Educational Leadership, EDS

• The Specialist in Education (EdS) is a flexible, online degree program designed for educators to advance their careers in leadership of learning systems. The degree consists of 30 credit hours of leadership courses amongst 3 tracks. The courses throughout the program are available online and available to educators both in Kentucky and throughout the world. Kentucky students in the EdS program may achieve either Rank II or Rank I designations through the Education Professional Standards Board.  

• Completion of the Teacher Leadership track leads to a letter of eligibility for the Teacher Leader Endorsement from the Education Professional Standards Board.  

• Completion of the Principal track leads to a letter of eligibility for the Advanced Educational Leadership Certification from the Educational Professional Standards Board.  

• A general educational leadership track (non-licensure) is also available for students outside Kentucky and those choosing a non-licensure option.  

Admission Requirements 

• Earned Masters, preferably education-based, from a fully accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. 

• Transcripts from previous post-secondary institutions 

• Professional Resume 

• Personal Statement 

• Writing Sample 

• (If pursuing licensure) A copy of a valid K-12 teaching certificate 

• (If pursuing licensure) Minimum required years of teaching experience 

• (If Principal track) 2 Recommendations, including one from a district-level administrator 

Degree Requirements 

• 30 Credits, 10 courses, typically earned over 5 semesters including summer. 

• Teacher Leader track: 15 credits, 5 Course, Core + 15 credit, 5 course electives.  

• Principal track: 24 credits, 8 course, Core + 6 credit electives. 

• Portfolio-based capstone final defense