The Education Specialist, commonly referred to as Educational Specialist, Specialist in Education, or EdS, is an advanced degree designed for professional who would like to gain advanced knowledge and theory beyond the master’s degree level, but do not plan to pursue a doctoral degree. These programs are designed to offer the necessary knowledge and professional expertise for students who plan to pursue careers in university teaching, supervisory or leadership roles in post secondary schools, curriculum planning, consultant work, or similar positions. Because the course work in these programs is at the advanced graduate level, many schools will transfer the credits earned directly into a doctoral degree.
Levels of Training for EdS Training Programs
At the K-12 levels, individuals who earn their EdS degree will improve their skills for advanced licensure requirements (such as principalship), earn the credits required for re-certification or a number of other professional goals. Others may pursue the EdS degree to meet state or professional requirements for career advancement. At the higher education level, individuals earning an EdS will increase their knowledge for preparation in academic or administrative leadership roles.
Areas of Practice with an EdS Degree
The major areas of employment with this degree include adult education, adult learning, special education, higher education administration, school counseling, school psychology, educational leadership, ESL, educational administration, curriculum and instruction, superintendent, career and adult technical education, and others.
Earning an EdS Degree
The EdS degree is considered a post-master’s / pre-doctoral degree. In some states graduates can pursue licensure with an EdS. Other states may require either a PhD or EdD (a doctoral level degree) in order to pursue licensure. The EdS degree takes approximately three years to complete, as opposed to five years for a PhD or EdD.
Why is an EdS Degree Relevant to the Field of Psychology?
The EdS degree can easily be applied to the field of psychology in the form of a School Psychologist. Those with training in the field of psychology can pursue their EdS degree in order to gain the skills and competencies to work in the school setting. School psychologists work closely with students, teachers, administrators and other supportive staff to ensure that students have the academic support and educational materials they need to learn most effectively. School psychologists can also play the role of a counselor within the school setting, as opposed to an educator.
Salary with an EdS Degree
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, in 2014 School Psychologists earned a median salary of $68,900. Those at the top 75th Percentile earned $89,830 and those in the lowest 25th Percentile earned $51,980.