Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) Overview
This post-master’s degree is for experienced scholars and leaders in the education field who seek to develop their potential and competencies and who are committed to improving PK-12 education both within their organizations and beyond.
Track Information
Educational Leadership Track: Leads to certification as a district-level superintendent and provides leadership candidates with further specialization in the field of educational administration.
School Leadership Track: Designed for experienced educators who have a master’s degree in another area but who now wish to certify as school administrators.
Ed.S. Track Requirements
Students seeking an Ed.S. in this concentration area (Track 1), leading to certification as a district-level superintendent, must have a valid South Carolina teaching certificate in School Administration (Professional Level, Elementary or Secondary). Students must also submit their Praxis II score report in Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision.
Concentration Area Courses (24 credits)
- EDSL-851 Interpersonal and Group Relations in Education
- EDSL-852 Data Analysis for Educational Leadership
- EDSL-853 School Personnel Administration
- EDSL-854 Leadership for Social Justice
- EDSL-855 Leading School Renewal
- EDSL-856 School Facilities Planning
- EDSL-858 Evaluation of School Programs and Personnel
- EDSL-859 The Superintendency
1-Year Internship (6 credits)
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
* Must be the final course completed in the degree program; may be taken concurrently with EDSL-976.
Notes:
The South Carolina State Department of Education also requires verification of a total of three years experience as a PK-12 or post-secondary teacher and two years as a school or school district administrator, post-secondary administrator, or school business administrator in order to add on superintendent’s certification.
In order to be recommended for SC certification as a school district superintendent, candidates must have a valid SC teacher’s professional level certificate and show evidence of a passing score on the PRAXIS Education Leadership: Administration and Supervision subtest. In addition, the South Carolina State Department of Education also requires verification of a total of three years’ teaching experience as a K-12 or post-secondary teacher, as well as two years’ experience as a school or district administrator, post-secondary administrator, or school business administrator.
Students seeking an Ed.S. in this concentration area (Track 2) must have a valid South Carolina teaching certificate (Professional Level: K-6, 7-8, or 9-12); a minimum of two years’ teaching experience, including at least one year at the level of the certificate for which the individual is applying (Elementary grades: K-6; Middles grads: 7-8; Secondary grades: 9-12); and a master’s degree in another area. Those who have middle level initial certification can pursue either elementary or secondary administrative certification if they have a minimum of one year’s teaching experience at that level, as well as initial certification at the elementary or secondary level. To complete this program, students must show evidence of a passing score on the appropriate Praxis II exam.
Concentration Area Courses (21 credits)
- EDSL-719 Leadership in Educational Organizations
- EDSL-727 Strategic Planning and Thinking in Education
- EDSL-730 Designing and Implementing Curriculum
- EDSL-823 School Finance
- EDSL-825 Schools and the Law
- EDSL-840 Supervision and Instructional Leadership *
*Must be taken prior to or concurrently with the internship
**Pre-requisite EDSL-719 Leadership in Educational Organizations.
1-Year Internship (6 credits)
PICK TWO
- EDSL-971E Internship in Elementary School Administration
- EDSL-972E Internship in Elementary School Administration
OR
Capstone Experience (3 credits)
- EDSL-879B Advanced Seminar in Educational Leadership and Research: Topics in Finance, Law and Policy
Must be the final course completed in the degree program; may b.e taken concurrently with EDSL 972E/S
Notes:
All courses in the School Leadership concentration sequence must be completed prior to the end of the internship, which is a year-long experience. Additionally, in order to gain SC certification in school administration, candidates must have a valid SC teacher’s professional level certificate; show evidence of a passing score on the PRAXIS Education Leadership: Administration and Supervision subtest (required for both certification and degree program completion); and have a minimum of three years’ teaching experience, including at least one year at the level of the certificate for which the individual in applying.
About Vernon Prosser
Vernon Prosser serves as the Program Coordinator for School Leadership and Educational Leadership. With more than 35 years in education, Prosser has served as a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, and most recently as superintendent for the York school district before joining the faculty at Furman. He is also a father of three. Former staff members say Prosser has always put students first and has valued education throughout his career.
“I’ve had a lot of different hats over the time I’ve spent in education and I have enjoyed every minute of it!” -Prosser
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