passing scores on all state-required exams before a recommendation can be made for professional licensure.

The following programs provide eligibility for Option 6 upon full admission:

  • School Principal, Ed.S.
  • School Counselor, Ed.S.

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The purpose of ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’ Ed.S. program is to build upon the knowledge and skills of current educators like you, in order to provide an avenue for you to advance into leadership positions within the field of education.

An overview of educational administration, supervision, and resource allocation.
Knowledge of school law, school and community relations, and human resource leadership.
Strengthened research, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
Deeper appreciation and refinement of Christian moral values as exhibited within teaching.
Ed.S. certification that meets the standards of both the KDE/EPSB and the CAEP.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Education Specialist Careers & Outcomes

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. 

Instructional Coordinator: $63,740

Instructional Coordinator: $63,740

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. 

Educational Development Specialist: $61,570

Educational Development Specialist: $61,570

Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. 

School Principal: $101,320

School Principal: $101,320

Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. 

Postsecondary Education Administrator: $96,910

Postsecondary Education Administrator: $96,910

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. 

School Counselor: $60,510

School Counselor: $60,510

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. They may also offer advice regarding future college or career choices. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

Certification & Reciprocity for Education Programs

Learn more about the certification process for ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ education programs.

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Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Find out more about your future education specialist professors.

Dr. Debbie Richard

Dr. Debbie Richard

Professor
EdS - Educational Specialist
Education
Master in Education

Dr. Debbie Richard

Contact Information

502-381-1848
deb.richard [at] ucumberlands.edu
Dr. Shannon Deaton

Dr. Shannon Deaton

Dean of the School of Education | Associate Professor
EdD - Dr. Educational Leadership
EdD - Dr. Educational Leadership in Counseling Education & Leadership
EdS - Educational Specialist
Education
Education Administrative Certifications
Master in Education
Master in Teaching
Proficiency Evaluation for Additional Certification

Dr. Shannon Deaton

Contact Information

shannon.deaton [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building, Room 107
Dr. Teresa Wallace

Dr. Teresa Wallace

Dean of the College of Education & Leadership
EdS - Educational Specialist
Education
PhD Leadership

Dr. Teresa Wallace

Contact Information

teresa.wallace [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
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Graduation Education Handbooks & Resources

Education students in our graduate programs will need to access program handbooks, forms and other resources throughout their academic career.

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