Districts across the U.S. are in need of not just teachers but administrators and leaders who can help guide staff and students alike through the dynamic, fast-changing world of modern education. Skilled superintendents and district supervisors are in demand.

About Salem’s Online Education Specialist Degree (Ed.S)

For administrators looking for the next step in their careers, the Education Specialist Degree(Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership is the highest academic credential offered by the Salem School of Education. This online master’s in educational leadership program prepares administrators to take on the highest responsibility in school administration: superintendent. Graduates will also be prepared to be principals or general supervisors. Others may find the educational leadership degree coursework to be the next step in their careers in a non-academic setting.

We’ve designed our graduate-level programs to be entirely online. Our high-quality curriculum aims to provide professional growth and development opportunities, develop skills that allow you to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

Career Opportunities With an Ed. S. in Educational Leadership 

This master’s degree can prepare you to step into even more advanced leadership and administrative roles, like:

  • Superintendent
  • Assistant Superintendent
  • District Supervisor
  • Principal

Ed.S. in Educational Leadership: Learning Outcomes

Our master’s degree in educational leadership program is focused on readying you for some of the top leadership positions within the educational space. We emphasize developing practical skills and knowledge, focusing on topics and issues you will need to provide effective school and district management. Salem University’s long history as a university with an international and multicultural emphasis means you will have a truly global perspective to pull from as you tackle the problems and challenges of guiding a modern educational setting.

We align our online master’s in educational leadership course content with West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS), as well as the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), Praxis® Test 5412 Content Topics, the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Teachers, and the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Administrators.

You will learn how to:

  • Facilitate the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of shared school and district visions of learning through the collection and use of data to identify school and district goals, assess organizational effectiveness
  • Sustain school and district cultures and instructional programs conducive to student learning through collaboration, trust, and a personalized learning environment with high expectations for students
  • Ensure the management of a school and district’s organization, operation, and resources through monitoring and evaluating the management and operational systems
  • Collaborate with faculty and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources
  • Act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner to ensure a system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success by modeling school and district principles of self-awareness, reflective practice, transparency, and ethical behavior

Educational Leadership Classes in the Ed.S. Degree

The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership requires the successful completion of the following 30 credits of coursework:

  • EDU740 Public School Finance and Administrative Applications
  • EDU752 School, District, and Community Leadership
  • EDU770 Instructional Leadership
  • EDU780 School Law and Administrative Applications
  • EDU791 Technological Competencies for Educational Leaders
  • EDU764 Professional Practices of the Principal (internship fieldwork)
  • EDU774 Professional Practices of the District Supervisor (internship fieldwork)
  • EDU784 Professional Practices of the Superintendent (internship fieldwork)
  • EDU790 School Safety and Crisis Management
  • EDU799 Educational Leadership Capstone

Upon completing the online master’s in educational leadership programs at Salem, candidates will be eligible for the West Virginia Professional Administrative Certificate as PreK-12 Principal or PreK-12 Principal, Supervisor of Instruction, and Superintendent after completing an additional state-specific training (Evaluation Leadership Institute).

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose Salem University

Since 1888, Salem University has been a pioneer in affordable higher education, fostering lifelong learners who solve problems with a global outlook. Our offerings include accelerated programs for undergraduates and graduates through distance or on-campus learning, featuring a unique one-course-a-month format. Our online courses are designed to accommodate full-time employment, with supportive faculty and staff serving as mentors at our 100-acre campus in the Smoky Mountains.

Accreditation

The nationally accredited Salem School of Education offers programs approved by the West Virginia Department of Education and recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) for a streamlined path to licensure in your state.

Professional Licensure Notification

CAEP Annual Reporting Measures

Admission Requirements

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or start a live chat with us today!