The School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology within the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities at Delta State offers an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Higher Education. Our 30 credit-hour, fully online program is focused on preparing individuals in post-secondary institutions for leadership in Higher Education. The Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education combines courses in two primary content areas, Curriculum and Leadership, to comprehensively prepare stronger instructors and leaders in higher educational settings.
The Higher Education specialist’s program is an ideal choice for individuals currently employed in a postsecondary institution seeking to acquire or advance their careers as directors, coordinators, managers, or supervisors in higher education at various administrator or management levels.
Our faculty is dedicated to helping you reach your goals. They are highly qualified and have years of practical experience helping prepare educators for increased responsibility.
Online
Credit Hours
(10 Courses)
Month Program
Why Get an Online Higher Education
Specialist’s Degree at DSU?
The content of the courses and related experiences will give you an in-depth perspective of curriculum and leadership from a holistic and reflective point of view. The Higher Education specialist’s degree online affords you the flexibility needed for advancing your career without interrupting your current work duties and engages you in an online learning community that is rich in diverse teaching experiences.
Courses such as Introduction to Educational Leadership equips them with essential skills and knowledge for navigating administrative roles, while courses like Resource Management and Leadership for Continuous Improvement focus on practical strategies for optimizing institutional resources and fostering organizational growth. Through Practicum and Seminar in Educational Administration, you will engage in hands-on learning experiences, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
- Applications accepted year-round
- Full-time and part-time options
- Flexibility to complete at your own pace
- Student advisement available online
- Fully-online program
- Begin classes any semester
- Complete program in 5 semesters
What Can I Do With an Educational
Specialist’s Degree in Higher Education?
Earning an Educational Specialist in Higher Education degree can open doors to many leadership opportunities. Expert educators ready for the increased responsibility of a leadership role will gain the tools they need to take the next step in their careers. Some areas in Higher Education that a graduate of this program may be able to enter include the following.
- Academic advising
- Admissions
- Alumni relations
- Campus life and safety
- Communication and marketing
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Financial aid
- Human resources
- Instructor
- Intercollegiate athletics
- Residence life
- Student affairs
- Student success
- Student support services
![Tiffany Gaskin, Educational Specialist in Higher Education graduate](http://sy69.gregorybgallagher.com/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2024/05/Tiffany-Gaskin-EDS-HE-May-2023-e1716233262214.jpg)
”My purpose and enthusiasm for serving students for the past 13 years in higher education has fueled my intent for leadership. By obtaining my Ed.S. degree in Higher Education, I am confident that my contributions to colleges and universities will surpass expectations and produce future leaders who will carry on the torch of overall growth and professional advancement.
Tiffany Gaskin, Ed.S. in Higher Education graduateClass of 2023
Graduate Funding Opportunities
Graduate students at Delta State University have a number of funding opportunities available to them, including Graduate Assistantships, fellowships, scholarships, and loans. In addition, we also offer an affordable tuition rate with no additional fees for out-of-state students. We work closely with students to identify and apply for federal and state financial aid programs, as well as student loans and state scholarships. We are committed to providing our students with all of the tools necessary to succeed in the education field, including access to affordable education and financial support.
Program Goals
The online Educational Specialist’s degree in Higher Education encompasses a diverse array of coursework and topics aimed at preparing professionals for leadership roles in educational settings. Students delve into foundational aspects such as Research for Educational Practitioners and Philosophy of Education, gaining a deep understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of educational practice.
Additionally, the curriculum addresses specialized areas such as Adult Education and Supervision Roles in Instruction, providing insights into diverse learner populations and effective instructional supervision. Leadership for Curriculum and Development rounds out the program, emphasizing the importance of strategic curriculum planning and innovation in educational leadership contexts. Together, these courses offer a comprehensive foundation for aspiring educational leaders seeking to make meaningful contributions to the field.
![An instructor and a student standing in front of a classroom, with three students sitting at desks, facing forward towards them.](http://sy69.gregorybgallagher.com/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2024/10/FYS-Class-Photos-62-scaled-e1734025909402.jpg)
Education Resources
Current Students
Stay connected with important dates, explore academic and professional opportunities, and engage with program resources.
Program Contact
Tim Watkins, Ed.D.
Program Coordinator
E: twatkins@gregorybgallagher.com
P: 662-846-4395