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.
"The flexibility of a complete online program was essential for me as my job as a high school principal takes up many nights and weekends. Also, I have found the University of South Carolina faculty with whom I have worked have developed a perfect blend of theoretical and practical learning engagements to fully prepare me for the office of superintendent."
"In my search to find an Educational Specialist program that would recognize me as more than just one of many but instead recognize me as a committed student, working professional, and a devoted wife and mother; I was able to look no further than the University of South Carolina in order to meet my educational needs.
From application to acceptance, Professors, Advisors, and Support Staff have understood my needs as a non-traditional graduate student. They have gone above and beyond to answer my questions, address my concerns, and guide me in a direction that will help me attain my goals. I can truly say that the care and consideration that has been extended to me by the Professors did not end once I accepted the new challenge of becoming an Ed.S. student, it has continued throughout each course. It has been very refreshing to be a part of an academic program that provides a curriculum that challenges me, allows me to collaborate with other education professionals, and introduces me to new ideas and concepts within our field. All of this is accomplished while still recognizing and respecting my various roles and responsibilities, outside of the classroom setting as well.
These are only a few reasons why I feel the Educational Specialist program at the University of South Carolina is a premier program that creates a family of learners who can successfully collaborate and grow together. In my opinion, the Ed.S. program embodies the most important principles that educators should have which is to teach, encourage, and support the students that they serve, and I feel that this program carries out that mission flawlessly."
“As an educator and wife working full-time, the Ed.S. program provides flexibility to achieve my goals of becoming a Superintendent. The professors are very thoughtful and the work is meaningful, engaging, and applicable to my current work. As a result, I have been offered a Superintendency for a South Carolina School District for the 2022-2023 school year. I know that my preparation through the University of South Carolina’s Ed.S. program has adequately set me up for success and allowed me to foster relationships with professors and students that will be my thought partners throughout the rest of my career.”
“The Ed. Specialist Program at USC is world-class in that it is a perfect blend of theory and practice. The insight that I have gained into what it takes to be a K-12 Superintendent has helped me to transform my practices in my current role in light of the responsibilities of the superintendency. I would recommend this program to anyone with a busy schedule and with a desire to have authentic, real-life conversations about the superintendency role.”
"I chose the Educational Specialist's program in Education Administration 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 USC 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 USC will push me to be a stronger advocate as I become a part of the story of change for Education in South Carolina."
"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."
Visit the Graduate School to apply for the Education Administration, Ed.S.