Education Specialist
Why Pursue an Education Specialist Degree?
The Piedmont University College of Education offers the Education Specialist degree (EdS) in several fields. Individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university may wish to pursue course work that will enhance their teaching skills and/or prepare them for instructional leadership roles in their schools or school districts.
How an Education Specialist Degree Helps You
How are we different?
The EDS is a 100% online degree for individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university who may wish to pursue course work that will enhance their teaching skills and/or prepare them for instructional leadership roles in their schools or school districts.
Degree Opportunities
At Piedmont, we offer four options for students interested in pursuing an Education Specialist Degree:
*Summer Start Only
Teachers build bridges to the future. Art teachers spark curiosity, ensuring those bridges lead to interesting places.
The Education Specialist degree program in Art Education is an advanced certification program designed to prepare professional educators to attain distinguished levels of both theory and practice and to become contributing members in the professional discourse of improving schooling in roles such as director of art education, department head, or curriculum coordinator.
Applicants must currently hold certification in Art Education in order to qualify for a certificate upgrade upon completion.
The Education Specialist degree (EdS) is a sixth-year graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction. Individuals with a master’s degree from an accredited college or university may wish to pursue course work that will enhance their teaching skills and/or prepare them for instructional leadership roles in their schools or school districts.
The Education Specialist degree (EdS) is offered on the campuses in Demorest and Athens, as well as through our online graduate programs.
Georgia-certified educators who successfully complete the Education Specialist program and pass the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) in Curriculum and Instruction are recommended for a Service certificate (S-6), making them eligible for a certificate upgrade.
The Education Specialist degree (EdS) is a sixth-year graduate program in Curriculum and Instruction. Individuals with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from an accredited college or university may wish to pursue advanced course work that will enhance their teaching skills and/or prepare them for instructional leadership roles in their schools or school districts.
The Education Specialist degree (EdS) is offered on the campuses in Demorest and Athens, as well as through our online graduate programs.
Georgia-certified educators who successfully complete the Education Specialist program are recommended for a Service certificate (S-6), making them eligible for a certificate upgrade.
*Summer Start Only
The Education Specialist degree program in Music Education is an advanced program designed to prepare professional educators to attain distinguished levels of both theory and practice and to become contributing members in the professional discourse of improving schooling in roles such as director of music, department head, or curriculum coordinator. Applicants must currently hold certification in Music Education (P-12) in order to qualify for a certificate upgrade upon completion.
More About an Education Specialist Degree
Learn more about an Education Specialist degree and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
Eligibility for application requires a master’s degree with a 3.5 cumulative GPA from an accredited college or university and two or more years of verified successful teaching experience at a public or a private school accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or the Georgia Accrediting Commission (GAC) at the Accredited With Quality (AWQ) or Accredited (ACC) level.*
Applicants must also submit:
- Graduate Admissions Application
- Official, final transcripts from the college or university awarding your master’s degree. (Piedmont University transcripts are on file.)
- Two (2) professional references. One reference is required from a supervising administrator, and the other can be a choice of the following: a former professor, or instructor (college instructor, staff development instructor or mentor), or professional colleague
- Copy of valid, current professional certificate at the appropriate level for Georgia educators seeking certificate upgrade. Alternatively, candidates from independent schools should submit a letter from the principal or head of school verifying full-time employment as a teacher or educational administrator. (Note: If your certificate is not a Georgia certificate and you desire to be certified in Georgia, you must complete all requirements through Professional Standards Commission [PSC].)
- Letter of Intent
- Professional Activities Resume
- Verification of Professional Experience (two years)* at the time of application
- Personal Affirmation Form
* For Art Education EdS you must verify three years of professional teaching experience.
Related Programs
Intrigued by an Education Specialist degree? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in Education.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning an Education Specialist degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in Education.