Indiana Wesleyan University – Christian University and Christian College
 

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  • Educational Specialist Degree

    ABOUT THE PROGRAM

    The Indiana Wesleyan University Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) is a degree and licensure program for candidates who wish to become district-level administrators (superintendents). The curriculum is cohort-based, providing mutual support for students going through the program together. Courses are taken in classroom locations throughout Indiana, online, and in blended formats. The district office internship is completed in two semesters. Students are also required to write and defend a thesis.

    Curriculum requirements include ten courses (30 credit hours) beyond those required for the Building Level Administrator’s license. Candidates must also hold a professional teaching license and must complete the Ed.S. coursework to receive the superintendent’s license. At least 24 credit hours must be taken from Indiana Wesleyan University.

    Program Objectives

    1. A Vision of Learning: To facilitate the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the greater school community.
    2. School Culture and Instructional Leadership: To advocate, nurture, and sustain a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and continuous instructional improvement.
    3. Managerial Leadership: To ensure management of the organization, operations, and resources for a safe, efficient, and effective learning environment.
    4. Collaboration with Families and the Community: To collaborate with families and community members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize community resources.
    5. Acting with Integrity and Fairness and in an Ethical Manner: To act with integrity and fairness, and in an ethical manner.
    6. The Political, Social, Economic, Legal, and Cultural Context: To understand, respond to, and influence the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.
    7. Application of Knowledge: To experience significant internship opportunities and practice to synthesize and apply guided cooperatively learned skills in real work settings for graduate credit.
    8. Policy Implementation: To guide, facilitate, and support the success of all learners by recommending and implementing policy that guides district operations.

    ACCREDITATION

    Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (312-263-0456); and is also accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036 (202-466-7496), the organization responsible for professional accreditation of other professional school personnel (e.g., superintendents). The Educational Specialist Degree program is also approved by the Indiana Department of Education.