The specialist in education program is a self-contained degree program between the master’s and doctoral degrees. It provides an opportunity for advanced study for those preparing for positions which call for a higher level of competence and specialization than that of the master’s degree but without the heavy emphasis on research of the PhD degree. Although the EdS degree may become the final degree for many individuals, obtaining this degree does not preclude the EdS graduate from later becoming a candidate for the PhD degree. Coursework and resident credit used to satisfy the EdS degree, however, cannot be used to satisfy the requirements for the PhD degree.

Those who apply for the EdS should have earned a masters degree in one of the Language and Literacy Education Department programs or a master’s degree in a related field and must be certified to teach school. The program consists of 10 courses (30 hours) beyond the master’s program and leads to T-6 Georgia teacher certification. The program of study for the EdS degree is planned jointly by the student and an advisor representing one of three possible focus areas: Secondary English Education, TESOL and World Language Education, or Reading, Writing, Children’s Literature and Digital Literacies.