Presentation
The University’s Directed Independent Study modality recognizes that education is an individual process where individuals with different learning needs and study schedules can be accommodated. It emphasizes learning that is meaningful, where individuals enjoy the learning process, and acquire knowledge to better understand and manage their own careers. The Program’s Faculty Members support the student’s independent-study learning role by guiding and stimulating the learning process in one-on-one interaction with no mandatory discussion groups. Our faculty mentors recognize individual learning styles and emphasize the relevance of the material to the individual’s situation.
Each course in the Program contains a series of lesson assignments generally consisting of reading requirements and research projects. Students are evaluated through examinations and/or research assignments which are submitted for faculty evaluation. All assignments are submitted electronically. As set forth in the University’s General Catalog, Internet access and minimum computer requirements and skills are required as a condition of admittance. The first three courses in the curriculum are known as qualifying courses. A student must take and pass a Qualifying Examination before a student can earn academic credit for a core course. The Qualifying Examination is a three hour proctored test that covers material covered in the qualifying courses. It consists of a combination of objective and subjective questions.
Curriculum
To earn the Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree, a student must complete the courses outlined below in good academic standing and pass both the Qualifying and Comprehensive Examinations, all with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.00. The requirements may be completed in as little as 27 months. All requirements must be completed within seven years from the date of initial enrollment. The following courses are required for the Education Specialist with a concentration in Educational Administration.
EDU501
Educational Administration
4 units
EDU503
Leadership in Institutional Settings
4 units
EDU507
Educational Finance
4 units
EDU600
Qualifying Exam
Pass/Fail
EDU505
The Laws and Politics of Education
4 units
EDU506
Organizational Behavior in the Educational Setting
4 units
EDU508
Principles of Curriculum Development
4 units
EDU700
Comprehensive Examination
Pass/Fail
EDU602
Contemporary Topics in Educational Policy
1-4 Units
EDU604
Management of Adult/Occupational Programs
4 Units
EDU607
Principalship
3 Units
Total Semester Units Required for Graduation: 31
To be admitted to the Program, applicants must possess a master’s degree in education or a master’s degree in another discipline and a teaching or administrative credential. In either case the degrees must be from appropriately accredited institutions and the applicant must have a minimum of two years of teaching or administrative experience in an educational setting from elementary through higher education. Other factors affecting admission include the strength of the applicant’s personal statement (the importance of demonstrating graduate level writing skills cannot be over emphasized), references, record of involvement in professional organizations and associations, an aptitude for leadership based in part on employment and educational background.
An applicant may be conditionally admitted into the Program based on a completed Application for Admission, receipt of the $75.00 Application Fee, student copies of transcripts reflecting the applicant’s highest relevant degree, documentation of the applicant’s professional work experience, and the receipt of two Professional Reference Letters. Official copies of all relevant college level credits received directly from the institution of origin will be required within 60 days of enrollment.
The vast majority of the institution’s applicants are mature adults working in a variety of professional settings. Many have not attended college for several years. Consequently, prior class rank and grade point average are not significant factors in the admission process. Should additional information be required the applicant will be contacted.
All payments must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by MasterCard®,Visa®, American Express® or Discover®.
It may be necessary for applicants who have attended colleges or universities outside of the United States to obtain an evaluation of their education from a credential evaluation service approved by the University. Upon request, the Admissions Office will provide a list of approved evaluators. In addition, applicants who do not possess a degree from a postsecondary institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 550 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT) or 80 on the Internet Based Test (iBT) or 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS). For more information on TOEFL visit the website: www.ets.org/toefl.
The acceptance of transfer credits between academic institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university. Credits earned at William Howard Taft University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs, policies, and regulations.
The University does not accept Transfer Credit or credit for experiential learning (Portfolio Credit) in the Education Specialist programs.
Tuition is billed at the rate of $420.00 per month during the term of enrollment. The obligation of students to pay tuition shall continue until the earliest of the following events:
Additional information on financial aid and tuition financing can be found under Tuition, Financial Aid and Financing.
The cost of books and materials, other than each course syllabus, is not included in the tuition. The University does not sell books or materials. Most books and materials may be purchased at local colleges, retail bookstores, directly from publishers or over the Internet. The cost is estimated to average approximately $150.00 per course. Students are always provided with a mail or Internet source for acquiring all required materials.
California residents can find more information about the California Tuition Recovery Fund here.
Application Fee
(Non-Refundable)
Registration and Orientation Fee
This one-time fee is charged at the time of a student’s initial enrollment and is related to the costs associated with setting-up the student’s file and developing a Degree Completion Plan.
(Non-Refundable)
Continuation Fee (Per Month)
Students who have not completed all degree requirements after four full years of active enrollment in the Program will be assessed a monthly continuation fee for the balance of the enrollment period or until they have satisfied all degree requirements.
(This is in lieu of tuition.)
Diploma Fee
(Non-Refundable)
Transcript Fee
(Two Provided at No Cost)
Late Payment Fee
(Returned Check/Declined Credit Card/ACH) (Per Item)
Student Tuition Recovery Fund *
(California Residents Only)
If the applicant is accepted for admission to the Program, a formal enrollment agreement will be prepared and sent to the applicant for review and signature. Students may elect to begin the Program on the 1st day of any month. All payments submitted for tuition and fees must be payable in U.S. dollars. Payments may be made by MasterCard® / Visa® / American Express® or Discover®. Applicants are encouraged to call the Admissions Office if there are any questions regarding enrollment procedures.
This course examines conceptual foundations of educational administration with the aim of using theory and research to solve the problems of practice. The focus of this course is on the school as a social system with special emphasis on structure, politics, decision making, and quality outcomes. Course objectives underscore a belief in the value of informed “reflection on Practice” both individually and collectively. Prerequisites: None.
This course explores concepts of leadership and leadership styles in the context of educational administration. Students examine the role of institutional leader, as well as factors that influence decision making, initiating change, psychological constraints, and techniques for establishing and maintaining a unique culture in the institutional setting. Prerequisites: None.
This course provides an overview of the legal and political framework of education in the nation. Emphasis is on current issues and how they affect the learning environment. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
This course studies theory, strategies and techniques of effective organizational behavior in educational/institutional settings. Intervention techniques will be studied to improve organization effectiveness. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
This course explores the economic theories of institutional finance. Emphasis on the management and evaluation of fiscal operations in an institutional setting. Prerequisites: None.
This course provides an analysis of the influences of curriculum and instruction from a philosophical, psychological and sociological perspective. Various approaches to the design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction will be examined. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses
This elective course allows students to examine several broad range contemporary topics in institutional management and policy. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
This course presents an examination of the social forces involved with adult education. The history and philosophy of adult and occupational training will be reviewed, as well as training and development programs in both public and private sector settings. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
This course contains an overview of the principalship at all levels. The emphasis is on expectations for principals as well as the practical aspects of the principal’s job. It is based on a leadership accomplished by relationships not on traditional, top-down authority. Prerequisites: Completion of Qualifying Courses.
This proctored examination, which can be taken anytime between the completion of the core courses and the Dissertation Proposal, is designed to measure a student’s knowledge and understanding of the curriculum content that has been covered in the Program. Students must pass the examination prior to advancement to candidacy. Prerequisites: Successful Completion of all Required Courses.
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