THIS PROGRAM IS OFFERED FULLY ONLINE.
The Education Specialist in Advanced Educational Studies allows candidates to build upon existing knowledge and skills as a practitioner. Education Specialist degree completers possess advanced knowledge and skills to develop and design curriculum, implement instructional methods that are data-driven and responsive, and assess instructional practices that facilitate student learning. Also, candidates will gain the ability to use fundamental applied research methods informed by theory and inquiry to address everyday, practical educational problems.
New starting Fall 2023 is our Urban Education Endorsement! The endorsement consists of three courses that can be used to satisfy your elective requirements.
Urban Education Endorsement Flyer
Urban Education Endorsement Information Sheet
Required Coursework 30 credit hours (Download Program Information)
The EdS in Advanced Educational Studies can lead to a certificate upgrade in Georgia to Level 6. Candidates must complete concentration coursework assignments and assessments in their current area of certification (such as Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, etc.). Applicants should confirm their upgrade eligibility using the Upgrade Advisor on the MyPSC website.
This program is 100% online.
Admission Requirements
Minimum 3.0 GPA at the Master’s level. Minimum 2.5 GPA at the Baccalaureate level.
Minimum Degree Requirement:
Minimum of a Master’s degree in a teaching or related field from an accredited program and an accredited college or university. To be used to satisfy degree requirements, evaluation of foreign educational transcripts must show degree earned that is the U.S. equivalency of degree required by the program.
Official transcripts are required from all universities and colleges ever attended. Only in the case of transcripts from international colleges/universities will an official course-by-course transcript evaluation be accepted in lieu of an official transcript. Official transcripts should be sent to Augusta University’s Office of Academic Admissions. To remain official, all transcripts must remain in the original, unopened, sealed and stamped/signed envelope from the Registrar’s office of the issuing institution. Alternatively, Augusta University will accept official electronic transcripts from the registrar’s office at your prior institution. Electronic transcripts should be directed to graduateadmissions@augusta.edu.
A valid level 5 or higher Professional, Advanced Professional, or Lead Professional teaching certificate, leadership certificate, service field certificate, or Life certificate. Applicants who hold a valid T-4 certificate and a Masters degree may be eligilble for an upgrade and should use the Upgrade Advisor on MyPSC website to confirm.
Proof of Lawful Presence:
In accordance with Board of Regents Policy 4.1.6, all applicants for admission to Augusta University are required to provide validation of lawful presence in the United States. Acceptance to the Augusta University is conditional until lawful presence is verified. ALL applicants who are U.S. Citizens must submit documentation that verifies his/her lawful presence in the United States at time of application to graduateadmissions@augusta.edu.
Technology Requirements
Operating System:
macOS 10.13 or higher
Processor:
minimum Intel Core i3 or equivalent
RAM/Memory:
8GB or higher
Storage:
128GB internal hard drive or larger (256+GB solid state drives preferred, but not required)
Features:
- Webcam and microphone
- Access to a broadband internet connection.
Also Recommended (but not required):
- Headphones
- Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable (suggested 5 feet or longer) with any needed adapters
Operating System:
Windows 10 Home or Pro (“streamlined” versions such as Windows 10S are not supported)
Processor:
minimum Intel Core i3 or equivalent
RAM/Memory:
8GB or higher
Storage:
128GB internal hard drive or larger (256+GB solid state drives preferred, but not required)
Features:
- Webcam and microphone
- Access to a broadband internet connection.
Also Recommended (but not required):
- Headphones
- Cat5e or Cat6 ethernet cable (suggested 5 feet or longer) with any needed adapters
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete the program?
Most students complete all ten courses in three or four semesters. This can be accomplished by taking three courses in the fall and spring semesters and four in the summer. It does not matter which semester you enter the program, this is just the number you would take per semester. If you would like to take longer, and fewer courses per semester, this is fine.
I am currently enrolled in a Master’s program. Can I still apply to begin in an upcoming semester,even though my degree and my transcript are incomplete?
Yes, you can. Submit your official incomplete transcript and T-4 teaching certificate with your application. You will be asked to submit updated documents by midterm of your first semester in the program. (If you are in a MAT program we understand you do not have aT-4 certificate to submit.)
What is the coursework like?
Each professor makes his/her classes their own, so they are all a little different. Some are structured more like independent studies, and others are more interactive. Assignments lean toward traditional reading and writing, but there are some that ask you to demonstrate your understanding in other ways. Some courses do make use of group work.
Do we ever meet synchronously?
The whole program is asynchronously online, with no set, shared meeting times. Most professors post videos or notes for you to review on your own schedule. Professors are happy to make themselves available to clear up points of confusion. And, some courses ask you to occasionally work with others in a small group, which might take the form of a shared virtual meeting.
Can my Ed.S. coursework count toward a doctoral degree?
Any course can only count in one degree program. It is not likely that you will complete your Ed.S. (which is a ten-course sequence) with extra courses that could count in a doctorate. The Ed.S. does not “roll over” into a doctoral program; it is its own degree.
How much are tuition and fees?
Tuition information can be found here. Fees for our fully online program are $230.00 per semester.
What are the start and end dates for each semester?
The academic calendar can be found here.
I am a full-time working teacher. Can I still complete the program in three semesters?
Yes, the program is designed for working teachers. We love learning from and with you about your students and classrooms!
Educational Specialist in Advanced Educational Studies Disclosure Statement
Augusta University offers several online degree, certificate, and endorsement programs. These programs are designed to meet the criteria for certification, endorsement, and advancement in the subject matter and grade level classifications established by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. Each state board establishes their own criteria for teacher/leader certification, which, in addition to educational requirements, may include (but are not limited to) testing requirements, mandatory certifications, minimum years in service, background checks, applications and fees. For questions relating to state board requirements for certification in your state, please contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.