The Education Specialist program primarily serves educators who aspire to become central office or district-wide school leaders. The Ed.S. serves educators who wish to advance beyond the master’s of arts degree. The program is designed so students who complete the degree may transfer up to 27 credits into Central Michigan University’s doctor of education degree (Ed.D.) program. 

Students have the option to chose from any of the following areas for the Master of Arts in Education program:

• Learning Disabilities
• Reading K-8
• Reading Specialist K-12
• Educational Administration: Administration and Supervision
• Educational Administration: American Indian Education Administration and Supervision
• Educational Instruction
• Early Childhood Education

For the graduate-level student not electing to pursue a master of arts in education degree, the School of Education provides the opportunity for certification in these areas:

• Standard
• Professional
• Administrator: K-12 Principal

Certified teachers may obtain an endorsement in learning disabilities, reading, or early childhood by pursuing a master of arts in education degree with a concentration in one of the specified areas. Those not seeking the master of arts in education degree may elect to pursue the endorsement only.