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D U C A T I O N
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P E C I A L I S T
Overview
The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program is intended to help extend professional understanding and practice in the
critical area of education. Ed.S. students will develop capacities to think, communicate, and model biblical
excellence in educational leadership positions. They will more clearly represent Christ-centered perspectives in
the broader society by influencing students, their families, faculty, and staff with competencies specifically
designed for Kingdom growth. Students are admitted in cohort groups during the summer to complete a
concentration in Educational Leadership. Courses are provided online and in summer intensives.
Purpose
The Ed.S. degree strives to produce professionals who lead others in addressing educational needs from a biblical
perspective.
Objectives
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Candidates will understand biblical perspectives, foundational theories, research findings,
cultural/sociological dynamics, and alternative models for educating diverse learners in contemporary
Christian educational institutions. They will also analyze, synthesize, and evaluate these elements so as to
enhance Christian education.
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Candidates will understand biblical perspectives, theoretical approaches, research findings, and alternative
models of effective leadership and functioning of organizations, groups, and individuals within
organizations. They will also analyze, synthesize, and evaluate these elements in order to enhance their
understanding of high-quality Christian education leadership.
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Through CIU’s Ed.S. program, candidates are likely to enhance their personal callings and ministry and to
contribute to the quality of Christian education through leadership, presentation, and publication.
Admission Requirements
A graduate faculty admissions panel reviews applicants, which includes an interview in person (or by phone) and
recommends acceptance according to the applicant’s satisfaction of the following criteria:
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A master’s degree from an accredited institution that provides a relevant foundation for postgraduate
studies in educational leadership. An education or education-related field is the strongly preferred focus of
the master’s degree.
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Performance in graduate coursework that indicates an ability to be successful in postgraduate studies
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Command of the English language as evidenced in a writing sample that demonstrates ability to do
postgraduate writing
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Christian maturity appropriate for leadership
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Administrative or teaching experience (K-12th grade, higher education) and other evidence indicating that
the Ed.S. degree will enable the applicant to enhance his or her leadership role and contribution to the
cause of Christian education
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GRE results (minimum of 50th percentile on verbal and quantitative with 3.5 on the analytical writing
section) or MAT score (minimum of 50th percentile). The exam must have been taken within the last five
years.
When the number of qualified applicants exceeds the cohort enrollment limit, the most qualified applicants will be
considered for admission.
Required Foundational Knowledge of Bible and Theology
Twelve credits, one course from each of the following topics:
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Christian life development or spiritual formation
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Missions
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Biblical studies (i.e. Old or New Testament survey, Progress of Redemption, theology, or Bible book study)
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Biblical hermeneutics (interpretation)
This requirement may also be satisfied by either a Bible certificate or a total of 30 credit hours of coursework in
Bible and theology from an accredited college or university.
87 | Columbia International University
College of Education