College of Education and Human Development

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College of Education and Human Development
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5229 USA
Main office:  (269) 387-2960
Student services: (269) 387-3474

Specialist in Educational Leadership

This program is offered fully online via a blend of synchronous and asynchronous courses to meet the needs of working professionals.

Offered fully online, the specialist degree in educational leadership in the Department of Educational Leadership, Research and Technology at Western Michigan University will prepare you for leadership roles in educational administration positions and is appropriate if you are seeking a post-master's degree, but not a doctoral degree. In addition to the Ed.S. degree, a student can be recommended to receive Michigan Administrator Certification.

Interested in learning more? Please join us for an upcoming information session!

September 19, 6 p.m. ET

October 11, 6 p.m. ET

Why specialist in education leadership at Western Michigan University?

  • There are two options to choose from or a program of study may be developed based on your goals.

  • Full alignment with the state administrator certification, if the appropriate courses are completed as follows or equivalents as determined by the student's advisor.

  • To support working professionals, ALL required courses are available fully online.
  • We are the only institution in the U.S. that includes an optional co-curricular designation known as the WMU Signature. Pathways include: Teaching & Student Success, Leadership, Health & Wellbeing, Diversity, Inclusion, Equity & Justice, and more!
  • New! Potential course credits now available via Prior Learning Assessments (PLA). Learn more. 

Additional information

Applicants to the Ed.S. program should review admission deadlines, criteria for admission, and application link, which can be found on the admissions requirement page. A student must have a completed master’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA prior to beginning the Ed.S. in educational leadership program. No GRE required!

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Admission decisions take approximately two weeks after all materials are received.

Note: To complete many course assignments, and to have a mentor for an administrator internship, applicants must be employed within a K-12 setting OR have access to a school district setting.

The Lead is a monthly online publication that highlights the work of our Educational Leadership (K-12) programs, and contains a wide-array of information relevant to school administrators; it also celebrates the work of our alumni, students and faculty. Visit The Lead newsletter page for all issues.