Educational Administration
Online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.)

What Can I Do With an Educational Specialist Degree from NIU?

With your knowledge of organizational and leadership theory, school finance and facilities management, and educational research trends, you’ll excel as a K-12 public school administrator. You’ll also be prepared for careers in higher education, educational policy or the nonprofit sector.

You can transfer some credits earned in this program to the Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies.

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How to Apply

You can apply if you:

• Have a current and valid ISBE administrative endorsement (e.g., principal, CSBO, director of special education, teacher leader, general administrative)
• Are employed as a school district administrator
• Have a minimum graduate GPA of 3.00 (preferred)

You’ll apply through the Graduate School. Your application materials will include:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement on your education, professional progress, goals and reasons for applying
• Official transcripts
• Current resume

Students are accepted under conditional admission. Formal admission is granted after a review of coursework from the first semester.

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I have several NIU degrees: B.S., M.S., director of special education graduate certificate and Educational Specialist (Ed.S.). I obtained my latest NIU degree, an Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy studies, in 2023. NIU has had a huge impact on my life.

—Treveda Redmond,
B.S., M.S., Ed.S., Ed.D.