The Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education is a 30 credit-hour, online program focused on preparing individuals in post-secondary institutions for leadership in Higher Education. The Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education combines courses in two primary content areas, Curriculum and Leadership, to comprehensively prepare stronger instructors and leaders in higher educational settings.

Admission. Requirements for admission to the Higher Education degree program:

1. A Master’s degree from an accredited institution;
2. A grade point average of 3.25 on coursework completed for the Master’s degree;
3. Three years of post-secondary-related work experience;
4. Satisfactory score on one of the nationally recognized, standardized tests of verbal skills listed below:
   a. CORE Academic Skills for Educators: Writing (Test #5723) – minimum score of 162
   b. Praxis I Writing Test – minimum score of 174 on PPST or 320 on CBT
   c. National Teacher Examination (NTE) Communication Skills – minimum score of 653
   d. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal Test – minimum score of 370 (Old Scale) or 144 (New Scale)
   e. Miller Analogies Test (MAT) – minimum score of 30

Degree Requirements. A candidate for the Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education is required to meet the following:

1. Fulfill the general requirements for a graduate degree at Delta State University;
2. Complete the required 30 semester hours of graduate work beyond the Master’s degree, consisting of 6 hours of core courses and 24 hours in the major subject area. Courses that are at the 500 level are not acceptable in the Educational Specialist degree program.
3. Maintain a grade point average of at least 3.25 on all graduate work attempted toward the Educational Specialist degree in Higher Education. Candidates for the Educational Specialist degree must earn at least a 3.0 on all graduate work attempted by the end of the first 12 hours of coursework, then earn and maintain at least a 3.25 overall GPA in order to qualify for the comprehensive exam and graduation.
4. Pass a comprehensive examination during the last term of course work.

How to Apply for Graduation

Use the online application process to apply for graduation at least one semester prior to the semester of graduation. Paper applications are no longer accepted. Complete the process by going to the Registrar’s Office website.

Graduate students must have completed at least 18 earned credit hours (not including the current semester) in order to apply for graduation.