Education Specialist

Program Description

The EdS is a graduate degree designed especially for directors of education, education superintendents, school principals, curriculum specialists, and other practitioners. An EdS degree is recognized as an intermediate professional degree, between a master’s and a doctoral degree. The focus of the EdS program is on preparing Christian educators who can provide effective leadership, promoting and improving Christian education in their areas of responsibility.

The EdS program is offered with specialization in the areas of Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Administration. The available cognates for the EdS degree are Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Administration, and TESOL. A customized cognate is also available for those who have another particular area of interest. See more about a customized cognate in the EdS curriculum section.

Time to Complete

The estimated time for completing the EdS program is approximately 18 months (approximately 12 months for coursework beyond the MA in Education and approximately 6 months for the EdS Project).

Prerequisites may increase this estimate. The EdS degree may lead to the PhD or may be used as a terminal degree itself. For this reason, credit transfer from an AIIAS EdS to an AIIAS PhD do not have the normal limitations, regardless of whether the EdS was completed or abandoned.

When to Begin

August or January

Admission Requirements

1. An MA degree or its equivalent (a minimum of 36 semester hours required), with a minimum GPA of 3.20 (on a four-point scale). A prospective student who does not meet the entry-level GPA requirement may be admitted on scholastic probation and given opportunity to meet this requirement by earning a 3.20 GPA at AIIAS during the first 12 semester hours.
2. Demonstrated English proficiency (see English Proficiency).

Prerequisites

1. Graduate education courses (minimum grade of B), to include the following courses, regardless of the area of emphasis:

• Research Methods
• Statistics
• Academic Writing

Note: May need to audit these courses or take a proficiency exam if taken 5 or more years ago.

• Faith and Learning in Christian Education

Note: Those who earned their bachelor’s and/or master’s degree from an AAA-accredited Adventist higher educational institution may not need to take this course.

Additional prerequisites for the emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction:

• Instructional Models
• Process of Curriculum
• Instructional Media

Additional prerequisites for the emphasis in Educational Administration:

• Institutional Finance
• School Organization and Law
• Principalship and School Improvement
• Instructional Media

2. Teaching experience, normally a minimum of 2 years. A letter of verification is required.

3. At least one religion course (undergraduate or graduate), with a minimum grade of C, from each of the following areas:

• Adventist Beliefs
• Adventist History or Spirit of Prophecy
• Biblical Studies

The following courses are offered as graduate level self-study modules to meet these prerequisites:

• CHIS 501 Spirit of Prophecy (2)
• NTST 502 Life and Teachings of Jesus (2)
• THST 501 Adventist Doctrines (2)

Note: Other Seminary courses may also apply (ask your academic advisor)

4. For those taking a cognate in TESOL. A pass in one of the standard English proficiency tests prescribed by AIIAS. The required passing score for the test is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 28 semester hours of coursework (600-level and above) with a minimum GPA of 3.20.
2. Successfully complete a minimum of 3 semester hours of fieldwork.
3. Successfully complete 6 semester hours of EdS Project.
4. Complete the Service Learning requirement.
5. Develop an e-portfolio to showcase his/her work in meeting the professional competencies.