Program Overview

Online EdS in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation

The Education Specialist (EdS) in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation (ALLI) is a comprehensive and advanced program that goes beyond the master's level to prepare educators and practitioners for leadership roles in various educational settings. This specialized degree program is designed to prepare emerging leaders with the advanced knowledge, skills, and innovative strategies to excel in their field.

Program Overview

• The program is fully online and can be completed in two years of part-time study.
• It consists of 48 quarter credits, with a tuition rate of $1525 per credit.
• The program includes a series of core courses focused on key subjects including educational leadership, innovation, research, and evaluation.
• The program experience culminates with an applied Capstone project where students draw on the concepts and skills developed through the program.

ABD to EdS Pathway

• This program supports a pathway for students who have completed all coursework toward an education-focused doctoral degree program but did not complete the dissertation.
• ABD students may apply some of their previously completed coursework to the EdS ALLI program and pursue a shortened path to completion of the EdS.
• Potential transfer credits must be approved by the academic program and must have been completed within five years of applying to the EdS program.

Career Opportunities

• The typical career paths for professionals with an EdS degree include:
  • Education Administrator
  • Superintendent
  • Principal
  • District Administrator
  • Talent and Development Manager
• This EdS program does not lead to any state educator certification or licensure.

Curriculum

• The program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year.
• One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
• Core Courses:
  • EDGI 604: Quantitative Literacy: Interpreting and reporting data for educational policy and research
  • EDUC 800: Educational Leadership & Change
  • EDUC 803: Educational Research Design I
  • EDUC 804: Program Evaluation in Organizations
  • EDUC 815: Writing for Research, Publication and Funding in Education
  • EDUC 845: Transformative Leadership: Finding One's Source
• Program Electives: Students are required to complete either two 9-credit post-baccalaureate certificates (PBC) or one 18-credit PBC and 1 additional elective.
• Capstone Project:
  • EDUC 870: Applied Leadership Portfolio Capstone
  • EDUC 871: Applied Leadership Project Capstone
• Total Credits: 48.0

Certificate Options

• Collaborative Special Education Law and Process: 12.0 credits
• Creativity and Innovation: 18.0 credits
• Creativity Tools and Techniques for the Classroom and Workplace: 9.0 credits
• Education Policy: 18.0 credits
• Higher Education Leadership: 9.0 credits
• Instructional Design for e-Learning: 9.0 credits
• International Higher Education: 9.0 credits
• Learning Analytics: 9.0 credits
• Learning in Game-Based Environments: 9.0 credits
• Mind, Brain & Learning: 9.0 credits
• Online Teaching and Learning: 9.0 credits
• Organization and Talent Development: 9.0 credits
• Student Development and Affairs: 18.0 credits
• U.S. Education Policy: 9.0 credits

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum GPA 3.5
• Minimum 3 years professional experience relevant to professional goals
• Required documents:
  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • Three Writing Samples:
    • Prompt #1: Personal Goal Statement (Reflective Writing – maximum 500 words)
    • Prompt #2: Focus of Concern: How do we do this better? (Academic Writing – Maximum 500 words)
    • Prompt #3: Conceptions of Leadership (Reflective or Academic Writing – Your Choice – Maximum 500 words)
  • Resume
  • Additional requirements for International Students

All But Dissertation (ABD) to EdS Completion Pathway

• Applicant must have advanced to doctoral candidacy or reached "all but dissertation" (ABD) status in a regionally accredited doctoral program
• ABD applicants must provide evidence of reaching doctoral candidacy or ABD status at a regionally accredited institution
• Required documents:
  • A completed application
  • Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended
  • Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • Four Writing Samples:
    • Prompt #1: Personal Goal Statement (Reflective Writing – maximum 500 words)
    • Prompt #2: Focus of Concern: How do we do this better? (Academic Writing – Maximum 500 words)
    • Prompt #3: Conceptions of Leadership (Reflective or Academic Writing – Your Choice – Maximum 500 words)
    • Prompt #4: Supplemental Prompt: ABD to EdS (Reflective Writing – Maximum 500 words)
  • Evidence of reaching doctoral candidacy or ABD status in prior doctoral program
  • Resume/CV

Tuition

• The tuition rate for the academic year is $1525 per credit.
• Students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
• Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations.

Academic Calendar

• Academic Year:
  • Term:
    • Fall 2025:
      • Classes Begin: September 22, 2025
      • Classes End: December 6, 2025
      • Exams Begin: December 8, 2025
      • Exams End: December 13, 2025
    • Winter 2026:
      • Classes Begin: January 5, 2026
      • Classes End: March 14, 2026
      • Exams Begin: March 16, 2026
      • Exams End: March 21, 2026
    • Spring 2026:
      • Classes Begin: March 30, 2026
      • Classes End: June 6, 2026
      • Exams Begin: June 8, 2026
      • Exams End: June 13, 2026
    • Summer 2026:
      • Classes Begin: June 22, 2026
      • Classes End: August 29, 2026
      • Exams Begin: August 31, 2026
      • Exams End: September 5, 2026