Education Specialist, Ed.S.

Program Design

The Education Specialist program will include 30 hours of in-class work with a seminar approach. In addition to the in-class seminar work, the EDS candidate will complete at least 6 hours of internship or practicum experiences approved in advance as part of the Leadership and Learning Plan of the candidate. The program totals 36 credit hours.

The required coursework of the EDS program will be organized into two categories. One in which all of the candidates complete coursework as a group or cadre scheduled to take place over a two-calendar year. The second category is stand-alone coursework required of all candidates but that can be completed at various times.

Program Completion Criteria and Superintendent Endorsement Completion Criteria

Completion of the Education Specialist degree prepares students for the Standard Administrative Certificate with an endorsement for the Superintendency.  Recommendation for certification for Doane University will be determined by the student’s potential as indicated by the following:

1. Completion of all Nebraska Department of Education requirements including passing the School Superintendent Assessment test.
2. Successful completion of all coursework for the Education Specialist degree.
3. A cumulative grade point average of 3.00 or above for all courses leading to the degree.
4. Completion of a one semester practicum in an accredited school district.
5. Complete and present an action research school improvement project at the district level.
6. Submit a written summary of the project to the Graduate Office.
7. Complete and submit a professional portfolio.
8. File an application for degree form no later than the required date.

The Dean of Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership recommends to the Certification Officer of the university those students who should be certified.  Graduates who complete the program without previous endorsement as a principal will not be eligible to apply for endorsement as a superintendent but must complete all other relevant requirements for the degree.

Content Testing

Effective September 1, 2015 candidates applying for any initial endorsement(s) to be placed on a Nebraska certificate must provide evidence they have passed the required Praxis II test for the endorsement.  Students seeking an endorsement as a superintendent must pass the Superintendent Assessment test.