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Education Specialist in Education Leadership

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39

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credits

Take Your Expertise Further with the Ed.S. in Education Leadership

For experienced educators seeking to advance their leadership roles beyond the school level, the Education Specialist in Education Leadership (Ed.S.) program at Thomas More University offers the ideal pathway. This advanced degree is designed for those with a master’s degree in education who want to earn both Level 1 and 2 certifications as a School Principal and Instructional Supervisor.

With a 39-credit hour curriculum focused on advanced leadership, this program combines rigorous coursework with real-world field experiences. It’s tailored to help you excel in district-level leadership roles and beyond.

Thomas More University is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This program has been awarded full accreditation by AAQEP through Dec. 31, 2030. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality. For a list of programs covered under this accreditation, CLICK HERE.

Key Features:
  • Expert Faculty: Learn from school and district leaders who are experienced practitioners.
  • Hands-On Training: Field experiences, practicums, and internships integrated into the curriculum.
  • Mission-Driven Focus: Rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, emphasizing ethical leadership and service.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum: 39 credit hours of advanced coursework.
  • Certification Pathways: Earn both Level 1 & 2 School Principal Certifications and Instructional Supervisor Certifications.
  • Assessment Preparation: Prepare for the Advanced Educational Leadership 6990 assessments.
  • Flexible Learning: Hybrid learning model with flexible options for working professionals.
Ideal For:
  • Educators with a master’s degree and at least three years of K-12 teaching experience.
  • Leaders aspiring to district-level administration or instructional supervisor roles.
Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Ed.S. program are equipped to pursue advanced leadership positions, such as:

School Principal (Level 1& 2 Certified) | Instructional Supervisor (Level 1& 2 Certified) | District Administrator | Director of Curriculum and Instruction

Frequently Asked Questions

The M.A. in Education Leadership focuses on foundational skills for educators aspiring to become school principals (Level 1 certification), while the Ed.S. in Education Leadership is an advanced program for educators with a master’s degree, offering both Level 1 & 2 certifications for School Principals and Instructional Supervisors.

Yes! Both programs offer the Option 6 Alternative Certification pathway, allowing you to begin working as a principal while completing your coursework.

The Ed.S. program takes approximately 24 months, depending on your schedule.

Both programs are offered in a hybrid model, combining online asynchronous and synchronous coursework with onsite training and practicum experiences.

You’ll benefit from personalized academic advising, mentorship from experienced faculty, field experiences tailored to your goals, and networking opportunities with education leaders.

Both programs prepare you for the Advanced Educational Leadership – School Principal 6990 assessments, ensuring you meet certification requirements.

Yes, Thomas More University offers merit-based scholarships, employer tuition reimbursement, and financial aid options. Visit thomasmore.edu/financial-aid for details.

EDS 775 Foundations and Principles of Leadership

EDS 776 Ethics for Leaders

EDS 777 Cultural Competency for School Leaders

EDS 778 Instructional Supervision & Resource Management

EDS 779 School and Community Engagement

EDS 780 School Law and Policy I

EDS 781 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment & Field Experience

EDS 782 Developing a Culture of School Improvement & Field Experience

EDS 783 Finance for School Leaders & Field Experience

EDS 784 Educator Leader Research

EDS 785 Special Education for Supervisors

EDS 786 School Law and Policy for School Leaders 2

EDS 787 Educational Leadership Internship and Reflective Practice Seminar

Take the Next Step in Your Career

Learn more about the MA in Education Leadership or the Ed.S. in Education Leadership at Thomas More University.