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School of Education

Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership

Educators who pursue the Educational Specialist degree will further sharpen their skills and develop new competencies in instructional leadership, focusing on district-level leadership. After completing the EdS program, candidates will meet the qualifications for the Alabama Class AA certificate in Instructional Leadership. Candidates for the EdS degree program must hold a current Class A certificate in Instructional Leadership from the Alabama State Department of Education to be eligible to apply to the program. Most educators with an Ed.S. in educational leadership first pursue entry-level curriculum leadership or administrative positions such as assistant principal. Some seek positions as school principals or district-level executive or curriculum leadership jobs after some years of leadership experience. Classes for the EdS program meet entirely online through a synchronous format. Classes meet online weekly or bi-weekly through Zoom. No on-campus meetings are required.

Download Education Specialist Degree Information Packet

  • Admissions Requirements

    To be eligible for the Educational Specialist program, prospective students must have a master's degree (with a minimum GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0 for their graduate coursework), a current, Class A certificate in Instructional Leadership, and a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience. Applicants must apply through the Graduate School, submitting an official transcript from all institutions attended after high school, three letters of recommendation, an MAT or GRE score, proof of Class A certification in Instructional Leadership, and the State of Alabama Department of Education supplement EXP Form verifying three years of acceptable teaching experience. Applicants who earned their M.Ed. in educational leadership at a university other than UAB must be interviewed and submit a portfolio. To ensure their applications are complete, prospective students should review our full list of admission requirements by clicking on the link below.Applications are due March 1 for summer term entry, June 1 for fall entry, and October 1 for spring entry.

  • Course Sequence

    This degree program extends over four semesters or “blocks” of courses.This program features rolling admissions, so students may apply and enter during any term, spring, summer, or fall.

    Tentative Course Sequence for Block I

    First Eight Weeks

    EDL-718 (3 hrs.)
    Essential Skills for Organizational Leadership

    EDL-718-L (1 hr.)
    Field Experience for Essential Skills for Organizational Leadership

    Second Eight Weeks

    EDL-731 (3 hrs.)
    Law, Ethics, and Policy for Educational Leaders

    EDL-731-L (1 hrs.)
    Field Experience for Law, Ethics, and Policy for Educational Leaders

    Tentative Course Sequence for Block II

    First Eight Weeks

    EDL-728 (3 hrs.)
    Management of the Learning Organization

    EDL-728-L (1 hr.)
    Field Experience for Management of the Learning Organization

    EDL-728-L (1 hr.)
    Second Eight Weeks

    EDL-727 (3 hrs.)
    Leading the Adult Learning Community

    EDL-727-L (1 hrs.)
    Field Experience for Leading the Adult Learning Community

    Tentative Course Sequence for Block III

    First Eight Weeks

    EDL 717 (3 hrs.)
    Leading Change

    EDL 717-L (1 hr.)
    Field Experience for Leading Change

    Second Eight Weeks

    EDL 732 (3 hrs.)
    Leadership of Special Programs

    EDL 732-L (1 hr.)
    Field Experience for Leadership of Special Programs

    Tentative Course Sequence for Block IV

    First Eight Weeks

    EDL 719 (3 hrs.)
    Mentoring and Coaching Skills for School Leaders

    EDL 719-L (1 hr.)
    Field Experience for Mentoring and Coaching Skills for School Leaders

    Second Eight Weeks

    EDF Elective

    EDF 702 (3 hrs.)
    Critical Social Issues in Education

Coursework and Degree Requirements

Program Checklist

The Educational Specialist degree program consists of (a) educational leadership coursework, (b) course-related field experiences, and (c) an advisor-approved Foundations of Education elective. A practicum is also required for those students who obtained a Class A certification in Instructional Leadership prior to September 1, 2008, Core courses include Leading Change; Leading the Adult Learning Community; Management of the Learning Organization; Essential Skills for Organizational Leadership; Law, Ethics, and Policy for Educational Leaders; and Leadership of Special Programs. In deference to the working professionals who enroll in this degree program, courses are organized in a hybrid format of synchronous (face-to-face via Zoom) and asynchronous (online) class sessions.

Candidates for the educational specialist degree must complete the special education course Introduction to Exceptional Learners (ECY 600) or its equivalent.

Learn more about Educational Leadership in the video below.

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