Educational Leadership, Research and Technology

Educational Leadership (Online), Specialist – Ed.S.

Apply Now

Courses

Overview

Western Michigan University’s Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership is designed for working professionals seeking to advance their leadership impact in K–12 education. Offered fully online with a flexible blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses, the program allows students to collaborate with expert faculty and peers while balancing career and personal commitments.

The Ed.S. offers two specialized tracks: Building Level Leadership, focused on leading individual schools, and Central Office Leadership, preparing educators for district-level roles. Coursework emphasizes equity-driven leadership, data-informed decision-making, and strategic improvement to strengthen schools and districts.

Graduates are equipped to lead with confidence, fostering environments that promote student achievement and staff growth. In addition to earning the Ed.S. degree, students may be recommended for Michigan Administrator Certification, enhancing professional credentials and opening doors to advancement in educational leadership.

Flexible, practical, and career-focused, WMU’s Ed.S. program prepares educators to translate leadership theory into meaningful action that drives positive change for students, staff, and communities.

Meet Jonathan

Jonathan Royce is an educational leadership specialist student and Superintendent of Onsted Community Schools.

More testimonials

Attend an informational session!

A lady on a computer listening to a virtual meeting

Learn more about the program by attending one of our virtual information sessions. These sessions offer the opportunity to meet with a faculty member—and occasionally a current student—to gain a deeper understanding of the program structure, coursework, and application process. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and engage in conversation about how the program can support their professional goals.

Explore the schedule

Why apply?

The Ed.S. degree is a great option for those who already have a Master's degree, and are seeking additional advanced graduate learning.
Full alignment with the state administrator certification, including an option to earn the school-level administrative certificate, and an option to earn the central office endorsement.
To support working professionals, ALL required courses are available fully online.
New! Earn up to 12 of the 24 required credits with our Prior Learning Assessment program. Learn more.

Program of Study

Coursework in the Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership program equips students with the advanced knowledge and practical skills needed to lead effectively in today’s complex educational systems. Students explore how to use data to guide decisions, evaluate programs, and improve student outcomes. Courses emphasize leadership grounded in ethics, equity, and legal understanding, while developing expertise in curriculum design, instructional supervision, and school improvement planning.

Students gain hands-on experience in managing school operations, budgeting, and human resources, as well as building strong partnerships with families and communities. At the district level, the program delves into organizational change, strategic finance, adult learning principles, and systemwide instructional leadership. Throughout, internships provide authentic field experiences that connect theory to practice, preparing graduates to step confidently into principalship or central office leadership roles across K–12 settings.

Explore courses

Admission requirements

To learn about admission requirements, please visit the Graduate College's webpage.

Learn more

Prior learning experience

Learn more

Contact Program Coordinator

Students can apply for potential credit for their prior learning and experiences for this program. This is a great opportunity for nontraditional students to showcase their prior knowledge and experiences, and fast track their graduate degree program.

State licensure

Starting, January 2025, the State of Michigan will be requiring state testing for those that are wanting to attain a School Administrator license for either the Central Office or Building Level. We will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Cost & funding