Students and Alumni
Why earn an Educational Specialist degree from the University of South Carolina?
Hear from current students and alumni as to why earning an Educational Specialist’s
degree at the University of South Carolina is so special.

Stephanie Huckabee
Current Ed.S. Student
"I chose the Educational Specialist's program in Educational Leadership and Policies
at the University of South Carolina because so many of the professors have invested
their time and talents on the ground working in our public schools.
They are not leaders who just talk about change; they have been the change. Education
needs bold, unapologetic leadership if we are to see achievement improve for all students,
and the faculty members at UofSC are not afraid to ask the hard questions to inspire
students to take on the hard work. The program blends theory and practice, and I believe
my time at UofSC will push me to be a stronger advocate as I become a part of the
story of change for Education in South Carolina."

Megan Carrero
2018 Ed.S. Graduate
"As a full-time working wife and mother, the Educational Specialist program was well
designed to meet the needs of my busy schedule, while allowing me opportunities to
explore the many facets of the Superintendency and to take a deeper dive into the
policies that influence educational practices.
After having the opportunity to complete the Master’s program in Education Administration,
I always knew that I would eventually explore the Superintendency at the University
of South Carolina, and through the encouragement of the faculty, I am continuing to
further my studies in the Ph.D. program. What I appreciated most were the practical
connections to school and district leadership that influenced more global thinking
as to how policies are developed and implemented.
The blended online and face-to-face components of the program allowed me to work at
a pace that could integrate with my schedule, as well as allowing opportunities for
networking with fellow students and faculty members. Being able to have a larger
scale perspective into how district and state leaders think is integral to my day-to-day
success in school leadership, and for that, I am grateful for the university's commitment
to bettering school and district leaders around our state."