PROGRAM DETAILS

Specializations

Through the MS in Educational Specialist Areas program, you’ll develop the advanced skills and experience to become a highly effective leader in education.

To help you achieve your goals, the program offers four areas of specialization. You must complete two of the four tracks for a total of 36 credit hours to earn your Master of Science in Educational Specialist Areas.

• Early Childhood Education — Learn to transform your classroom into a healthy, respectful, supportive and challenging environment for pre-K aged children. View the course requirements of this specialization, which also leads to an endorsement from the state of Nebraska. You will also earn a graduate certificate in Early Childhood Education.
• English as a Second Language (ESL) — Meet the rising need for educators with a background in ESL and deepen your understanding of developing language and literacy. View the course requirements of this specialization, which also leads to an endorsement from the state of Nebraska.
• Catholic School Leadership — Gain the skills and experience to become a leader in a Catholic school setting. View the course requirements of this specialization, which also leads to a graduate certificate in Catholic School Leadership.
• Teacher Leadership — Prepare for a variety of educational leadership positions, such as a department chair, grade level team leader, or instructional coach. View the course requirements of this specialization.
• Sports Leadership — Gain the skills and experience to strengthen your understanding of organizational leadership processes, to serve in sports leadership roles or to advance your career while studying leadership through a sports lens. View course requirements for this specialization. 

Endorsements

The Master of Science in Educational Specialist Areas is a “stackable” degree program. Upon completion, you can earn your master’s and two endorsements, depending which specializations you pursue.

Creighton’s education programs are nationally recognized as “excellent” by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and by the Higher Learning Commission. This reputation is earned thanks to Creighton’s carefully designed program curricula and standards, as well as the talented faculty who apply Jesuit values to ensure student success.

Meet the program faculty

Specific Application Requirements

To be considered for admission to the MS in Educational Specialist Areas, applicants must:

• Complete an application and submit a $50 application fee
• Possess a bachelor’s degree with 3.0 GPA or higher
• Provide a teaching certificate (exemptions available)
• Provide official transcripts from all educational institutions attended. Read more about sending transcripts here
• Include a resume or curriculum vitae
• Submit a personal statement (see application for specific requirements)
• Submit two letters of recommendation from persons other than friends or family members
• Pass a background check (if offer of admission is extended)
• Submit felony convictions and mental capacity statements

A personal interview may be requested in addition to the above requirements. The interview may be conducted in-person or virtually.

Due to the specific features and requirements of this program, international students cannot be admitted. Unique situations may be discussed with your enrollment specialist.