Why Earn Your Education Specialist Degree at Saint Leo University?
Now is the time to earn your education specialist degree online. The graduate education program at Saint Leo University offers the specialist in education degree with a concentration in transformational school leadership. This course of study is designed for individuals holding a master’s degree in education or a related field of study (e.g. guidance and counseling, social work, human services, organization leadership, etc.) yet want to advance their career, grow their knowledge base and enhance their professional practice.
The curriculum for this program of study is aligned with the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) (Council of Chief State School Officers) 2015 standards which focus on seven aspects of transformational leadership that enables leaders to think critically; analyze systems and organizational structures; support innovative initiatives that supports effective practice and research that maximized student learning and demonstrations of achievement outcomes; facilitates staff members ability to drive instructional practice for student success; build collaborative school cultures; and create a community of stakeholders.
Courses within the education specialist degree program have been identified to ensure students complete a relevant and rigorous program of study. Additionally, they all infuse the Saint Leo University core values, thus helping students grow in body, mind and spirit.
Learning Experience:
Online
Est. Time to Complete:
2 years
Credit Hours:
36 hours
Education Specialist Program Details
The online education specialist degree is beyond the master’s degree and is a leadership degree that prepares individuals to assume professional roles in administration and supervision.
Learn More: View Our Information Session
Learn Your Way:
Online, On Campus, or Near You
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What are the on-campus facilities like?
Students who pursue their degrees at Saint Leo’s main campus near sunny Tampa Bay, Florida, join a community of enthusiastic learners just like them.
Education specialist students enjoy plenty of engaging learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, as well as exciting departmental events.
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What are the benefits of earning your education specialist degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
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Taking online classes has afforded me the opportunity to learn while maintaining a job. They give me some flexibility to study at times that work more cohesively with my schedule and allow me to utilize resources such as the library 24 hours a day.
Bentley Streat | Hayes, VA
Are education centers near you offering education specialist degree programs?
You may also choose to pursue your degree through one of our education centers, which merge a traditional in-person education with the flexibility to match your lifestyle. Education centers offer eight-week academic terms as well as evening and weekend classes.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
What skills you will learn?
- critical thinking;
- analysis of systems and organizational structures;
- research that maximizes student learning and demonstrations of achievement outcomes;
- facilitates staff members ability to drive instructional practice for student success;
- build collaborative school cultures;
- create a community of stakeholders
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How will you gain real experience?
The curriculum for this program of study is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders advanced by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA), Council of Chief State School Officers.
What can you do with an education specialist degree?
The online education specialist degree is beyond the master’s degree and is a leadership degree that prepares individuals to assume professional roles in administration and supervision. In addition to preparing you for a doctorate (EdD) program, should you decide that you want to take your education further, earning your Ed.S. degree also qualifies you to work in a variety of higher-level positions, some of which include: school building leadership, school district leadership, higher education faculty positions, and nonprofit organizational leadership.
What are the top education specialist degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| School Principals | 8% (As fast as average) | $98,490 per year |
| Education Administrator | 8% (As fast as average) | $97,500 per year |
| Postsecondary Teacher | 12% (Faster than average) | $80,560 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Where are Saint Leo education specialist graduates now?
Graduates will be qualified to work in a variety of establishments: primary and secondary schools, community colleges, universities, technical schools, governmental and adult schools, as well as, non-profit and advocacy organizations. Some educational leaders put their skills to use in the business world, developing training programs for Fortune 500 companies.
College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services
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Saint Leo’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers students a holistic education that lays a strong foundation for critical and independent thinking. The curriculum is designed to help students broaden their horizons and build valuable skills sought by employers. From biology to sociology, the College offers 17 high-quality and flexible programs on campus, online, and through our education centers.
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.