The Education Specialist Degree (EdS) in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation (ALLI) program is an advanced educational program that builds on master’s degree-level studies. It equips leaders with the advanced expertise and innovative approaches needed to thrive in leadership roles across diverse work environments. There are many benefits to an EdS degree, however in this article, we will discuss the top five.

What is an EdS Degree?

Many schools offer EdS degrees as a way to pursue an education further than a traditional master's program. Drexel offers an EdS program in School Psychology and Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation. As mentioned above, an EdS degree allows people to explore possible leadership opportunities and enhance their abilities – whether they are leading in the classroom or from any other position, including environments outside of education.

EdS Degree in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation (ALLI)

To prepare educators and practitioners for leadership roles in a variety of educational contexts, the Education Specialist (EdS) in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation (ALLI) delivers a comprehensive and sophisticated curriculum that surpasses the coursework typically found in master’s degree programs. The goal of this specialized degree program is to provide leaders with the advanced expertise, skills, and creative approaches necessary to succeed in their line of work.
The program is designed for students who want to pursue a post-master's degree. The EdS degree fits between a master's and a doctoral degree.

5 Benefits of an EdS Degree in ALLI

Is an EdS degree worth it? While there are many benefits to pursuing a degree in ALLI, there are five that stand out among the rest. These five are:

• gaining a competitive edge in the education field
• gaining a valuable degree as an All but Dissertation (ABD) student
• earning a higher salary
• enjoying a flexible learning environment
• the potential for career advancement.

1. Gain a Competitive Edge in the Education Field

Having an EdS degree in the education field can put you ahead of other qualified candidates thanks to the material you are taught and the skills you gain from it. Students enrolled in the EdS program will complete a series of core courses focused on key subjects including educational leadership, innovation, research, and evaluation. The program experience culminates with an applied capstone project where students apply the concepts and skills developed through the program.
The EdS program also has several graduate-level certificates embedded within the requirements. During the program, students will complete either one (1) 18-credit certificate or two (2) 9-credit certificates 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. In Drexel’s program, there are a plethora of concentrations, some of which include creativity and innovation, education policy, higher education leadership, and organization and talent development. Once a certain course or program is finished, students are awarded the credits and certificates immediately after, which allows them to receive that certification before graduation.

2. Gain a Valuable Degree as an All But Dissertation (ABD) Student

For students who have finished all the coursework for an education-focused doctoral degree program (at Drexel or another university) but did not finish the dissertation (often referred to as ABD), the EdS program also supports a pathway for them to return and obtain a valuable credential. While this is an alternative for ABD degree students, it is not a replacement for a doctorate degree.

3. Earn a Higher Salary

With an EdS degree, one of the benefits is the opportunity to earn a higher salary. Employers take note of the additional skills and knowledge acquired from this degree and are often inclined to offer a higher salary. According to ZipRecruiter, education specialists make $92,340 on average. This number varies by factors such as demand, location, and education level.

4. Enjoy a Flexible Learning Environment

The EdS program at Drexel University, which is intended for working professionals, can be finished in two years of flexible, part-time online study. Our program is asynchronous and interactive, focused on your professional practice.

5. Potential for Career Advancement

An education specialist degree can offer different career pathways that are more advanced. A common question among prospective students is “Can I become a professor with an EdS?” The answer could be yes depending on certain factors like the institution and the position you are applying for (i.e., adjunct professor vs a tenured track professor). There are other careers for advancement as well such as:

• Education administrator (e.g., superintendent, principal, district administrator)
• Talent and Development Manager (corporate)
• Special Education Director
• Academic Program Director (at a college or university)
• Admissions Director (at a college or university)

Start Your EdS Degree Journey Today

Professionals have a fantastic opportunity to grow in their professions and gain leadership experience with the Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Applied Learning, Leadership, and Innovation (ALLI). Flexibility, a competitive advantage in the job market, the possibility of earning higher wages, and opportunities for substantial career advancement make this program unique. The EdS degree gives you the abilities and information to succeed in a variety of educational settings, whether you are a professional trying to broaden your influence or an "All but Dissertation" (ABD) student looking for a worthwhile certification. Drexel's EdS program is online and may be finished part-time in only two years, making it ideal for working professionals. Apply now to Drexel University's EdS program to further your career and become an educational leader!