Educational Specialist Degree Online: Requirements to Enroll in and Complete an Online Educational Specialist Degree

Published Nov 08, 2009

RSS Feed

With an education specialist degree, you are prepared for advanced leadership roles within the field of education. Education specialists serve in roles such as curriculum supervisors, directors of special programming or personnel administrators at schools and other educational institutions. Online programs are offered at the post-master's level.

Enrolling in an Online Education Specialists Degree Program

Most education specialist programs are offered as post-graduate programs, which means students are usually required to hold a master's degree to be considered for admission. Other program requirements vary. Some programs may require students to have a minimum of two to three years of experience in the field or to hold a teaching or school administrator license.

Prospective students may need to submit an application to be considered for admission, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of intent and GRE or MAT test scores. Some programs have specific application deadlines while others enroll students on a continual basis.

Completing an Online Education Specialist Degree Program

Online degree programs for educational specialists require between 36 and 48 credit hours of coursework and are designed to be completed within two years. While students receive materials and submit coursework over the internet, some programs also require participation in on-campus colloquiums. Most include an internship that may last up to one full year. Students usually must arrange for their own internship; however some educational specialist programs may provide assistance.

Students in these programs study topics such as curriculum development, staff development, staff management, education law, principles of administration, education funding, community relations and research design. They might also be required to complete a research project or thesis during their program. Thesis topics are determined by the students' areas of interest.

Featured School Choices:

  • Purdue Global

    Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • MSE in Instructional Technology - Adult Learning/Higher Ed
    • M.S. in Higher Education - Online College Teaching
    • M.S. in Education (for Practicing Teachers Grades K-12)
    • M.S. in Higher Education - College Teaching & Learning
    • Master of Science in Health Education
    More information about Purdue Global
  • Grand Canyon University

    Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • Master of Science in Instructional Design
    • MA in Curriculum and Instruction
    • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Qualitative Research
    • Ed.D in Teaching and Learning with an Emphasis in Adult Learning - Quantitative Research
    • M.Ed. in Early Childhood
    More information about Grand Canyon University
  • Saint Leo University

    Saint Leo University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • MS: Instructional Design
  • Liberty University

    Liberty University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • PHD: Education: Instructional Design and Technology
    • CTG: Instructional Design and Technology
    • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction: Instructional Design and Technology
    • PHD: Advanced Educational Studies: Instructional Design and Technology
    • EDD: Curriculum and Instruction
    More information about Liberty University
  • Bryant & Stratton College

    Bryant & Stratton College responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • AAS Early Childhood Education
    • Early Childhood Care and Development Diploma
  • Full Sail University

    Full Sail University responds quickly to information requests through this site.

    Suggested programs:
    • Instructional Design and Technology Masters - Online
    More information about Full Sail University