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Educational Specialist Areas (Master of Science)
Broaden your instructional horizons and maximize your passion for teaching others through Creighton University’s Master of Science in Educational Specialist Areas.
This unique master’s program will allow you to explore new areas, diversify your teaching skillset and develop your leadership skills. You’ll be able to personalize the degree to your interests and prepare for a variety of educational leadership positions, such as a department chair, grade level team leader or instructional coach.
Creighton offers guaranteed scholarships for all current educators to help support and encourage teachers to continue to their education. See the tuition and fees section below for more details.
“The Educational Specialist Areas program is unique because it is a “stackable master's”, meaning students can choose from five specialty areas and build a program that leads to two endorsements and a master's all at one time.”
—Jean Hearn, EdD | Assistant Professor and Program Director, College of Arts & Sciences
Rooted in Jesuit values, Creighton’s educational specialist master’s goes far beyond classroom management. You’ll learn to model the importance of compassion, relationship-building, reflection and humility in your work. Through hands-on, project-based learning, you’ll gain experience that will prepare you for a successful career in education.
A personalized degree that fits your lifestyle
We know graduate school is a huge investment of your time and money, so we make sure your investment is a smart one—and one you can fit in your schedule. This 36-credit program is designed to meet the needs of busy professionals and can be completed fully online in just over two years.
Creighton’s master’s in Educational Specialist Areas is highly customizable, allowing you to choose the proper path to meet your academic, personal and career goals. Teacher specialization options include Catholic School Leadership, Early Childhood Education, English as a Second Language, Teacher Leadership, or Sports Leadership.
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Jean Hearn, EdD | Assistant Professor and Chair, College of Arts and Sciences
“The culture of Creighton comes through in all of our online education courses. Our faculty are supportive and build relationships with their students, and they help students connect with each other too.”
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 five areas of specialization. You must complete two of the five 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. This specialization 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. This specialization 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. This specialization 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.
- 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 the course requirements of these specializations.
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.
Faculty
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.
Certificate Options
If you’re not ready to commit to a full master’s degree right now, you can earn a graduate certificate in education in about half the time. And if you change your mind, you can apply either of the following certificates toward a Master of Science in Educational Specialist Areas:
Catholic School Leadership Graduate Certificate
This program is offered online. Students who complete the following courses will also earn a graduate certificate in Catholic School Leadership:
- Foundations of Catholic Education
- Strategic Resourcing
- School Law
- Strategic and Political Leadership in Catholic Schools
Early Childhood Education (Graduate Certificate) 18 Credits
This program is offered online.
English as a Second Language (ESL) Graduate Certificate
This program is offered online.
Magis Catholic Teacher Corps Option
Applicants to the Master of Science in Educational Specialist Areas program have the option to apply through Creighton’s Magis Catholic Teacher Corps. This specialized two-year, largely volunteer, experience is dedicated to the formation of enthusiastic, faith-filled and highly motivated teachers in direct service to Catholic schools. Applicants to this program through Magis must meet additional admission requirements.
Magis is a two-year volunteer experience built upon three pillars:
- Community — Teachers continue the sense of community fostered in college by living together on campus during the summer and in small communities throughout the school year.
- Spirituality — Teachers are encouraged to grow in their faith through ongoing formation and practice of Ignatian spirituality.
- Professionalism — While teaching for two years in Catholic schools, teachers are required to develop as professional educators by completing a rigorous master’s program.
Students accepted into the Magis Catholic Teacher Corps program receive a monthly stipend, fully subsidized tuition and fees, medical insurance, housing and summer meals. Magis teachers may also be eligible for student loan deferment or forgiveness.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MS in Educational Specialist Areas, applicants must:
- Complete an application
- 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.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition rates change in the fall of each year. Visit our financial aid site for more details.
Scholarships
Based on current educational role, a minimum of $3,600 scholarship is available and automatically applied for all educators. The scholarship will be applied per credit throughout the program. Scholarships are not available for accelerated bachelor’s to master’s students.
Student Support Fund
Creighton’s Student Support Fund helps eligible students finance costs, outside of Creighton University tuition and fees, required of educators to be certified as a teacher, counselor or administrator in the state of Nebraska.
Once admitted, students with financial need may apply for funding for specific items required by the state of Nebraska or Creighton University. Funds may also be awarded for students in need for presentations at conferences or publishing in peer reviewed journals.
Financial Aid
To help make your graduate studies at Creighton University more affordable, we encourage you to file the FAFSA to apply for financial assistance. We also encourage you to apply for available graduate student scholarships and fellowships.
Have questions? Email or call a friendly financial specialist at 402.280.2731 for any additional questions you may have.
Dates and Deadlines
The table below details the enrollment deadlines and starting dates of courses for the current academic year. If you have any questions about dates, deadlines, or application materials, please contact an admissions advisor for personalized assistance.
ONLINE
START CLASSES IN | APPLY BY |
August | July 15 |
January | December 1 |
