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Education Specialist in Administration, Planning and Policy, Ed.S.

Advance your teaching career by becoming a specialist in administration. Consisting of 10 courses, the Online Ed.S. in Administration is ranked highly among the best online programs by U.S. News.

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Please Note: Test requirements for most graduate applications have been temporarily waived. Learn more.

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Learn More About UMass Lowell's Online Graduate Education Programs

The Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy is designed to meet the needs of experienced practitioners who already hold a M.Ed. in a field other than educational administration. Each candidate for the Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy is required to have at least five full years of current K-12 teaching experience in order to enter the program. This program does not lead to licensure.

First-time students should register using the Non-Degree Course Registration Form for NEW Students. For academic advising on this degree program or to request an admissions packet, email edoffice@uml.edu. Students must be admitted to the degree program in order to begin taking courses.

Note: Massachusetts candidates seeking licensure as School Principal should refer to the MA Principal licensure track Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy.
Best Online Education Program in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report Ranked as One of the Best Online Graduate Education Programs in the Nation by U.S. News & World Report

Curriculum Outline

- Total Number of Courses Required for the Education Specialist in Administration, Planning and Policy, Ed.S.: 11 (33 credits)

Students are admitted into a Summer, Fall or Spring cohort and courses are taken in a specific sequence. Sequences will be provided upon admission. To build a systematic knowledge base, Group A courses should be taken before Group B courses.

Group A (5 Courses / 15cr)

Group B (3 Courses / 9cr)

Electives (2 Courses / 6cr)

Ed.S Seminar (1 Course / 3cr)

*Candidates undertake an in-depth study of issues and develop a paper demonstrating their depth of understanding of issues pertinent to PK-12 education. Candidates must complete 24 credits prior to registering for the Ed.S. Seminar. The Ed.S. Seminar may be taken concurrently with the practicum, but not with any other course.

Admission and Completion Requirements

Admission to a degree program at the Educational Specialist level requires that an applicant hold a master's degree in education from an accredited college or university or a master's degree in a closely related field of study, with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 3.0. Additionally, applicants should have at least five years of full-time experience in a K-12 school or a related setting. Full admission requirements can be found at Graduate Admissions, which include:

  • Online application and fee
  • Two-page statement in which you describe your educational philosophy and reasons for seeking entry to the degree
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Proof of professional teaching status
  • All official transcripts
  • TOEFL scores if appropriate

In order to qualify for a Educational Specialist degree, each candidate must meet the following requirements:

  1. Complete a minimum of 33 credits of course work in the specified degree program.
  2. Complete all course requirements for the degree program at this university. A maximum of six credits of course work transferred from another accredited institution is the only exception granted.
  3. Complete all course requirements with a cumulative grade point average of B or better. No additional course credits may be permitted in order to achieve the grade point average of B or better required for the degree.
  4. Complete the program within five years of the date of admission.

For additional information, please refer to https://www.uml.edu/Catalog/Graduate/Education/Education-Specialist.aspx

Please see our How to Apply tab for additional information and contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions or edoffice@uml.edu if you have questions about the application process.

Graduate Program Policies

In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.

The Benefits of Learning Online with UMass Lowell

UMass Lowell has built a solid reputation by offering one of the largest selections of online programs available through a traditional university. Courses are taught by full-time faculty who are experts in their fields, and by adjunct faculty who, as practicing professionals, bring real-world experience to online class discussions.

We are committed to providing you with high-quality, affordable online programs that make earning your degree or certificate more convenient than ever before. Our students have access to online course technical support 24x7, and our academic advisors are here to help every step of the way.

Course Descriptions

it is well documented that teachers who habitually examine their shared work based on inquiry, observation, analysis of data, dialogue, and experimentation tend to be more effective than those who are not reflective and work in isolation. How do we help all teachers become highly effective: How do we spread reflective practice from isolated pockets to all teachers in a school? The answer lies in the transformation of a school's professional staff from isolated practitioners into a professional learning community. A professional learning community is a work culture in which educators regularly learn with and from each other through collaborative inquiry. This course provides the practical know-how and deep understanding need for educators to introduce and lead collaborative inquiry within their school or district and transform the teaching staff into a professional learning community. Furthermore, this course introduces the idea of collaborative inquiry by transforming participants into a professional learning community during the course. Thus, participants focus collaborative inquiry on their shared practice, read and reflect on selected authors, and develop action plans to help them introduce or advance collaborative inquiry in their own work settings. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl

This course will provide students with an understanding of the financial principles and budget management in the operation of our public schools. We will analyze economic and demographic data, review local/state and federal education budgets,examine the legal principles of school finance,review local, state and federal laws and policies on public education and evaluate case studies in the operation of public schools. Students will prepare budget documents, develop financial forecasts and prepare policy briefs on various topics related to school finance. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

This course will provide students with an understanding of the law and legal basis for making decisions in our public schools. We will analyze court decisions, state and federal constitutional provisions and laws and public policies and regulations as they pertain to the operation of the public schools in the United States. With a solid understanding of the legal framework of governance at the federal, state and local level and the decisions derived though court cases, educators will be better equipped to respond to the numerous challenges and decisions they face throughout the school year. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl

School leaders must create environments that are welcoming to all students and their families and that capitalize on the strengths students bring to the learning environment as well as address the needs of students. As the population of students in our schools has continued to become more diverse, building an inclusive environment in which all are valued and in which all student can succeed has become increasingly complex. Participants in this course will explore their values and beliefs as well as the dominant culture and prevailing belief systems present in the majority of today's public schools. Participants will learn about ways in which many students, their families, and their communities may differ from this dominant culture, and the possible effects of this mismatch. Through readings and interactive discussions, participants will examine ways to build a school culture that is inclusive for all students and their families. Participants will develop detailed plans of action to actively and meaningfully involve parents and community members in all aspects of the school. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

M.Ed and Ed.S matriculated onl

This course is designed to help current and aspiring supervisors explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to instructional leadership and supervision. A paradigm shift away from an historical/traditional view of supervision towards a more collegial model is emphasized. Students will complete field work including two observations of a colleague and pre and post-lesson conferences. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

Evaluation tasks will be identified and the policy issues attendant to evaluation will be examined. Students will identify and discuss several models of program evaluation, understand what needs to be considered and addressed in needs assessment, and learn to identify an appropriate design for a new evaluation. Students will be expected to conduct program evaluation, present their ideas and illustrate how evaluation results can be useful for program decision making. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

This course is designed to help aspiring principals explore the skills,knowledge and personal attributes central to effective leadership. The course aims to acquaint students with research, theories,and frameworks from the knowledge base on school leadership; explore the issues,daily experiences, and decisions of the principal within the action context of the school; assist students to think critically and systematically about leadership; help students become more conscious of their own values,assumptions and purposes as school leaders; further develop leadership skills,insight,and vision for schooling; assist students to think of themselves as educators for transformation. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

Candidates undertake an in-depth study of issues pertinent to PK-12 education and develop a product to address these issues. Candidates must complete 24 credits prior to registering for the Ed.S Seminar. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

Ed.S. Matriculated only

This course provides prospective leaders with the theoretical and empirical bases for understanding the instructional core and how to create the conditions needed for high quality teaching and learning to occur in their schools. Course participants will explore how to (i) establish a vision that promotes high standards for learning and is shared by all stakeholders; (ii) promote a positive school culture that is anchored in professional behavior and trusting relationships; (iii) promote effective instructional programs and the application of best practices to student learning; (iv) make decisions grounded in reliable data integrity, fairness, and ethical conduct. 3 credits.
Prerequisites:

CSCE Graduate Restrictions

Tuition & Fees

At UMass Lowell, we believe that students should have as much information as possible up front so they can make informed decisions before enrolling in a degree program or signing up for a course.

Tuition for all undergraduate courses offered through the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies is the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition for all online graduate courses is also the same for both in-state and out-of-state students. Tuition is priced per credit. To calculate the tuition for a course, simply multiply the per-credit tuition by the total number of credits per course. Exception: If the total number of course contact hours is greater than the total number of credits, the per-credit tuition is instead multiplied by the total number of contact hours.

Spring 2022 Tuition

 Per Credit / Contact Hour
Graduate Online Courses
(Except Graduate Online Business*, IT, Engineering and Education Courses)
 $575.00
Graduate Online Business* Courses $655.00
Graduate Online IT and Engineering Courses** $590.00
Graduate Online Education Courses $470.00

*Applies to courses with the following prefixes: ACCT, BUSI, ENTR, FINA, MGMT, MKTG, MIST, POMS offered through the Manning School of Business

**Applies to courses with the following prefixes: CHEN, CIVE, EECE, ENGN, MECH, PLAS offered through the Francis College of Engineering. Applies also to MSIT courses in the Master's in Information Technology, Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity and the Graduate Certificate in Systems Models and Management.

The cost to audit a course will be charged the rates listed above.

Additional Fees
Registration Fee per Term $30.00
Late Fee for Nonpayment $50.00
Fee for Graduate Degree and Certificate Applications $50.00

Looking for Financial Assistance?

UMass Lowell offers a variety of financial aid and scholarship options.
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Registration

Current students can register using SiS Self-Service. New students who have not already applied and been accepted to a program must use the Non-Degree Registration Form.

You can take courses without being officially enrolled in a certificate or degree program, but you must meet course prerequisites. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited. We recommend that you register early to reserve your place in class.

For more information, please visit our Registration Page.

New Students

First-time students must apply and be admitted to the degree program in order to begin taking courses.

Current Students

If you have applied, been accepted to and are currently enrolled in a program.
Register with SIS Self-Service

Questions?

Program Support:
Email: edoffice@uml.edu
Phone: (978) 934-4600
Email our Advising Center for assistance, or call 800-480-3190 to speak with an advisor.

Please Note: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented within this website, the Division of Graduate, Online & Professional Studies reserves the right to implement new rules and regulations and to make changes of any nature in its program, calendar, locations, tuition and fees. Whenever possible, appropriate notice of such changes will be given before they become effective. In applying for a degree program or registering for courses, each student assumes full responsibility for knowledge of and compliance with the definitions, regulations and procedures of UMass Lowell as set forth on our website. For additional information, please refer to the Graduate Program Policies found within the UMass Lowell Graduate Catalog.

Career Outlook

To help you make an informed decision about continuing your education, we access real-time labor market data to provide up-to-the-minute employment information including:

  • Job postings for the occupations this program will prepare you to pursue
  • Demand for specific positions within the industry
  • Salary information (nationwide and by region)
  • Expected career growth rate over the next 10 years vs. total labor market growth rate

With this information, you'll have a clear understanding of the return on investment you can expect from this program and which skills can help you to further increase your earning power.

Information provided by Burning Glass Technologies

Applying into a Graduate Degree Program

All applicants must submit:

For specific information regarding any of the above application materials (which may vary for some programs), please see UMass Lowell's Graduate Application Requirements at https://www.uml.edu/Grad/Process/.

Applications can be completed and submitted at any time during the year. Each application is processed — and each applicant notified — as soon as all admissions materials have been received and reviewed. For additional details, please visit https://www.uml.edu/grad/.

Graduate Program Admissions Requirements

Admission to all graduate programs at UMass Lowell is contingent upon successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In many cases, applicants may register for a course before they have formally applied into the program; however, students requiring financial aid may want to wait until they have been formally accepted into the program to ensure that their course(s) will be covered. Contact UMass Lowell's Office of Graduate Admissions if you have questions about the application process.

Please Note: Test requirements for graduate applications have been temporarily waived. Learn more.
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Questions Regarding Your Graduate Application?

Email Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu or call 800-656-4723 (for U.S. students) or 978-934-2390 (for international students).

For General Assistance:

For general questions about registering for courses or to find out who the advisor is for your graduate program, call 800-480-3190. Our admissions and advising teams are here to help!

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