Program Overview

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.

Types

• Master

Location

• Online

Credits

• 30 hours max

Cost

• $315/credit hour

Overview

Teachers invest their lives in the education of their students. Now, it’s time for you to invest in yourself. Our Education Specialist Certification program gives you the ability to further develop your career with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue positions of leadership in your school or throughout your district. Online classes mean you can continue working and fit in coursework when you have time, and our Ed.S. Certification program’s accreditation means the education specialist certificate you receive will be respected – and sought after by employers. We offer six eight-week enrollment periods throughout the year, making it possible to complete your online Education Specialist Certification program in just over a year! Whether you are looking to move into school administration, teach at a community college, or expand your knowledge beyond the master's or Rank I level, our Education Specialist Certification program provides an avenue for advancing your career in education.

By the Numbers

• $61,820: Average Salary
• 4%: Industry Growth
• #2: in KY, Education Degrees
• 100%: Accredited

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. Cumberlands education certification programs allow graduates to seek specialized certification in the content area from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Course Requirements

• School Counseling – Standard Certification (30 hours)
  • ADOL 630 Introduction to Educational Administration
  • ADM 662 School and Community Relations
  • COOL 536 Psychological Assessments
  • COOL 539 Lifestyle and Career Development
  • COOL 630 Introduction to Addiction Counseling
  • COOL 632 Advanced Clinical Assessment
  • COOL 633 Children and Adolescent Counseling
  • COOL 635 Leadership, Advocacy, and Accountability in School Counseling
  • COOL 636 Counseling during Grief and Crisis
  • COOL 639 Counseling Theories and Techniques II
• Director of Special Education (18-30 hours)
  • Level I: 18 hours Required – Certification Only
    • ADOL 630 Introduction to Educational Administration
    • ADOL 632 Human Resource Management & Supervision
    • ADOL 636 School Law I
    • SPOL 632 Consultation and Collaboration for Curriculum Design
    • SPOL 636 Advanced Assessment Strategies and Prescriptive Writing
    • ADOL 668 Practicum: Director of Special Education
  • Level II: 12 hours (Additional hours to degree completion)
    • ADOL 633 Applied Research in Education
    • ADOL 634 Business Management in Public Schools
    • ADM 662 School and Community Relations
    • ADOL 637 School Law II
• School Superintendent (12-18 hours)
  • Level I: 12 hours Required - Certification Only
    • ADOL 644 Introduction to District Leadership
    • ADOL 672 School Administration and Regulation
    • ADOL 671 Instructional Leadership: School Superintendent
    • ADOL 669 Professional Clinical Experience: Administrative Superintendent
  • Level II: 18 hours Required
    • ADOL 631 School Program Improvement
    • ADOL 643 Special Education and School Leadership
    • EDOL 547 Diversity in a Multicultural Society
    • ADOL 628 Professional Learning Communities
    • ADOL 632 Human Resource Management in Public Schools
    • ADOL 634 Business Management in Public Schools
• Supervision of Instruction (18-30 hours)
  • Level I: 18 hours (Certification Only)
    • ADOL 630 Introduction to Educational Administration
    • ADOL 631 School Program Improvement
    • ADOL 632 Human Resource Management and Supervision
    • ADOL 636 School Law I
    • ADOL 639 The Supervisor
    • ADOL 665 Practicum: Supervisor of Instruction
  • Level II: 12 hours (Additional hours to degree completion)
    • EDOL 634 Curriculum Management and Assessment
    • EDOL 636 Problems in Education
    • ADM 662 School and Community Relations
    • EDOL 547 Diversity in a Multicultural Society
• Principal (6-30 hours)
  • Level I - 30 credit hours (Initial Certification)
    • ADM 650 Introduction to School Leadership
    • ADM 661 The School Principal’s Role in Improving School Climate and Culture
    • ADM 662 School and Community Relations
    • ADM 671 The School Principal’s Role in Curriculum Leadership
    • ADM 672 The School Principal’s Role in Assessing Instructional Program & Monitoring Student Performance
    • ADM 675 The School Principal’s Role in Creating Organizational Structures and Operations
    • ADM 676 Human Resource Leadership
    • ADM 670 Resource Allocation: Strategic Management and School Budgeting
    • ADM 679 Research and Development: Capstone Project
    • ADOL 636 School Law I
  • Level II - 6 credit hours (Additional hours to degree completion)
    • ADM 678 The School Principal: Instructional Leader and Curriculum and Climate
    • ADM 677 Seminar in Educational Change: Instructional Leader
• Director of Pupil Personnel (18-30 hours)
  • Level I - 18 credit hours (Initial Certification)
    • ADOL 630 Introduction to Educational Administration
    • ADOL 631 School Program Improvement
    • ADOL 632 Human Resource Management and Supervision
    • ADOL 641 School System Administration
    • SPOL 530 Characteristics, Identification, and Instruction of Students with Disabilities
    • ADOL 667 Practicum: Director of Pupil Personnel
  • Level II - 12 credit hours (Additional hours to degree completion)
    • ADOL 636 School Law I
    • ADM 662 Politics of School Community
    • ADM 670 Strategic Management in Education
    • ADM 637 School Law II

Mission and Goals

The purpose of University of the Cumberlands’ 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.

Education Specialist Careers & Outcomes

• Special Education Teacher: $61,820
• Instructional Coordinator: $63,740
• Educational Development Specialist: $61,570
• School Principal: $101,320
• Postsecondary Education Administrator: $96,910
• School Counselor: $60,510

Common Questions

• What is an education specialist certification?
  • An Education Specialist (Ed.S.) certification is a post-master's degree designed for educators who wish to gain advanced knowledge and skills in areas such as school administration, supervision, or counseling. It enables educators to specialize further and often leads to leadership or administrative roles in education.
• How long does an education specialist certification take?
  • The duration of an Education Specialist certification program typically takes just over a year to complete. For example, the University of the Cumberlands offers an online Ed.S. certification program that can be completed in just over a year with six eight-week enrollment periods throughout the year.
• Can I get an education specialist certification online?
  • Yes, you can obtain an Education Specialist certification online. Many institutions, including the University of the Cumberlands, offer online Ed.S. certification programs that provide flexibility for working professionals to complete coursework at their convenience.
• Is an education specialist certification worth it?
  • An Education Specialist certification can be worth it as it enhances your qualifications, potentially increases your salary, and opens up advanced career opportunities in education. It equips educators with specialized knowledge and skills that are highly valued in administrative and leadership roles within schools and districts.
• What can I do with an education specialist certification?
  • With an Education Specialist certification, you can pursue advanced roles in the education sector, such as school principal, instructional coordinator, special education teacher, educational development specialist, postsecondary education administrator, or school counselor. These roles involve leadership, curriculum development, and student support responsibilities.
• How to get an education specialist certification?
  • To obtain an Education Specialist certification, you need to choose an accredited program, meet the prerequisites, enroll in the program, complete the required coursework, and pass any necessary assessments. Upon successful completion, you will earn your Education Specialist certification.
• What is an education specialist?
  • An Education Specialist is an advanced education professional who has completed an Ed.S. certification program. They possess specialized knowledge and skills in areas such as school administration, supervision, or counseling, enabling them to take on leadership and administrative roles within educational institutions.
• What is EPSB accreditation, and why is it important?
  • EPSB accreditation refers to the Education Professional Standards Board accreditation, which ensures that educational programs meet high standards of quality and effectiveness. Programs accredited by the EPSB are recognized for their rigorous curriculum and commitment to preparing educators for leadership roles.
• What is the mid-point assessment in the Ed.S. program?
  • The mid-point assessment is a critical evaluation point in the Ed.S. program designed to measure students' progress and readiness for advanced coursework. This assessment helps ensure that candidates have developed the necessary knowledge and skills before proceeding further in their studies.
• What are the background hour requirements for the Ed.S. certification?
  • Background hour requirements vary by program and are designed to provide practical experience in educational settings. These hours typically involve supervised practice in areas such as administration, counseling, or instructional leadership, equipping candidates with real-world experience to complement their academic learning.