If you are looking to hone in on an educational specialty, pursue leadership roles in your school district, or simply invest in professional development, you may be considering an Education Specialist (EdS) program.

An EdS is a post-graduate professional degree that allows experienced teachers, support staff, and administrators to develop specialized educational skills in a specific niche.¹

There are many benefits of an EdS degree, from enhanced career opportunities to flexible program options. We will explore these in detail in the guide below.

Advancing Your Educational Expertise with an EdS Degree

An EdS degree is different from a California Special Education Teaching Credential. While the latter is a post-baccalaureate program that prepares prospective special education teachers to get their Preliminary Credential (authorization to teach in the state), the former is the pathway to an additional college degree. ^2,3

During an EdS program, you can deepen your knowledge in a specialized area of education—like school counseling. However, an EdS degree is not a master’s or a doctoral degree. Instead, the EdS offers an opportunity to develop niche skills without committing to a lengthy graduate program.

Career Opportunities and Professional Growth

One of the benefits of an EdS degree is that it can expand your career potential. Depending on your chosen EdS program, your niche could prepare you for one of the following roles:

• Principal
• Instructional coordinator
• Education consultant
• School psychologist

For educators considering how to become a special education teacher in California, an EdS degree can complement their credentials, providing specialized expertise in areas like school psychology or curriculum development. This is why EdS programs are such a popular option for experienced classroom teachers and support staff (like guidance counselors) looking to pivot to an administrative or leadership role—or a role outside of the school system entirely.

Whether you are looking to pursue jobs in curriculum development or district-level administration, an EdS could be your path to wider job opportunities.⁴

Admission Requirements and Prerequisites

Before enrolling in an EdS program, it is important to understand the admission requirements. While specific criteria vary by institution, most programs require:

• A master’s degree in education or a related field (some programs may accept a bachelor’s degree with experience)
• A valid teaching credential or relevant professional experience
• Letters of recommendation from educational or professional references
• A statement of purpose outlining your career goals and interest in the program
• Minimum GPA requirements, typically around 3.0

Some EdS programs may also require standardized test scores (such as the GRE), though many institutions have waived this requirement in recent years.

Comparing EdS and Master’s Degrees

An EdS degree is not a master’s or a doctoral degree. Instead, it is:

• A post-graduate program: You must complete a bachelor’s program to qualify. 
• A degree-earning program: Graduates will receive an EdS diploma. 
• Between a master’s and a doctorate: An EdS offers advanced specification beyond the master’s level but below the doctoral level.

What else makes the EdS unique (especially compared to master’s and doctoral programs)?

• Practicality: EdS programs typically focus on practical applications of in-depth concepts.
• Direct career connection: Many EdS programs (in school psychology, for instance) offer direct preparation for a specific career.
• Flexibility: Many EdS programs are available partially or completely online—a perfect match for working professionals.

Time and Financial Investment

Speaking of working professionals, many educators must closely budget any investments they make in off-campus continued education. The EdS degree is also a good match for people looking to reduce their financial and time investments compared to a doctoral degree program.

For working teachers and staff who want to make a smart investment, an EdS can offer the short duration and lower cost they need to pursue additional career opportunities.

Recognizing EdS Degree Holders

Since EdS graduates do not receive doctoral degrees, they are not addressed as “Doctor.”

However, education professionals still recognize EdS graduates as specialists in the field. While the letters before your name may not change after graduation, your peers will nevertheless recognize your investment in specialization and advanced knowledge.

EdS vs. EdD: Making the Right Choice

One alternative to the EdS degree is the EdD: a doctorate in education focused on leadership and administration.⁵

So, which one should you choose, EdS vs EdD? While some EdS programs place an emphasis on leadership, they typically have other distinct goals:

• EdS programs typically place more emphasis on practical specialization than research—this is why EdS programs do not require a dissertation (while EdD programs do).
• EdD programs almost exclusively prepare students for careers in administration or higher education. While EdS specialties exist in these areas, many EdS graduates pursue on-campus careers in administration or specialty roles (as school counselors, for instance).
• EdD programs usually take longer than EdS programs—a doctoral program would be more rigorous than a post-graduate program.

Which one is right for you? It ultimately depends on your goals.

If you are looking to work in higher education, educational leadership, or district-level administration, an EdD might be the right choice. If you are looking to specialize in an educational niche, an EdS is likely a better fit.

How to Choose the Right EdS Program

With so many EdS programs available, it is essential to select one that aligns with your career goals and learning preferences. When evaluating programs, consider:

• Specialization options: Does the program focus on your area of interest, such as school counseling or educational leadership?
• Accreditation: Ensure the institution is accredited to maintain the value of your degree and meet licensure or certification requirements.
• Program format: Do you prefer fully online coursework, hybrid learning, or in-person instruction?
• Time commitment: Some Ed S degree programs can be completed in as little as one year, while others may take longer.

Choosing the right Education Specialist program ensures that you get the most value from your degree and build the expertise needed for your desired career path.

Flexible Learning Options

EdS programs are widely available nationwide, and they are available in numerous formats:

• Traditional in-person: Many colleges and universities offer traditional, in-person coursework for EdS students. This is not always the best fit for working professionals, however.
• Online: You may pursue an EdS program conducted entirely online. This can expand your educational options, giving you the chance to “attend” institutions outside of your region.
• Blended: Many colleges and universities offer a hybrid approach: a combination of in-person and online learning.

Generally speaking, EdS programs offer flexible learning options for educators, giving them the ability to balance their studies with ongoing professional responsibilities.

Elevate Your Educational Impact with an EdS Degree

After participating in California Teaching Credential Programs, earning a Clear Credential, and getting experience in the field, many educators pursue specialization opportunities—like an EdS degree.

EdS programs are shorter, more affordable, and less demanding than doctoral programs, making them a great fit for working professionals looking to specialize.

Ready to explore a niche in school psychology or school counseling? Partner with Alliant International University. We offer two all-online EdS programs complete with Pupil Personnel Services Credential preparation—ideal for passionate educators and mental health advocates.

Request more information about our EdS programs and explore your options now.

Sources: 

1. Botes, Niki. “FAQ: What Is an Education Specialist (EdS) Degree?” Indeed. April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-education-specialist-degree. Accessed March 18, 2025. 
2. Botes, Niki. “FAQ: What Is an Education Specialist (EdS) Degree?” Indeed. April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-education-specialist-degree. Accessed March 18, 2025. 
3. “Education Specialist Instruction Quick Facts.” California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. January 31, 2024. https://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/roadmap-to-teaching/credential-quick-facts/education-specialist-instruction-quick-facts. Accessed March 18, 2025. 
4. Botes, Niki. “FAQ: What Is an Education Specialist (EdS) Degree?” Indeed. April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-education-specialist-degree. Accessed March 18, 2025. 
5. Verma, Anubha. “What Can You Do with an Education Doctorate? (With 10 Jobs).” Indeed. April 18, 2024. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-can-you-do-with-education-doctorate. Accessed March 18, 2025. 

The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. Alliant International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of Alliant graduates. Alliant does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.