The Educational Specialist degree program in K–12 educational administration is intended for school administrators who hold master's degrees in that field and who wish to continue their professional education or for educators who hold graduate or graduate-professional degrees in other fields and who want to prepare for administrative positions in K–12 education. The program consists of a minimum of 30 semester credits of graduate study beyond a graduate degree in an appropriate field. However, an applicant may be admitted without having earned a graduate degree. For those admitted without a graduate degree, the program consists of a minimum of 60 semester credits of graduate study.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the College of Education, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Faculty members review applications for program admission and look for indications of a high probability of success if admitted to the program. Such indications include a high level of academic performance at the bachelor’s and graduate levels, letters of reference supporting academic and clinical proficiency, evidence of leadership in education, above average scores on the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test, quality of written expression, and a statement of professional goals that is consistent with the objectives of the program. Applicants must submit a sample of their academic or professional writing.

Requirements for the Educational Specialist Degree in K–12 Educational Administration

The academic advisor will review the student’s statement of professional goals and graduate credits earned prior to admission and develop a planned program which meets the requirements specified below.

1. A minimum of 21 credits in 800-900  level courses in the K-12 Educational Administration major excluding clinical or field-based experiences (e.g. field research, laboratory or reflective practicum, externships, internships, and supervised fieldwork).
2. A minimum of 9 credits in supervised clinical or field-based experiences. The credits must be in 800-900 level courses with clinical or field-based experiences as their central focus (e.g. field research, laboratory or reflective practicum, externships, internships, and supervised fieldwork).
3. A minimum of 12 credits in general professional education consisting of at least 3 credits in educational inquiry and the remaining credits in social, philosophical, historical, curricular, or teaching and learning areas.
4. A minimum of 9 credits in a discipline or disciplines outside the College of Education, or in a field of study in education other than K-12 educational administration.
5. Remaining credits are electives as determined by the student’s academic advisor.

Residence

At least 6 of the credits that are required for the degree must be earned on the East Lansing campus within a single semester.