EdS Specializations

This specialization provides students with the skill sets, knowledge and competencies to become a leader in the area of curriculum design and teaching. Students will evaluate instructional strategies and curriculum theories and models to promote recommendations for effective change in education. Learning and teaching styles will also be assessed, as well as the influence of emotional, social and cultural contexts to help make effective decisions supporting school structures and student learning. Learn More.

This specialization emphasizes the development of skills in scientific inquiry and leadership. Students will analyze historical and contemporary models, theories and practical application for educating children, pre-k-grade three. The intellectual, social, emotional and physical development of infants, toddlers and young children will be examined and how these factors impact the development of quality early childhood instructional programs, including lesson plans; activities, including literacy instruction and reading/writing skills; assessment; and administrative concerns, such as budgeting, hiring and state regulations. Students will also develop their communication skills, especially those needed to work with diverse families and communities. Learn More.

This specialization prepares students to address management and leadership issues in education that will enable them to guide others through training, excellence in teaching, and service. Students will examine legal and financial issues pertinent to teachers, administrators and students. They will also evaluate historical and contemporary theories, models, concepts and practices for effective and efficient approaches to leadership and supervision within organizations, and how to apply these concepts to educational settings in the current economic, social, political and educational environment. Learn More.

This specialization emphasizes the planning and implementation of teaching and delivery modalities that integrate technology and online learning management systems. Students will develop an understanding of the principles, practices, technologies and delivery models that are being used by practitioners in the field of e-learning, and how these models can meet various student needs. They will also examine the relationship between instructional design and student engagement, and best practices for working with students in an online environment while establishing a safe learning environment, accommodating various learning styles, conducting effective online class discussions, monitoring the progress of students, guiding collaborating online learning activities, and administering online assessment and evaluations. Learn More.

This specialization is an excellent choice for educators looking to build a knowledge base to help them assess the skills of diverse students in order to design instruction with bilingual materials and facilitate the learning process. Students will explore curriculum design, the basics of second language curricular needs, and how to adapt the content curriculum for ESL student. Students will also analyze effective teaching methods, and critically examine the theoretical foundations and recent research findings that inform second language classroom practices. Learn More.

This specialization emphasizes systemic leadership and organizational capacity needed to become a leader in the field of training. Students will examine major issues that impact human performance while exploring best practices and training approaches and theories that can help them meet the expectations of leaders and stakeholders and the needs of trainees in a global organization. Students will also explore the impact of rapidly changing technology and the challenges of integrating these technological tools into the global training marketplace, both at an organizational and consultant level. Learn more.

This specialization provides students with a strong background in the supervision of instruction and the ability to assess and interpret data. Students will learn how to articulate essential links between instructional tasks, student learning, and organizational goals, while developing skills in technology integration, decision making, promoting positive leadership and learning, staff development, engaging stakeholders in partnerships, and curriculum management. Students will also examine the organizational structure of schools and school systems and their relationships to and effects on school programs, teaching strategies, testing and measurement, and evaluation of programs in schools. Learn More.

This specialization emphasizes the skills and practical knowledge required to work effectively within the context of global economic, political and cultural influences in education. Students examine theories of comparative education, cross-national comparative analysis, global educational transfer and borrowing, the relation between culture and education, the significance of globalization, and the influence of popular culture and demographic factors in the field of education. Students will also evaluate international organizations in global education and develop an understanding and appreciation of the theoretical, conceptual, and methodological breadth of conflict resolution and education reform in local, national, and international contexts. Learn More.

This specialization provides students with knowledge in educational leadership research, theory and practices applicable to higher education. Students will examine classical theories, traditional models, and contemporary readings regarding approaches and structures relative to organizational governance in higher education. Students will also analyze different trends and societal influences that have transforming education, evaluate legal, financial and leadership issues applicable to higher education, and assess strategic planning approaches and best practices that support the drive toward institutional effectiveness. Learn More.

This specialization is designed to equip students with the tools necessary to make things happen in an organization, including strategies to forge alliances, build confidence and inspire a shared vision. Students will examine conflict management processes while further developing their interpersonal and communication skills. They will also deepen their philosophy of leadership while evaluating in-depth leadership theories and their applications in current organizational settings. Additional skills include the application of ethical principles and coaching skills that can help maximize internal human potential. Learn More.

This specialization covers a wide range of issues related to working with gifted and disabled individuals, including the development and characteristics of students, learning differences, and instructional strategies to address the needs of these students. Students will examine up to date information about testing, assessment, using technology and ethical considerations. They will also explore information regarding learning disabled, emotionally disabled, and mentally disabled students, including No Child Left Behind and IDEA regulations and legislation, interventions identification, eligibility, curriculum development and teacher best practices. Learn More.

This specialization utilizes a combination of science-based academics and real-world experiences with an emphasis on the ever-changing financial, legal, political and marketing concerns within the sports industry. Students will develop a working knowledge of complex organizations and the skills necessary to navigate this dynamic culture. Student will also examine the Title IX’s structure and requirements applied to intramural, recreation and interscholastic and intercollegiate athletic programs, the rules and regulations that surround intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA I, II, and III level, NAIA and NJCAA, and the dynamic interrelationships between student athletes and their coaches, teammates, faculty and family. Learn More.