Advanced Preparation in Educational Leadership
The Ed.S. degree offers innovative, inquiry-based preparation to meet the current realities and future needs of PreK and higher education leaders and their organizations. In this 36-credit program, mid- and senior-career professionals leverage practical experience, theory, and research skills to analyze and positively impact complex problems of practice. This two-year degree is designed for professionals who hold a master’s degree and seek advanced preparation in educational leadership. The program culminates with a capstone course.
The Ed.S. program prepares scholarly practitioners who apply theoretical and professional knowledge and skills in leadership, organizations, and research to their leadership roles in educational organizations; take a comprehensive approach to ethical leadership; and understand the context in which schools, school districts, higher education institutions and related organizations operate. The program provides a learning environment in which students think deeply, examine critically, and understand theoretically the opportunities and challenges facing schools and higher education institutions.
We prepare scholarly professionals committed to equitable, ethical, and reflective practice. We are:
- Learner-Centered: Learners bring to the program a general area of interest in which to ground their studies. We work with individuals to shape and examine a particular interest as it relates to leadership in educational organizations.
- Inquiry-Driven: We emphasize question-asking and synthesis rather than knowledge acquisition and the accumulation of facts. The learner’s topic of interest is explored systematically, thoughtfully, and deeply under the guidance of faculty members who share a vision of graduate education.
- Problem-Oriented: Learners examine problems of practice encountered in their educational organizations. Learners critically and intensively study these problems from interdisciplinary and diverse perspectives with the goal of deeper insight and capacity to positively impact outcomes in their organization.
Learn More About This Program
We prepare scholarly practitioners within a collaborative, learner-centered, inquiry-driven environment that values diverse cultures, experiences, and perspectives. This program is designed to be completed in two years.
Cohort Learning. The cohort is a defining feature of our program. Cohorts comprise mid- and senior-career professionals enrolled in the Ed.S., Ed.D., and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership programs. Cohort members move through a sequence of required program core and research courses together. This provides ongoing opportunities to learn from and with colleagues who bring diverse professional experiences and perspectives. The cohort provides a source of support for learners juggling work, school, family, and other obligations. Through the cohort, learners also grow their network of leader colleagues across schools, school systems, higher education institutions, and other education organizations.
Low Residency Model. Ed.S. learners are typically full-time working professionals. Our low-residency model preserves the benefits of in-person learning while capitalizing on the flexibility of virtual learning. Learners meet in person on three Saturdays at our Winchester and/or Loudoun locations each semester. This is complemented with a combination of weeknight Zoom classes and asynchronous learning.
Scholarly Practice. Learners examine problems of practice encountered in their educational organizations. Learners critically and intensively study these problems from interdisciplinary and diverse perspectives with the goal of deeper insight and capacity to positively impact outcomes in their organization.
Flexibility and Individualized Learning. One-third of the degree requirements are specifically tailored to Ed.S. learners’ professional goals and priorities. In consultation with their advisor, learners select 3 credits of leadership and 6 credits of research coursework, and a 3-credit capstone course.
Career Possibilities
Our graduates continue in their current role with enhanced skills and knowledge, advance within their organization, or secure new positions. Ed.S. alumni include senior school district and higher education administrators.
Classes & Capstone
Research Core (9 credits)
RST 765 Foundations of Doctoral Research
RST 775 Quantitative Research Design and Data Analysis
RST 784 Qualitative Methods for Doctoral Research
Research Electives (6 credits)
Select graduate-level research course credits appropriate for advanced preparation in educational leadership.
Leadership Electives (3 credits)
Select graduate-level leadership or education course credits appropriate for advanced preparation in educational leadership.
Capstone (3 credits, select 1)
One of the following courses will serve as the Ed.S. capstone. This capstone course must be completed after the student has been admitted into the Ed.S. degree. (Courses taken prior to enrollment in the Ed.S. will not satisfy this capstone requirement.)
- LST 693 Directed Study in Organizational Leadership I
- RST 672 Outcomes Assessment and Statistical Applications in Organizations
- RST 678 Practitioner Research I
Total Credits: 36
Meet the Faculty
Our accomplished and caring faculty serve as mentors beyond the classroom. They prepare you to serve as a compassionate educator, critical thinker and ethical leader. You’ll benefit from small class sizes that enable faculty members to provide individualized attention and nurture your academic and professional development.
Application Information
Shenandoah University’s Division of Education & Leadership provides student-centered, inquiry-driven, problem-oriented opportunities to explore issues related to public, education and nonprofit organizations.
View Application Deadlines and Submit a Graduate Application for Admission