An EdS degree in Applied Learning, Leadership and Innovation is perfect for individuals looking to lead teams and inspire meaningful change across many organizations. From corporate, to non-profit, to school systems, an education specialist degree will equip you with engaging, cutting-edge coursework that you can apply directly to your career.

Graduates of the EdS degree program can pursue many careers including:

• Education Administrator (superintendent, principal, district administrator)
• Talent and Development Manager
• Chief Innovation Officer
• Director of Teaching and Learning

This EdS degree program does not lead to any state educator certification or licensure. Educators are encouraged to contact their individual district or employer to determine whether completion of this Ed.S. program qualifies them for salary advancement.

Designed for working professionals, the education specialist degree in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation program can be completed in just two years of part-time, flexible online study. Students enrolled in the EdS degree program will complete a series of core courses focused on key subjects including leadership, innovation, research, and evaluation. The program experience culminates with an applied capstone project where students draw on the concepts and skills developed through the program.

The Ed.S. program also has graduate-level certificates embedded within the degree requirements. During the program, students will complete either one (1) 18-credit certificate or two (2) 9-credit certificates to be selected from a pre-approved list of options. Certificates are included to allow students to delve deeper into select areas of specialization and to apply the concepts learned in the core courses of the program in different contexts.

Concentrations

Collaborative Special Education Law and Process
Build an understanding of legislation, litigation, and policies around special education and gain insight into how to support families and children with disabilities.

Creativity and Innovation
Unlock your inner-creative self to solve real-world problems and gain a rich understanding of creative principles to guide you throughout your career.

Creativity Tools and Techniques for the Classroom and Workplace
Develop your creativity toolkit and learn important techniques to approach and solve challenges in the workplace.

Education Policy
Explore the process and substance of education policy in the U.S. through coursework that digs deep into topics such as ethics, access and equity, and the global impact on education policy.

Higher Education Leadership
Gain knowledge about the structure and governance of colleges, universities and complex organizations. Students also develop a rich understanding of student development, legal issues, and ethics in higher education.

Instructional Design for e-Learning
Learn and apply the principles, theories, models, tools, and techniques of instructional design in diverse e-learning settings. This program focuses on the knowledge and skills necessary for aspiring learning design professionals.

International Higher Education
Through a global lens, students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to lead successful careers in higher education institutions and organizations all across the world.

Learning Analytics
This program prepares students to make data-driven decisions to lead change and improvement in educational systems.

Learning in Game-Based Environments
Equip yourself with a working knowledge of game-based learning strategies. Examine games and game genres as they related to teaching and learning, and how the design of games supports transformative experiences in any learning setting.

Mind, Brain & Learning
Delve into Mind, Brain, and Education Science within dynamic, real-world contexts. Explore the latest research and methodologies to equip yourself with a comprehensive understanding of how the mind and brain function in the learning process.

Online Teaching and Learning
Develop the skills and knowledge needed to effectively design and deliver instruction online. Courses in this program focus specifically on developing practices using technology and other emerging methods for quality teaching and online learning in PK-20 settings, for adult learners, and in corporate settings.

Organization and Talent Development
This program equips emerging leaders with the competencies and capabilities to design and implement talent development and management, coaching and mentoring, and organization development and change initiatives in any organizational setting regardless of sector and industry.

Student Development and Affairs
Gain a strong understanding of the issues related to student affairs and success to help you effectively serve students across a variety of departments in higher education institutions.

U.S. Education Policy
Develop a sophisticated understanding of the U.S. education system, policy, and governance to help you perform more effectively as a education professional.

ABD to EdS Pathway

Alternatively, ABD students who enroll at Drexel will complete a minimum of two (2) required core courses, one (1) 9-credit certificate selected from the available options, and the two-part Capstone project.

Transfer students may be able to transfer their credits into the EdS degree program. Potential transfer credits must be approved by the academic program and must have been completed within 5 years of applying to the EdS program.

	EdS in ALLI	ABD
Credits Required to Complete the Program	48	24
Total Transfer Credits Accepted into the Program	0	24

Note: ABD to EdS pathway assumes 24 credits transfer in from prior doctoral program leaving 24 credits to complete at Drexel to earn the EdS degree.

Learning through online courses allows students all the benefits of attending classes in person without having to commute to campus. Designed with working professionals and families in mind, students in the EdS in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation program have the flexibility to complete their assignments at a time of day that is best for them, while still being able to engage with their classmates and professors. Online students have access to the same resources as on-campus students, including the Hagerty Library, dining halls, and recreation facilities.

Admissions criteria for the EdS in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation program:

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with minimum GPA 3.5
• A minimum of 3 years of professional experience related to their career pursuit

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions attended (including trade schools)
• Three letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Three Writing Samples: Our goal with these writing samples is to understand more about you and how you communicate in writing. We are interested in two types of writing: reflective writing, in which you will engage frequently in this program, and academic writing, important in communicating your ideas in a more formal manner. Reflection writing should be written in first person. Prompt #1 is reflective writing. Prompt #2, academic writing. Prompt #3 you may approach as you wish.
  • Prompt #1: Personal Goal Statement (Reflective Writing – maximum 500 words) What do you expect to gain from an EdS degree? Why this degree and why now? What professional goals do you imagine this degree will help you to achieve? What is it about this program that you think will help you to meet those goals?
  • Prompt #2: Focus of Concern: How do we do this better? (Academic Writing – Maximum 500 words) The learning in this program will orient to your own professional practices around something that you believe could and should be done better. In this writing sample, you are to explain a focus of concern for you in your professional practice and why it warrants your attention. Who is impacted by your focus of concern and who cares about it, aside from you? This writing will tell us how well you are able to formally communicate something that matters to you. Please use citations as appropriate and write a convincing argument that your focus of concern is worth addressing – something you believe should be done better.
  • Prompt #3: Conceptions of Leadership (Reflective or Academic Writing – Your Choice – Maximum 500 words) This is a program to develop your leadership capacity. Thus it is important to know how you think about leadership. How do you know when someone is leading? What do you think it takes to develop a good leader? What do you most need to learn in order to lead? There are no wrong answers here; we are interested in your thinking as a starting place for growing you as a leader.
• Resume
• Additional requirements for International Students

The Education Specialist (EdS) degree is a post-master's, terminal degree program designed for advanced practitioners. While it is not a doctoral program, it provides specialized training beyond the master's level. The EdS is also ideal for those who have completed all but the dissertation (ABD) in a doctoral program, offering a pathway to further expertise without the commitment of a PhD. However, it is important to note that the EdS is not a substitute for a PhD, as it does not require the extensive research and dissertation components of a doctoral degree. This program is perfect for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge in a specific area of study.

There is not a dissertation requirement for the EdS in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation degree program. All students, including ABD students complete a capstone project where they incorporate the knowledge gathered through the coursework into a final presentation.

The EdS degree in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation is a 100% online program. Students can take the first step toward enrolling in the program by completing the Drexel University online application. Students can also contact us with additional questions about the program via email at enroll@drexel.edu.