Catherine Dunn Shiffman, Professor of Leadership Studies
Bowman Building, Office 216A; (540) 535-3542; cshiffma@su.edu

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership program provides advanced preparation for learners with career goals related to PreK-12 and higher education who have completed a master’s degree but do not seek a doctoral degree. The program is student-centered, inquiry-driven and problem-oriented with an emphasis on the application of theory to real world problems. Learners think deeply, examine critically and understand theoretically the challenges facing schools, higher education, and related organizations. The 36-credit program is organized around interdisciplinary leadership content and research coursework that is complemented by a 3-credit capstone project.

Program prerequisite

Master’s degree with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA

Admissions Requirements

• Graduate Application for Admission and $30 Application Fee
• Unofficial transcripts for initial admission from all institutions of higher education previously attended
• Three Letters of Recommendation (One from an immediate supervisor, one academic reference, and at least one professional with knowledge of the candidate’s ability in the chosen concentration)
• One (1) page resume
• Essay addressing the applicant’s motivation and goals while in the EdS program (no more than three double-spaced pages)
• Interview with EdS Program Coordinator (applicant should contact and schedule)
• Language Proficiency Requirement must be met. Submission of TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test (DET) may be required. See our policy for full details.

Transfer Requirements 

With approval from the Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and the faculty of the Division of Education & Leadership, students may substitute up to 9 approved graduate credits from a regionally accredited institution if these courses were not counted toward a previously earned degree. However, additional courses may be required to create a viable degree program.

Applicants needing foundational coursework will be advised of the necessity before they will be permitted to take advanced level coursework.

Only grades of “A” or “B” are transferable.