Education Specialist: Educational Leadership

The Ed.S. (Educational Specialist) degree program in Educational Leadership allows current teachers or administrators who already hold a M.A. or M.Ed. and are certified in school administration, to advance their degree and add certification for the superintendency. This program, new in Fall 2010, prepares candidates to be school system and district leaders.

In order to be admitted to the program, a candidate must have:

• A Master’s degree in school leadership or educational administration and supervision from an accredited college or university
• A graduate minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
• A valid South Carolina Professional Certificate at the elementary, middle, or secondary level in elementary administration and supervision or secondary administration and supervision
• Minimum qualifying score of 590 on the Praxis II area examination in Educational Administration and Supervision, as required by the State Board of Education
• Two completed recommendations by current or former supervisors, or persons familiar with the candidate’s leadership qualifications
• Completed the graduate application form
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended

To be recommended for the Ed. S. degree requires completion of all program requirements including all courses and the internship, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the program.

Please note: The South Carolina State Department of Education also requires verification of a total of three years experience as a pre-K-12 or post-secondary teacher and two years as a school or school district administrator, post secondary administrator, or school business administrator.