Online EdS Degree: Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership

Program Advantages

• Complete in 18-24 months (full-time) or 2-3 years (part-time)
• No dissertation required—focused entirely on practitioner skills
• Aligned with Texas Superintendent Certification requirements
• Cohort model for professional networking and peer support
• Faculty with superintendent and district leadership experience
• Flexible scheduling for working professionals
• Faith-integrated curriculum applicable across public, private, and charter settings

Review degree plan

33-Hour Curriculum

Educational Leadership Core (15 hours)

Foundation in Christian Leadership:

• Leadership theory and practical applications in educational settings
• Emerging technologies and their impact on teaching and learning
• Academic writing and research methods for educational leaders
• Christian worldview integration in educational leadership
• Ethical leadership and governance principles

Superintendent Certification Courses (15 hours)

District-Level Expertise:

• Educational law and policy—navigating legal requirements and compliance
• Program evaluation—data-driven assessment and improvement strategies
• District and community relations—building stakeholder partnerships
• District finance, budgeting, and facilities planning (public or private school track)
• Human resource management—recruitment, development, and retention

Field-Based Executive Practicum (3 hours)

Applied Leadership Experience:

• Supervised practicum in authentic superintendent responsibilities
• Budget development and financial operations
• Policy development and board relations
• Strategic planning and district improvement initiatives
• Community engagement and stakeholder communication
• Mentorship from experienced district leaders

Program Outcomes

Graduates demonstrate competency to:

• Lead with ethical integrity and Christian values while supporting staff and students
• Develop mission-driven goals emphasizing academic excellence
• Cultivate inclusive cultures where all students thrive
• Build professional capacity through effective teacher development
• Engage authentically with families and communities
• Navigate educational law, policy, and financial operations
• Apply biblical principles to district leadership
• Evaluate research and implement evidence-based practices

Program Value Proposition

Efficiency & ROI

• 33-hour accelerated pathway vs. 60-90 hours for doctoral programs
• Complete in 18-24 months full-time (2-3 years part-time)
• No dissertation—100% focus on practitioner skills
• Significant time and cost savings while meeting certification requirements

Career Advancement

• Direct alignment with Texas Superintendent Certification
• Positions graduates for 50-100% salary increase over building-level roles
• Applicable across public, charter, private, and faith-based schools
• Strong professional network through cohort model

Faculty & Expertise

• Faculty with superintendent and district leadership experience
• Practical insights from leaders who’ve navigated the roles you’re pursuing
• Mentorship opportunities with experienced executives

Faith Integration

• Christian worldview embedded throughout curriculum
• Ethical leadership development rooted in biblical principles
• Supportive community of values-aligned professionals
• Balance of spiritual formation and professional excellence

Building-Level Administration

While the EdS degree is a gateway to district roles, many candidates begin as School Principals for essential preparation.

School Principals

• The Role: The chief administrator oversees operations, staff, curriculum, budgets, student safety, parent communication, and learning culture, driving academic success and ensuring policy compliance.
• Salary insights: The median principal salary is $104,070 (May 2024, BLS), with salary ranges from $72,400 to $165,820+.
• Job outlook: There currently 333,300 positions nationally and ~20,800 annual openings (primarily from retirements and transitions to district roles), with a -2% decline expected from 2024-2034 (school consolidation and enrollment shifts).

Executive District Leadership

These top-tier positions focus on the macro-management of entire school systems, requiring a balance of political savvy and administrative expertise. According to BLS job data for educational administrators:

Superintendent

• The Role: Acting as the district’s CEO, the Superintendent provides the primary vision and strategic direction. They manage board relations, develop district policy, and serve as the public face of the school system.
• Salary Insights: In Texas, salaries typically range from $90,000 to $250,000+. In large urban districts, total compensation packages can exceed $300,000.

Assistant Superintendent

• The Role: These leaders act as the Superintendent’s right hand, often specializing in specific divisions like Human Resources, Operations, or Instruction. They are responsible for executing large-scale strategic initiatives.
• Salary Insights: Generally falls within the $110,000 – $180,000 range, depending on district size and complexity.

Head of School / District Leader (Private/Christian)

• The Role: Specific to faith-based institutions, these leaders must weave spiritual formation into academic rigor. They ensure that school operations and curriculum remain aligned with explicit Christian values.
• Salary Insights: While these vary by institution, experienced leaders in prestigious private systems can earn salaries competitive with high-level CAOs.

Academic & Instructional Oversight

These roles focus on the “heart” of the school district: what students learn and how teachers deliver that knowledge.

Chief Academic Officer (CAO)

• The Role: The CAO is the architect of student achievement. They oversee curriculum standards, monitor instructional quality, and ensure that research-based teaching practices are implemented across every classroom.
• Salary Insights: National averages range from $140,000 to $215,000, with significant upward potential in larger districts.

Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction

• The Role: This position bridges the gap between the CAO and the classroom. They design instructional frameworks, coordinate district-wide professional development, and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching staff.
• Salary Insights: Typically earns between $110,000 and $180,000.

Operational & Specialized Administration

These leaders ensure that the district’s infrastructure—from buses to budgets—runs smoothly so that learning can occur.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

• The Role: The COO manages the “business” of education. This includes overseeing facilities, transportation, food services, technology, and general business functions to ensure operational efficiency.
• Salary Insights: Competitive with other executive-level roles, ranging from $110,000 to $180,000.

Executive Director of Student Services

• The Role: This leader manages the comprehensive support systems for students, including special education, counseling, health services, and discipline programs.
• Salary Insights: Part of the executive director tier, typically earning $110,000 – $180,000.

Specialized Directors (HR, Finance, Accountability)

• The Role: These directors provide deep expertise in niche areas like financial auditing, human resources, or state assessment and accountability.
• Salary Insights: Specialized roles generally range from $85,000 to $130,000.