Ed.S. in K-12 Leadership

What Is an EdS Degree?

Active teachers who hold a master’s degree can enhance their skill sets and broaden their applicable knowledge by earning a doctoral education specialist degree. The Education Specialist in K-12 Leadership at Grand Canyon University is unique in that it focuses on the improvement of instructional skills, allowing teachers to advance their career qualifications without having to complete a dissertation or residency. Graduates are prepared to advance into leadership roles within the dynamic and diverse 21st century education field.

Offered by the College of Doctoral Studies, the EdS degree builds knowledge in ethics, research and theory with a focus on educational policy development, staffing, organizational leadership and instructional supervision. The accelerated coursework guides learners in acquiring core competencies that are immediately applicable in the field. Using an analysis-driven approach, learners examine best practices in leadership that support teaming at all levels and the maintenance of a diverse learning infrastructure.

Earn Your Online EdS Degree at GCU

Graduates will emerge fully prepared to address the challenges of the modern school, with a strong foundation of educational policy development, ethical decision-making and servant leadership. The coursework guides learners in developing a firm grasp on organizational leadership, staffing and supervision at the building and district levels. GCU strives to graduate learners who are confident communicators, able to convey complex information to a variety of stakeholders. GCU is a Christian school with an emphasis on professional ethics and the Christian worldview.

Earn your EdS online at GCU with accelerated coursework. The entire degree can be completed online via our intuitive learning platform, enabling learners to connect with their instructors and benefit from diverse views of their peers. A total of 30 credits are required for completion. Online classes are eight weeks in length.

Study Curriculum That Is Aligned with ELCC

The coursework for the EdS degree is aligned with the standards of the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). Aspiring education leaders explore key concepts in leadership thought, ethical stewardship and K-12 community building. In courses such as Training and Collaboration for Learning, Strategic Planning in K-12 Education and Progressions in Leadership Thought, learners will study the following topic areas:

    Seminal leadership theories and models, with a look at the evolution of leadership theories and the range of leadership research

    Long-range strategic planning in K-12 education based on the establishment of a shared mission, vision and goals among internal and external stakeholders, including a survey of professional and facilities development

    Horizontal and vertical collaboration to ensure consistency in instructional practice

    Current and emerging leadership strategies and classroom practices in K-12 education

Become an Educational Specialist in K-12 Education

Teachers with an EdS degree are prepared to lead and inspire others within the educational community thoughtfully. This degree program empowers educators to become more effective K-12 instructors for the betterment of their students. Some graduates may wish to pursue opportunities in school administration or consulting. As of September 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates job growth for instructional coordinators to increase by about 10% from 2020 to 2030, as fast as average, accounting for an estimated increase of 18,400 jobs in the field.1

1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 may be atypical compared to prior years. The pandemic may impact the predicted future workforce outcomes indicated by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as well. Accordingly, data shown is based on 2020, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Instructional Coordinators.

If seeking licensure or certification, applicants to the program are responsible for contacting their state department of education for licensure requirements and program approval. In addition, fingerprint/background clearance is required.