Purpose

The Education Specialist degrees are designed to prepare competent effective leaders with a biblical worldview who will model high standards and assume a leadership role in the field of education. Leaders in the field of education are seen as those who assume a facilitating role in accomplishing the goals and objectives of an education system whether it is as a teacher, superintendent, principal, curriculum director, instructional supervisor, college instructor, or university administrator.

Program Learning Outcomes

A graduate of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program:

1. Knows research competencies synthesized with Christian values, moral dimensions, and ethical implications.
2. Implements leadership, teaching and learning competencies as a gift from God because teaching/learning is a calling from God
3. Believes foundation competencies consistent with our mission to prepare competent professionals with a biblical worldview for Christian, public, and private schools

• 1a. Makes broad distinctions between research philosophies and approaches.
• 1b. Demonstrates an understanding of the practices that inform site-based research by interpreting and designing research.
• 1c. Interprets how practitioners carry out inquiry and the issues faced, and can make inferences about research implications.
• 2a. Integrates skills in speaking, writing, reading, and listening for effective communication in educational settings.
• 2b. Models citizenship through moral leadership and sensitivity to human needs.
• 2c. Collaborates with various educational stakeholders in a variety of settings.
• 2d. Selects appropriate technology and resources to support educational goals.
• 2e. Utilizes highly effective educational strategies based on individual needs.
• 2f. Uses a variety of assessment strategies to improve student learning.
• 3a. Upholds high standards of competence and integrity, exercises sound judgment in the practice of the profession, and participates in activities of professional organizations relevant to their field.

Program Specific Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission procedures, specific admission requirements for the Ed.S. are listed below. The following items must be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions prior to registering for any graduate courses. Where noted, forms are available online at www.luonline.com.

1. Academic Records. Applicants must submit an official transcript indicating successful completion of a master’s degree program from an institution accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Transcripts should be sent directly to the Office of Graduate Admissions from all schools previously attended.
2. TOEFL Scores for candidates who speak English as a second language (score of 600 paper-based test; 250 computer-based test, 80 internet-based test)

Transfer of Credit

All graduate transfer credits are subject to the approval of the School of Education (SOE) Graduate Committee. Such courses must carry a grade of at least a B- and be comparable to Liberty University graduate courses. Transfer credit will only be considered from institutions or schools accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. With approval, up to 15 hours may be transferred into the Ed.S. program. It is the responsibility of each applicant to supply official transcripts along with a written request to have credit applied to the degree program. Transfer credits must have been completed within the previous 10 years.

Time Limits for Degree Completion

The time limit for completing the degree from the date of admission to the program is five years. Only in unusual circumstances may the candidate be granted an extension. Granting of an extension of time may result in additional requirements.

Any candidate who does not complete coursework within the permissible time limit for any reason, including discontinued enrollment, must reapply for admission. A candidate may reapply only once, and will be subject to the current standards and curriculum if readmitted. The SOE Graduate Committee will determine if any previous courses are sufficiently time sensitive and must be repeated. Beginning with the date of readmission, the candidate’s time limit for degree completion is determined by the number of hours remaining.

Delivery Format: Online Only

• College administrator
• Curriculum specialist
• Instructional supervisor
• School administrator
• Teacher