Earning an Education Specialist (EdS) from William Woods University provides educators with a strategic step forward in leadership, curriculum expertise, and career advancement. Designed for working PreK–12 professionals, the flexible online format and accelerated five-week courses make it possible to complete the program in about two years while balancing full-time responsibilities. The EdS curriculum emphasizes practical, real-world application in areas such as instructional leadership, assessment, and school improvement, preparing graduates for roles like curriculum director, instructional coach, principal, or district leader. Students also benefit from learning alongside experienced practitioner-faculty and completing extensive field experiences that build job-ready leadership skills. For those considering further study, the degree creates a seamless pathway into an EdD program, strengthening both immediate career mobility and long-term professional growth.
Our instruction is robust yet condensed for faster degree completion times.
Effective May 4, 2026, all in-state education graduate program rates will drop to the following:
Our application process is quick and easy with zero uneccesary requirements.
Earning an Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership from William Woods University equips educators with the advanced skills needed to lead schools and districts effectively. The flexible online format and accelerated five-week courses allow working professionals to pursue the degree without interrupting their careers. The program emphasizes instructional leadership, school administration, data-driven decision-making, and organizational management, preparing graduates to improve school performance and foster positive learning environments. Graduates are well prepared for roles such as assistant principal, principal, or district-level administrator, while also building a strong foundation for future doctoral study.
View the three major paths to a specialist in Educational Leadership.
Time of Coursework
33.5 – 48.5 hours;
$430/credit hour
100% Online Instruction
Work around your schedule
Fast-Track Admissions
No tests, interviews or essays
Earning an Education Specialist (EdS) in Curriculum and Instructional Leadership from William Woods University provides educators with advanced expertise in curriculum design, instructional strategies, and school leadership. The program’s flexible online format and accelerated five-week courses allow working professionals to advance their skills while maintaining full-time responsibilities. Students gain practical knowledge in data-driven decision-making, teacher coaching, program evaluation, and organizational leadership, preparing them to drive meaningful improvements in student learning. Graduates are well positioned for leadership roles such as curriculum coordinator, instructional coach, or academic director, while also establishing a pathway toward an EdD for long-term career advancement.
Time of Coursework
30 hours; $430/credit hour
100% Online Instruction
Work around your schedule
Fast-Track Admissions
No tests, interviews or essays
Woods Wednesdays is a weekly live Zoom class designed for students who want deeper learning and interactive online education. Led by expert instructors, each optional session offers in‑depth exploration of course content, real‑time discussions, and Q&A opportunities. Students can connect with classmates, collaborate on ideas, and enjoy a dynamic virtual classroom experience that enhances understanding and enriches the regular curriculum.
Angie Salmons
Administrative Assistant | School of Education
[email protected]
Sheila Hodge-Logan, MEd, EdS, EdD
Chair of Advanced Certification & MED Programs
[email protected]
Mar 30 – May 1
Spring
Session C
May 4 – Jun 5
Summer
Session A
Jun 15 – Jul 17
Summer
Session B
Jul 20 – Aug 21
Summer
Session C
Aug 24 – Sep 25
Fall
Session A
Sep 28 – Oct 30
Fall
Session B
Nov 9 – Dec 11
Fall
Session C
Our educational mission began more than 140 years ago in the aftermath of the Civil War, in the year 1870. The Christian Church of Missouri, as a work of compassion, founded a school for girls who had been orphaned by the conflict. The Female Orphan School of the Christian Church of Missouri, as it was called, eventually moved to Fulton, our present home, and grew to include other young women in addition to war orphans. Finances were always a challenge for this labor of love. In 1900 the school was saved from insolvency by a successful Missouri entrepreneur named Dr. William Stone Woods. Together with his wife, Dr. Woods wrote a check that redeemed the school’s entire debt. In gratitude, the University has borne his name ever since.
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