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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.

Female professor teaching a class
Female professor teaching a class

Types

Master

Location

Online

Credits

30 hours max

Cost

$315/credit hour

Invest in your future while safeguarding theirs.

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.  

Anchor: Stats

By the numbers

$61,820

Average Salary

4%

Industry Growth

#2

in KY, Education Degrees

100%

Accredited
Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

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

  • 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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

Option 6 is Kentucky's university-based alternative certification route.  Teacher or administrative candidates who are fully admitted into one of the programs below are eligible for hire via Option 6.  Upon receiving an offer for hire in a qualifying position, Option 6 candidates may earn a temporary/provisional license for employment as a teacher while concurrently completing coursework in one of the programs below.

The Option 6 program is for individuals enrolled concurrently with employment as a teacher (in the MAT program) or as an administrator (in the MAED or Ed.S. programs).  Candidates in the Option 6 programs follow Track B for Continuous Assessment, while candidates in the Traditional programs follow Track A for Continuous Assessment.  Students must have passing scores on all state-required exams before a recommendation can be made for professional licensure.

The following programs provide eligibility for Option 6 upon full admission:

  • School Principal, Ed.S.
  • School Counselor, Ed.S.

Take the Next Step

Anchor: Mission & Goals

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.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Education Specialist Careers & Outcomes

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special Education Teacher: $61,820

Special education teachers work with students who have a wide range of learning, mental, emotional, and physical disabilities. 

Instructional Coordinator: $63,740

Instructional Coordinator: $63,740

Instructional coordinators oversee school curriculums and teaching standards. They develop instructional material, implement it, and assess its effectiveness. 

Educational Development Specialist: $61,570

Educational Development Specialist: $61,570

Training and development specialists plan and administer programs that improve the skills and knowledge of their employees. 

School Principal: $101,320

School Principal: $101,320

Elementary, middle, and high school principals oversee all school operations, including daily school activities. 

Postsecondary Education Administrator: $96,910

Postsecondary Education Administrator: $96,910

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. 

School Counselor: $60,510

School Counselor: $60,510

School counselors help students develop academic and social skills. They may also offer advice regarding future college or career choices. 

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Certification & Reciprocity for Education Programs

Learn more about the certification process for Cumberlands education programs.

Students walk to class near the Grace Crum Rollins Center
Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts

Find out more about your future education specialist professors.

Dr. Debbie Richard

Dr. Debbie Richard

Professor
EdS - Educational Specialist
Education
Master in Education

Dr. Debbie Richard

Contact Information

502-381-1848
deb.richard [at] ucumberlands.edu
Dr. Shannon Deaton

Dr. Shannon Deaton

Dean of the School of Education | Associate Professor
EdD - Dr. Educational Leadership
EdD - Dr. Educational Leadership in Counseling Education & Leadership
EdS - Educational Specialist
Education
Education Administrative Certifications
Master in Education
Master in Teaching
Proficiency Evaluation for Additional Certification

Dr. Shannon Deaton

Contact Information

shannon.deaton [at] ucumberlands.edu
Luecker Building, Room 107
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Education students in our graduate programs will need to access program handbooks, forms and other resources throughout their academic career.

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