EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE PROGRAM

The Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) is a degree and licensure program for candidates who wish to become district level administrators (superintendents). The curriculum is cohort-based, providing mutual support for students going through the program together. Courses are taken in classroom, online, and blended formats. The district office internship is completed in two semesters. And, students are required to write and defend a thesis. The program can be completed in 15 to 17 months depending on credentials from other accredited colleges or universities.

Curriculum requirements include ten courses (30 credit hours) beyond those required for the Building Level Administrator license. Candidates must also hold a professional teacher’s license and must complete the Ed.S. coursework to receive the superintendent license. At least 24 credit hours must be taken from Indiana Wesleyan University.

The World Changer Model places an emphasis on vision of learning, school culture, leadership, influence, integrity, fairness, collaboration, and ethics. The program also focuses on being knowledgeable in school law; school finance; P-12 curriculum; P-12 instruction; school facilities; possessing knowledge, skills, and dispositions in ELCC/ISLLC Standards; synthesizing knowledge; applying common research methods and applying research findings to improving one's school district; communicating effectively in oral and written formats; thinking critically and reflectively; identifying effective teaching for learning activities and adapting instruction and support services to the needs of diverse learners and assessing learning outcomes; engaging in professional development; and participating actively in one's profession, school district, local community, and state.

ACCREDITATION

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, www.ncahlc.org; 312-263-0456. IWU is also a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, www.cccu.org; 202-546-8713.

The Educational Specialist Degree at Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington DC 20036; 202-466-7496. The accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel.

The Educational Specialist Degree is approved by the Indiana Department of Education, Division of Professional Standards, (317) 232-6610, www.doe.in.gov.

CONTACT ADMISSIONS
Toll Free: 800-895-0036
Email: aes@indwes.edu