Educational Specialist in Special Education

Program Snapshot
Salary and Careers
Program Benefits

Educational Specialist in Special Education

The Ed.S. with a Major in Special Education is an online, 27-hour program offering two (2) tracks that prepare you for roles as educational professionals in the field of special education. You will gain insight into the critical issues of special education, engage in critical reflection of positionalities and epistemologies as practitioners, and understand how legislation has served students with exceptionalities.

This advanced program is designed to revitalize classroom pedagogy and provide a path for inclusive leadership, both of which are increasingly vital to the betterment of education for all learners.

The Special Education Track provides you with the skills necessary to synthesize theory and practice through further examination of theoretically-based curriculum development, understanding of global education issues, and inquiry into making education equitable, democratic, humane, and socially just. If you choose this track, you may seek to advance your knowledge in special education as practitioners and teacher leaders.

The Tier 1 (EDL) Certification Track provides a path to Tier 1 Certification (18 hours) and is fully online. It is professionally oriented and candidates for the program are expected to currently be employed in a professional role in an organization providing professional educational services (e.g., school, regional educational service agency, department of education). In order to complete the required 18 hours, you will transfer to the Tier I Leadership program after you finish the Ed.S. to complete EDL 7601 and EDL 7615, both of which are offered every semester. No additional application fees will be incurred as long as these two (2) courses are completed within three (3) semesters following the awarding of the Ed.S.

Additionally, you will be required to take the GACE Leadership Ethics Exit Exam as well as the current Leadership Content Exam. Field activities and Key assessments accompany each EDL course to provide synthesis of the practical and theoretical knowledge necessary for today’s inclusive educational leader.

REQUEST INFO

KSU students in the special education classroom

Program Snapshot

Program Format: Online

Number of Credit Hours: 27 Total Hours

Entry Terms: Summer

Time to Complete: One-year Program

Application Deadlines:

Summer, April 1^st

Curriculum Apply Now

Admissions Requirements

Online Graduate Application - There is a non-refundable $60 application fee.
Transcripts - Official transcripts from EACH college and/or university you have attended.
Bachelor’s degree with a minimum GPA of 2.75 from a regionally accredited college or university

Apply now

Additional Program Requirements:

For the Special Education Track:

An earned master’s degree in professional education or a related field from an accredited institution, i.e., Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership.
Clear renewable Georgia teaching certificate (not necessary for applicants not seeking certification) or departmentally approved equivalent.
Professional Reflection Statement a) addressing your professional teaching and academic goals, and (b) identifying areas of educational interests.
Two letters of recommendation from individuals that reference your academic and professional background.
Employment - At least two (2) years of professional experience in teaching, administration, or related field
Resume or professional vitae documenting education, teaching experience, volunteer and service accomplishments and record of leadership activities.

For the Tier 1 Educational Leadership Certification Track:

An earned master’s degree or higher in professional education or a related field from an accredited institution, i.e., Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership.
Employment in a professional role in an organization providing educational services in an organization or district who has a documented partnership agreement in place with the Department of Educational Leadership.
Educational leadership mentor (mentor must meet the criteria specified on the educational leadership mentor form available on the graduate admissions website).
Resume or professional vitae documenting 2 years of professional teaching or administrative experience prior to admission consideration.
One online recommendation form.
Georgia Ethics for Educational Leadership Exam.

Special Education Specialist Degree Benefits at Kennesaw State

Top 20

Schools in the U.S. that students want to attend reported by U.S. News and World Report
7,100+

Companies recruited students and alumni from KSU in 2020

Hands-On Learning — You will develop in-depth knowledge and skills to implement in the classroom to advance education for all students that supports social and economic justice and academic succes.
100% Online — The Ed.S. with a Major in Special Education is entirely online, providing you with flexibility for a balanced work-learn life.
Learner-Centered Curriculum — Courses focus on a technology, learner-centered curriculum and instructional method, diverse student backgrounds, and critical pedagogy that aids you in meeting crucial learner needs.