Lead the way by earning your Ed.S. degree
Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Applied Teacher Leadership
Take the next step in your teaching career with the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program at USC Upstate. This online graduate program for teachers is designed for experienced educators who want to lead change in K-12 schools without moving into supervisory roles like principal or superintendent.
Our flexible Ed.S. degree program equips you with advanced skills in designing and implementing learning strategies tailored to student and teacher needs. You’ll also learn how to foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and inclusivity within your school or district.
With 100% online courses and a schedule tailored for working professionals, you can earn your degree in just 1.5 years while balancing your teaching responsibilities. Download our program guide and discover how USC Upstate can help you achieve your goals as a leader in education.
Earn your advanced degree in education at USC Upstate online
Flexible & Fast
Our program is 100% online to meet the needs of working professionals. Complete your degree in 1.5 years while taking classes around your teaching schedule.
Relevant Learning
Explore both the theoretical and practical aspects of teacher leadership. Learn to apply theories, skills, and models in real-world contexts. Use data to drive student success and school improvement. Hone your mentorship skills to support other teachers.
Career Advancement
Increase your earning potential by becoming a peer evaluator, mentor teacher, lead teacher, or instructional coach. Lay the groundwork for pursuing a doctoral degree.
learn more about the program!
To complete the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, you will need 30 credit hours. Learn more about your options in this PDF, which provides a deep dive about the degree.
You can also contact your admissions counselor to assist you in your next steps. Please get in touch with Alyssa Dickerson, who will be your resource for our graduate programs in education and answer any questions you may have about the programs.
Admission Requirements
Application
Transcripts: Individuals seeking admission must provide official transcripts showing all post-secondary course work attempted and the award of the baccalaureate or higher degree by an accredited college or university.
Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation using forms provided (sent to you after you apply).
No Official Test Scores Required*: The GRE/MAT requirement for entry into the graduate program is waived for students who enter the program with an overall Grade Point Average of 3.0* as an undergraduate. If students enter the program having earned an overall Grade Point Average less than a 3.0, students must submit scores for either the Miller Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is acceptable.
School/District Mentor Agreement form
Valid Teacher Certificate
Personal Statement: Applicants are required to submit a 1-2 page personal statement that describes their academic and/or other interests.
Next Steps
Discover all that USC Upstate has to offer you We’re here to make this journey personal and informative, so let’s get started!
We’ll share a wealth of valuable information tailored just for you. You’ll receive details about your major, critical scholarship opportunities, financial aid information, and exclusive events that will help you confirm that USC Upstate is the perfect fit for you.
Your next goal is to secure admission to USC Upstate, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Please get in touch with Alyssa Dickerson, who will be your resource for our graduate programs in education and answer any questions you may have about the programs
We’re thrilled to be a part of your journey toward success. Let’s connect, explore, and thrive together at USC Upstate!
Experience the transformative journey of Ed.S. at USC Upstate, where teaching goes beyond the ordinary, molding the future of education.