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E

D U C A T I O N

S

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

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.

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.

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:

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.

Performance in graduate coursework that indicates an ability to be successful in postgraduate studies

Command of the English language as evidenced in a writing sample that demonstrates ability to do

postgraduate writing

Christian maturity appropriate for leadership

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

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:

Christian life development or spiritual formation

Missions

Biblical studies (i.e. Old or New Testament survey, Progress of Redemption, theology, or Bible book study)

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