University of Kentucky®
Master's Degree (EdS) in
Educational Leadership
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PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 30
CREDENTIALS EdS Degree
COST PER CREDIT
$653.00
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- UK Online
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- Master's Degrees
- Educational Leadership (EdS)
About this Program
Advance your leadership expertise through the University of Kentucky’s fully online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership. Designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree, the Ed.S. provides advanced graduate study focused on leadership, organizations, evidence-informed decision making, and improvement.
Students can align the degree with preparation for school leadership or pursue a broader educational leadership program of study. The Ed.S. is designed to help experienced professionals deepen their leadership practice and apply advanced learning to increasingly complex organizational challenges.
Applicants seeking Kentucky principal certification should select the School Leader pathway and meet the additional professional requirements associated with principal preparation.
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Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Designed For
The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is designed for experienced professionals who already hold a master’s degree and want advanced preparation for expanded leadership responsibilities. It is particularly well suited for educators and other professionals who want to deepen their knowledge of leadership and organizational change, strengthen evidence-informed practice, or pursue school leadership preparation at the post-master’s level.
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Learn more about the Educational Leadership online program.
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What You’ll Learn
- Apply advanced leadership knowledge to complex organizational problems and opportunities.
- Use research, evidence, and data to inform strategic decisions and improvement efforts.
- Analyze organizational systems, culture, context, and stakeholder perspectives.
- Lead collaborative change and strengthen organizational capacity.
- Connect advanced graduate study to professional practice and leadership goals.
Choose From Two Concentrations
School Leader
For experienced educators who already hold a master’s degree and are preparing for principal leadership, this pathway combines advanced study in educational leadership with the requirements associated with Kentucky principal preparation. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead learning, people, improvement, family and community engagement, and school operations in complex P–12 settings.
- Examples of concentration coursework:
- EDL 608- Organizational Learning in P12 Schools
- EDL 609 - Evidence-based Decision Making
- EDL 627 - School Finance and Support Services
General Educational Leader
For professionals seeking advanced leadership study without a principal-certification pathway, this option provides flexibility to build a coherent post-master’s program focused on leadership, organizations, change, and evidence-informed practice. Students work with an advisor to align graduate study with their professional roles and future leadership goals.
- Examples of concentration coursework:
- EDL 642 – Resource Development and Communication in Educational Leadership
- EDL 634 – Securing and Developing Staff
- EDL 609 – Evidence-Based Decision Making
- EDL 637 – Organizational Innovation in Community Education
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How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- Applicants must have successfully completed a master’s degree, preferably education-based, from a fully accredited institution of higher learning in the USA or from a recognized foreign institution with cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- International applicants whose native language is not English must submit either a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) score. See Graduate School admissions for specifi
- At least three (3) years teaching experience as a P12 teacher and a valid teaching license are required for admission to a principal preparation program in KY
Application Requirements
- Resume or CV
- Unofficial transcripts (official transcripts required upon admission)
- Personal Statement
- Please write 2-3 double‐spaced pages, word‐processed in either Times New Roman 12‐point or Arial 10‐point, page numbers and your name in upper right corner about why you are applying to the program. If you cite literature/resources to support your comments, adhere to the academic writing guidelines provided in 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
- Writing Sample
- If applying for Teacher Leader Endorsement or rank change prepare a Professional Reflection (2-3 double-spaced pages, word-processed in either Times New Roman 12-point or Ariel 10-point, page numbers and your name in upper right corner). Describe how your classroom evidences the components of highly effective teaching and learning (i.e., learning climate, classroom assessment and reflection, instructional rigor and student engagement, instructional relevance, knowledge of content). If you cite literature or resources to support your comments, then you must adhere to the academic writing guidelines provided in 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association.
- Contact information for three (3) recommenders
- If applying for the School Leader concentration: a copy of your valid teacher license
Program Contact
Deadlines
Summer 2027
Fall 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What is the difference between the Ed.S. and the M.Ed?
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) is designed for students pursuing a master's degree, while the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) is an advanced degree for those who already hold a master's degree. Both programs develop educational leadership skills and offer pathways for school leadership or broader organizational leadership. Students interested in Kentucky principal certification may pursue that preparation alongside either degree through the appropriate concentration.
Can I complete the Ed.S. while pursuing principal certification?
Yes. Students pursuing the School Leader concentration may complete the Ed.S. while working toward Kentucky principal certification. This pathway combines advanced graduate coursework with preparation for school leadership roles. Principal certification has additional eligibility requirements, including a valid teaching certificate and qualifying teaching experience.
Is the Ed.S. appropriate if I do not want principal certification?
Yes. The Ed.S. offers a General Educational Leader concentration for professionals interested in leadership roles beyond school administration. This pathway develops skills in organizational improvement, decision-making, collaboration and educational leadership that can be applied in higher education, nonprofit organizations, workforce development and other educational settings. Principal certification is not required for this concentration.
Admissions
Do I need a master's degree before applying to the Ed.S.?
Yes. Applicants to the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program must have completed a master's degree from an accredited institution, preferably in education, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Can I work full-time while completing the Ed.S.?
Yes. The Ed.S. is designed for working professionals, including full-time educators. Its online format allows students to balance graduate coursework with professional responsibilities. Most students enroll part-time while continuing to work.
Online Learning
Will my degree say “online”?
No, you are awarded the same diploma from UK as students who take classes in-person. There is no denotation of “online” on your diploma or your transcripts.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
How are online courses structured?
The Ed.S. is delivered fully online through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students typically participate in approximately six live Zoom sessions per semester, with the remaining coursework completed asynchronously through UK's Canvas learning platform. This format provides flexibility for working professionals while maintaining opportunities to engage with faculty and classmates.
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Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
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