Introducing the ED.S. Accelerated Cohort Program
- Cohort start date August 2023
- Graduate in 5 semesters - May 2025
- 30 credits | 24 core and 6 elective credits
- Two 8-week courses per semester
- All courses offered online using virtual technologies
- Earn Idaho Superintendent Endorsement
- All 30 credits can be applied toward a Doctorate (Ed.D.) in P-12 Administration
A great superintendent responds effectively to multiple district constituencies! Prepare to be an effective school superintendent with the Education Specialist in Education Administration program. Leading administrators to accomplish goals, building relationships among the school board, teachers, students, parents, staff, and the community toward increased student achievement is the multi-faceted challenge of a superintendent as an education administrator.
- The Education Specialist in Education Administration, EdS aligns with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation standards. If you are guided by the best path for students, you have the heart of a great superintendent!
Admission and Program Requirements
The Ed.S. in Educational Administration requires a minimum of 30 credits:
- 21 credits in Educational Administration emphasis courses
- 3 credits of practicum
- 6 credits of electives
A candidate with a master's degree in an area other than educational administration may be required to take additional coursework equivalent to that required in the administration degree and must meet initial Idaho administrative certification requirements.
ISU Course Catalog
Educational Administration Emphasis Courses (21 credits)
EDLA 6643 School Personnel Administration 3 credits
EDLA 6662 Superintendency 3 credits
EDLA 6664 Public School Monetary and Business Policy 3 credits
EDLA 7720 Legal and Ethical issues in Education Organizations 3 credits
EDLA 7721 Educational Policy and Governance 3 credits
EDLA 7723 Educational Planning and Evaluation 3 credits
EDLA 7724 Data-Informed Instructional Leadership 3 credits
Electives (6 credits)
Candidates take six credits of elective graduate courses to meet their needs and background. Candidates are encouraged to take doctoral core courses to fulfill the required electives.
Practicum (3 credits)
EDLA 6637 Practicum 3 credits
Career Opportunities
Graduates with a degree in education administration could be qualified for the following types of positions:
- Public School Superintendent
- Central Office Administrator
- State Departments of Education
- Agency or Council Consultant
- School Capacity Building
- Textbook Consultant
- Education Policy Consultant
Job Outlook
Because education administrators are highly desirable in today’s job market, the job outlook includes:
- Average salary (according to the government’s Occupational Outlook Handbook) is $106.690 for Educational Administrators, Kindergarten through secondary.

Geoffrey Thomas, EdD
Assistant Professor
Office: College of Education 381