Top Paying Education Specialist Jobs: Explore Auburn University’s 5 Online EdS Degrees
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Pursuing an education specialist (EdS) degree allows professionals to advance their careers, gaining knowledge beyond what a master’s program provides. These degrees equip educators with specialized skills that open doors to leadership roles, instructional development, counseling and more, as detailed by ZipRecruiter.
Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) offers five fully online EdS programs tailored to meet the needs of working professionals, each focusing on distinct areas within education: Counseling, Elementary Education, Instructional Leadership, Instructional Technology and Special Education. These programs not only provide advanced instruction but also offer pathways for career growth.
What Education Specialists Do
Education specialists play a crucial role in shaping teaching practices, student support strategies and curriculum design. Working across K-12 schools, higher education institutions, government agencies and private consulting firms, education specialists provide counseling, instructional leadership and specialized services to meet diverse student needs. As noted by the Child Mind Institute, their ability to foster positive learning environments and leverage data for informed decisions makes them essential to driving both student success and institutional growth.
Common Elements of Auburn University’s EdS Degrees
AUM’s online EdS programs are designed with working professionals in mind, offering flexibility and accessibility. Each EdS degree consists of 30 credit hours, and students can complete them in under two years, depending on the field of study. These programs also prepare students for Class AA certification in Alabama — a credential that enhances earning potential and professional standing.
EdS in Counseling
The EdS in Counseling program at AUM emphasizes trauma-informed care and prepares students for careers as mental health or school counselors. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the National Counselor Examination and can pursue Class AA certification, which opens doors to advanced counseling positions.
EdS in Elementary Education
AUM’s EdS in Elementary Education focuses on building leadership skills and deepening teachers’ expertise in K-6 education. This program offers concentrations in early childhood education, physical education and general elementary education, allowing students to align their coursework with their professional interests. This degree prepares graduates for roles such as instructional coordinators, department heads and school principals.
EdS in Instructional Leadership
The EdS in Instructional Leadership program develops professionals who can lead educational initiatives, manage instructional teams and foster collaborative learning environments. This program emphasizes shared leadership, problem-solving and cultural competency. Graduates often pursue careers as assistant principals, instructional coaches or district-level administrators.
EdS in Instructional Technology
The EdS in Instructional Technology equips educators to leverage technology effectively within educational environments. The curriculum includes coursework in instructional design, digital media and adult learning theory. This program helps students develop innovative strategies to solve complex educational challenges with technology. Graduates may become instructional designers, technology coaches or technology directors, working in schools, higher education or corporate training departments.
EdS in Special Education
Special education requires advanced expertise and a deep understanding of diverse student needs, and AUM’s EdS in Special Education prepares educators to excel in this demanding field. Students in this program can choose concentrations in collaborative teaching for either K-6 or 6-12 classrooms. This program emphasizes leadership, policy development and technology for inclusion, equipping graduates with the tools to support students with disabilities.
Professional Spaces for Education Specialists
Graduates of AUM’s EdS programs find employment across a range of professional spaces. Many work in K-12 schools where they serve as instructional designers, curriculum leaders, counselors or school administrators. Others pursue roles in higher education, focusing on instructional design or leadership.
As highlighted by Indeed, some EdS graduates also transition into corporate training, where they design educational programs to improve employee performance. This degree’s versatility allows professionals to tailor their expertise to a variety of educational settings and explore specialized areas such as curriculum development, educational technology and special education.
Supporting Career Growth Through Auburn University’s EdS Programs
AUM’s EdS programs not only provide advanced knowledge but also support students in achieving long-term career growth. AUM’s Career Development Center offers personalized guidance and networking opportunities, empowering students to explore new career paths and maximize their earning potential.
According to Zippia, demand for education specialists is strong, with job growth projected at 8% from 2018 to 2028, adding nearly 28,900 new positions. Salaries have risen by 6% over the past five years, with the current average at $59,316 annually. The field offers flexibility to allow specialists to work remotely or in person, aligning with the growing shift toward hybrid work models.
With the flexibility of online study, the support of expert faculty and pathways to advanced certification, AUM’s EdS degrees empower students to advance their careers and make meaningful contributions in their field. As professionals navigate evolving educational challenges, an EdS degree from AUM serves as a vital tool for achieving success and fulfilling career aspirations.