Educational Specialist, Educational Administration, Ed.S.

Why Study Educational Administration?

An education administration degree prepares you for an impactful leadership career in K–12 schools by combining practical coursework with real-world field experience. The program is designed to meet Missouri’s certification requirements for both building- and district-level leadership roles, with updates made as certification standards evolve. Students gain confidence and competence by working closely with experienced school leaders, including principals and superintendents. Taught by seasoned professionals with decades of experience, the Ed.S. in Educational Administration prepares students for leadership positions in today’s dynamic educational environment.

What You’ll Learn

• The online degree in education administration explores foundational leadership theories, the role of educational administrators, and how school policies and governance shape educational systems. You’ll develop skills in instructional leadership, including data-driven decision-making and team development, to improve student academic success.
• The educational administration degree program teaches you how to design and adapt curriculum to meet diverse student needs, and how to analyze instructional programs for innovation and effectiveness. You’ll also learn to interpret assessment data to drive school improvement and inform instructional practices, with a focus on Missouri’s state standards.
• You’ll gain the skills needed to build strong partnerships with families, community stakeholders, and school boards through effective communication and public relations strategies. Conflict resolution and collaboration techniques are emphasized to help future administrators foster a supportive school community.
• In the building-level certification courses, you will learn to navigate the legal frameworks that govern public education, including laws related to special education and student rights. You’ll also gain practical skills in school leadership, covering areas like curriculum design, student management, school operations, and hands-on field experience under the guidance of experienced principals.
• In the district-level certification courses, you will learn about school finance, budgeting, and accounting systems, as well as the legal and policy issues affecting school districts and personnel. Through an internship involving 40 hours of field experience, you’ll gain expertise in human resource administration and facilities management and have the opportunity to apply your knowledge in real-world district leadership settings.