The School of Leadership, Research, and Psychology within the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities offers an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Administration and Supervision, designed for educators seeking licensure in school leadership and career administrators looking to advance their professional expertise. The program offers 2 educational tracks, in both initial licensure and career level, consist of 30 fully-online credit hours and can be completed within a year.
The Ed.S. degree in Educational Administration and Supervision prepares students for roles as principals, assistant principals, or district administrators in both public and private schools. For the initial licensure track, applicants must hold a Master of Education in a related field, while the career track requires an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership or a M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Supervision.
Online
Year Program
Mississippi Educator Licensure Pathway
Why Get an Online Educational Administration and Supervision Specialist’s Degree at DSU?
The Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision degree online provides comprehensive training in educational leadership within public or independent school settings. Through our program, students gain invaluable real-world experiences that augment their application of essential knowledge and skills required for effective school leadership. The curriculum, aligned with national standards, ensures mastery of key competencies, with a focus on best practices in teaching, learning, and leadership. Graduates emerge well-equipped to lead A-rated schools and facilitate turnaround efforts for schools in need of improvement. Designed to accommodate the busy schedules of working professionals, our Educational Administration and Supervision specialist’s program can be completed in just one year, offering a convenient pathway to career advancement.
According to data from the Mississippi Department of Education’s school survey, there were 82 administrator vacancies during the 2022-2023 academic year. Supply and Demand projections indicate a growing need for educational administrators, with an estimated 3,150 administrative positions expected in Mississippi by 2030—a notable 8.6% increase from 2020. These figures underscore the importance of high-quality programs like those offered by Delta State University in producing licensed educational administrators to meet the evolving demands of the education sector.
- Applications accepted year round
- Flexible enrollment
- Online student advisement
- 30-hour program
- Designed for working professionals
- Multiple field experiences
- Complete at your own pace
- Asynchronous and synchronous class meetings
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Ed.S. Tracks in Educational Administration and Supervision
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Initial Licensure
The Initial Licensure track curriculum offers an in-depth study of leadership, organization, P-12 instruction, assessment and supervision, literacy leadership, and inclusion leadership. The learning outcomes are based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation Standards, the School Leadership Licensure Assessment content, and the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. Completing the program and passing the SLLA result in a Mississippi AAA License in Educational Administration.
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Career Level
The Career-level track curriculum focuses on study and application beyond the initial licensure program. The career track allows the practicing school leader to study and research best practices in leadership, ethics, learning, culture, supervision, educational technology, and organization. Completing the career-level Educational Specialist degree meets the requirements for a Mississippi AAA License in Educational Administration.
What Can I Do With a Specialist’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision?
Prospective salaries for graduates of the Educational Administration and Supervision specialist program typically range from approximately $40,000 to $90,000 annually. Graduates come from diverse geographic backgrounds, with recruitment efforts extending across Mississippi and the United States. In Mississippi, an Educational Specialist degree translates to an increased level of pay for educators. Moreover, obtaining an Educational Specialist degree in Educational Administration and Supervision from DSU serves as a steppingstone towards pursuing a doctoral program at the university. Through the Educational Administration and Supervision specialist program, candidates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive as principals, assistant principals, or district administrators in both public and private school settings.
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”As a mother, teacher, and pastor’s wife, I was concerned about adding the role of a graduate student, but DSU’s faculty supported me as I balanced my educational journey and personal life. Because of the knowledge, skills, strategies, and relationships built at Delta State, I successfully moved my school a level during the pandemic. Thanks, DSU, for making my dreams come true!
Lealue Triplett, Class of 2017Principal, Okolona Elementary School
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 Educational Specialist in Educational Administration and Supervision program at Delta State University is designed to produce graduates who embody the qualities of instructional leadership, integrity, and adaptability as change agents within the education sector. With a focus on continuous improvement and active engagement with the larger community, these programs aim to cultivate well-rounded educational leaders poised to make a positive impact. Additionally, the university is committed to serving participating educational leaders by offering academic resources, fostering collaboration opportunities, and facilitating relevant research endeavors. Through these initiatives, Delta State University endeavors to empower educational leaders with the knowledge, skills, and networks necessary to drive meaningful change and enhance educational outcomes.
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Education Resources
Current Students
Stay connected with important dates, explore academic and professional opportunities, and engage with program resources.
Program Contact
Kathleen Lott
Program Advisor
E: klott@cceweb.net
P: 662-846-4368
Dr. Diana Ezell
Program Coordinator
E: dezell@cceweb.net