How to Apply
Important: The button below will take you to University Admissions. Use the following advice to correctly identify your interest in this program.
Graduate School Application:
As you progress through the application, use the following screenshot to guide your choices and be certain to select an option for emphasis area:
Prerequisites:
- Teaching Experience: A minimum of two years of successful PK-12 teaching experience in a school system is required. This may include experience from another state, and private, public, parochial, independent, or charter schools.
- Grade Point Average: The minimum graduate GPA for regular admission is 3.25 on a scale of 4.0.
Letters of Recommendation:
Have on file at least three (3) recommendations including the following: one (1) from an educator presently occupying a position equal or similar to that to which the applicant aspires upon completing the EdS, one (1) from a university professor with direct knowledge of the applicant's graduate degree work, and one (1) from someone other than a member of the applicant's family who can comment on the applicant's character. Recommendation letters should be submitted to Dr. Vanessa Garry (garryv@umsl.edu).
Transfer Credits:
Candidates may transfer 27 credit hours from their master’s degree toward the total of 60 credit hours. Courses from universities other that UMSL should be transferred to UMSL via the G-3 Transfer Credit Form with approval from the faculty advisor. The form may be found here:
www.umsl.edu/gradschool/forms.html
You must be admitted to the Graduate School before you may register for courses. You may call the Office of Advising to make an appointment with an advisor who will help you register for your first semester (314-516-5937). Thereafter, you will be assigned a faculty advisor and that faculty advisor will assist you for the balance of your program.
Thank you for choosing UMSL!
Become an educational leader
The Ed.S. Program is designed for practicing educators who want to grow in their leadership capacity.
The University of Missouri–St. Louis can help you take the next step in your career whether you’re a teacher who wants to become a principal, a principal seeking superintendent certification or an educator who wants to grow as a leader. UMSL’s Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program is designed for educators who want to make a difference in their schools and in their communities. It is designed for those who want to lead.
To be admitted to the Ed.S. degree, you must already hold a master’s degree in an education related field. Students in this program can work towards initial principal or superintendent certification. The superintendent track is 100% online and is a unique collaboration with UMKC and Mizzou. This degree requires 60-credit hours, and up to half may be brought in from a previous master’s in education.
For more information, please contact one of our advisors.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA)
To determine if this program meets the reciprocity requirements for like state educational certification programs outside the state of Missouri, follow this link for further contact information and resources.
Marty Woytus & Kristel Schlemper
p: (314) 516-5937
- Deadlines to Apply:
- Fall - July 1
- Spring - December 1
- Summer - May 1
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Vanessa Garry, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Associate Professor of Educator Preparation and Leadership in the COE at the UMSL, St. Louis, Missouri, has K-12 principal and superintendent certification. She received her Ph.D. and Ed.S. degrees in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the UMSL. Dr. Garry teaches graduate students DDDM, leadership for equity, school law, ...
Patricia Corum, Ed.D.
Scholar in Residence
Dr. Patty Corum is an educational consultant who works with school administrators and teachers on teaching quality, focusing mostly on effective evaluations, observations and meaningful feedback. She has worked in the urban, suburban and rural settings across the State of Missouri. Prior to this, Dr. Corum served almost thirty years in ...
Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, Ph.D.
Superintendent Fellow
Dr. Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley has served as superintendent of The School District of University City since July 2016. She was previously the assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development for the Ritenour. She is a native of St. Louis and grew up in north city. She is a graduate of Lafayette High School and has an undergr...
Thomas Hoerr, Ph.D.
Scholar In Residence
Tom Hoerr led schools for 37 years, taught for eight years, and worked for two years as an intern in the SLPS Division of Evaluation and Research. He has written five books and 140 articles/chapters. His most recent book is The Principal As Chief Empathy Officer: Creating A Culture Where Everyone Grows. He has presented around th...
Amy Johnston,
Sr. Educational Leadership Coordinator
Timothy Pecoraro, Ph.D.
Superintendent Fellow
Dr. Tim Pecoraro was named superintendent of Pattonville School District in 2018. He has served on several statewide committees related to assessment and MSIP. He is currently on the executive board of the Missouri Assessment Partnership (MOAP). He arrived in Pattonville in 2001, when he was named principal of Briar Crest Elementary School. He was ...
- Leadership 23
- National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA) 57
- Specialist 3
- Education Sciences and Professional Programs (ESPP) 39
- Athletic Director Career Path Program 4
- Exclusively for DESE Initial Certified Teachers 3
- Fieldwork Included: Internship and/or Practicum 74
- School Principal Career Path Program 4
- School Superintendent Career Path Program 4
- DESE Career Education Director Certification 1
- DESE Superintendent (Grades K-12) Certification 1
- Main Campus 131
- Educational Leadership 15
- Graduate 113
- Specialist 3