Coordinators:
Caryn M. Wells
480H Pawley Hall
(248) 370-3072
cmwells2@oakland.edu
Christine Abbott
480A Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2636
cabbott@oakland.edu
Program description
The nationally recognized and state approved Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program is based on the belief that leadership in the schools is collaborative and transformational. This program prepares aspiring and practicing administrators to provide the leadership needed by effective school organizations. The Ed.S. program emphasizes a cohort structure with the belief that learning is increased by the ongoing interaction of all members of learning communities. A mentorship is required with an administrator in the field; this internship spans the two-year program. A program portfolio is required at the conclusion of the program, highlighting the experiential and conceptual skills and growth throughout the Ed.S. program. The Ed.S. in leadership program adheres to the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) and State of Michigan standards. At the conclusion of the program, students may apply for certification with the state of Michigan for K-12 school administration.
Program delivery
The Education Specialist in leadership degree program requires 34 credits, all of which must be completed within the 22-month, cohort-structured program. Prescribed courses are generally taken one week night for fall and winter terms with some courses scheduled on one Saturday per monbth. Summer Sessions I and II, which are held back-to-back and are shorter in length, require two evenings per week. The action research project begins during the third semester and is presented during the final semester of the program at the annual Graduate Research Symposium in Pawley Hall.
Cohorts are formed at the main campus, online, and at various off-campus locations. Cohorts are limited to 20 students each. The majority of on-ground classes are hybrid with class meetings at the assigned location and online course expectations.
Admission terms and application deadlines
Before an applicant’s file can be reviewed for full program admission, all application documents must be received in Graduate Admissions by the semester deadlines listed below. Incomplete applications will not be sent to departments for admission review.
- July 15 for fall semester
- November 15 for winter semester
Readmission and program transfer
Requests for readmission and program transfers must be completed and approved prior to the beginning of a semester.
International application deadlines
International applications are reviewed for fall and winter admission only. To ensure adequate time for review, international applications must be completed at least six months before the desired date of intended enrollment in the University. All international application materials must be submitted by May 1 for fall admission and by September 1 for winter admission. International applicants are not eligible for Special Graduate classification.
Special Graduate classification
Applicants who are seeking a graduate degree or graduate certificate, but are unable to meet the deadline for filing all required application materials or credentials for graduate admission, may contact the department and request Special Graduate temporary admission. The applicant must submit an Application for Admission to Graduate Study, plus a copy of a transcript providing evidence of a bachelor’s degree awarded and any specific evidence concerning their qualifications for graduate study as required by the department. Up to 12 credits may be earned in the Special Graduate classification. Admission as a special graduate student in no way assures subsequent admission to a degree or graduate certificate program.
Students may request special graduate classification beginning with the dates below.
- August 1 for fall semester
- December 1 for winter semester
Note: Special Graduate classification will not be granted after the first week of classes in a semester.
Application requirements
To be considered for graduate admission, applicants must submit all of the following university and program application documents by the published application deadlines.
University graduate application requirements
- Online Application for Admission to Graduate Study
- Official transcripts providing evidence of an earned baccalaureate degree from an accredited U.S. institution, OR a degree equivalent to a four-year U.S. baccalaureate degree from a college or university of government-recognized standing.
- Official transcripts for all post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned a degree (beginning with the first baccalaureate) and for all enrollment in graduate-level coursework beyond the bachelor’s degree. International university transcripts must be evaluated by a professional credential evaluation service.
- As part of the admission requirements, graduate programs may require official transcripts from post-secondary educational institutions from which the applicant earned an associate’s degree and all enrollment in coursework both pre- and post-bachelor’s degree.
- Two official and original Recommendation for Graduate Admission forms.
(Note: Some programs require more than two recommendation forms. Refer to the program application requirements listed below for the total number of recommendations and specific requirements for the recommendations.)
- Proof of English language proficiency
- International supplemental application and supporting documentation must be submitted before international applicants can be issued the Certification of Eligibility (I-20). This certificate is required to apply for a student visa from the U.S. embassy or consulate.
Program application requirements
- Evidence of a master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Requirements for recommendations
The recommendation forms must be from supervisors familiar with the candidate’s current position
- A statement indicating willingness to make a two-year commitment to the program and a statement of personal goals after completing the educational leadership program
- Candidates may be interviewed by the program coordinator, who will make admission recommendations to Graduate Admissions
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Site Preference Form
Admission review and assessment
Admission to graduate study at Oakland University is selective. In making admission recommendations to Graduate Study and Lifelong Learning, each department assesses the potential of applicants for success in the program by examining their undergraduate records, goal statement, letters of recommendation, prerequisite courses and any other admission requirements established by the academic department.
The Faculty Council for the Education Specialist program will screen candidates after all application materials have been received by Graduate Admissions.
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