MEd vs EdS in School Leadership: Degree Comparison Guide (2026)

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), roughly 80 percent of public school principals hold a master’s degree as their highest credential, while about 10 percent have earned an education specialist or doctoral degree. This statistic highlights a clear divide in the world of school leadership. While a master’s degree is the standard entry point, the education specialist degree is a powerful tool for those seeking the highest levels of district authority.

I have spent over 14 years as an education policy analyst, and I often see students struggle with these choices. I remember a student named Alex Rivera. Alex was a college sophomore who knew he wanted to lead a school one day. He was overwhelmed by the different degree names and requirements. Like many of you, he feared choosing the wrong path and wasting time or money. My goal is to use data and clear comparisons to help you avoid that stress and find the best bachelor’s degree for careers in education leadership.

Wondering What Is the Best Bachelor’s Degree for Your Career Goals?

The best bachelor’s degree for a career in school leadership is typically a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education. This degree provides the initial teaching certification required by most states before you can move into administration. It serves as the essential first building block for your long-term career.

In my experience mentoring high school seniors, I always emphasize that you cannot lead a school until you understand the classroom. Most states require three to five years of teaching experience before you can even apply for a leadership license. When choosing the right major, look for programs that offer strong student-teaching placements.

• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Education: Often more focused on technical teaching methods and data-driven instruction.
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education: Usually includes more liberal arts courses, such as history or philosophy, alongside teaching prep.
• Alternative Pathways: If you already have a degree in a different field, you can pursue a “post-baccalaureate” certificate to get your teaching license quickly.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that teachers with a solid undergraduate foundation have higher retention rates. For someone like Alex, starting with a clear major meant he could focus on gaining the classroom experience needed for his future Master of Education (MEd).

What Is a Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership?

A Master of Education (MEd) is a graduate-level degree that focuses on the practical application of teaching and leadership skills. It is often the first step for teachers who want to move into school administration. This degree provides the foundational knowledge needed to manage a school building and its staff.

The MEd in Educational Leadership is designed for the “practitioner.” This means the coursework is very hands-on. You will learn about school law, budgeting, and how to evaluate teachers. Most programs require about 30 to 36 credit hours.

I often tell my mentees that the MEd is the “key” that unlocks the door to the principal’s office. Without it, you generally cannot get the state license required to be an assistant principal or principal. According to College Scorecard data, the return on investment (ROI) for an MEd is high because it allows for a significant jump in salary from a standard teacher’s pay scale.

• Typical Duration: 1.5 to 2 years.
• Core Focus: Building-level leadership (principals and assistant principals).
• Prerequisite: A bachelor’s degree and a valid teaching certificate.
• Outcome: Eligibility for state administrative licensure.

What Is an Education Specialist (EdS) in School Leadership?

An Education Specialist (EdS) is a post-master’s degree designed for advanced practitioners who want to specialize further without completing a full doctorate. It offers targeted training for district-level roles, such as superintendent or curriculum director. This degree bridges the gap between a master’s and a PhD.

The EdS is a unique degree. It is higher than a master’s but sits just below a doctorate (EdD or PhD). For someone like Alex, who might want to lead an entire school district one day, the EdS is a strategic choice. It usually requires 30 credits beyond your master’s degree.

Interestingly, the EdS does not require a dissertation. This makes it a popular choice for busy administrators who want advanced knowledge and a higher salary without the five-year commitment of a doctoral program. It is a “terminal” practitioner degree, meaning it is the highest degree focused specifically on the “doing” of the job rather than the “researching” of the job.

• Typical Duration: 1 to 1.5 years after the MEd.
• Core Focus: District-level leadership and specialized central office roles.
• Prerequisite: A Master of Education (MEd) or a related master’s degree.
• Outcome: Advanced licensure or salary “rank” increases in many states.

Comparing MEd vs. EdS: Which Path Fits Your Goals?

Comparing the MEd and EdS requires looking at your current career stage and your ultimate professional destination. The MEd is about starting your leadership journey, while the EdS is about reaching the top of the ladder. Both degrees offer valuable skills but serve different functions in a career.

When I look at institutional program analyses, the differences become very clear. The MEd is broad. It covers everything a principal needs to know. The EdS is narrow and deep. It might focus specifically on special education law or district-wide financial planning.

Comparison of MEd and EdS Degrees

For someone at the start of their journey, the MEd is the logical next step after teaching. If you are already a principal and feel “stuck” in your career, the EdS provides the credentials to move into the central office.

Understanding the Career Outcomes and Salary Potential

Career outcomes for school leaders are generally stable and offer higher-than-average earnings compared to other education roles. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $101,320 in 2022. This is a significant increase from the median teacher salary.

The ROI of these degrees is often tied to “salary steps” in school districts. Most public school districts pay more based on your degree level. For example, a teacher with an MEd might earn $5,000 more per year than one with a BA. An EdS can add another $3,000 to $7,000 to that annual total.

• Assistant Principal: Average starting salary of $75,000 – $90,000 (requires MEd).
• Principal: Average salary of $95,000 – $120,000 (requires MEd and experience).
• District Supervisor: Average salary of $110,000 – $140,000 (EdS preferred).
• Superintendent: Average salary of $150,000+ (EdS or Doctorate often required).

In my research, I have found that the “debt-to-income ratio” for these degrees is usually favorable. Since most educators work while they earn these degrees, they can often pay as they go or use employer tuition reimbursement.

How to Choose the Right Major and Graduate Pathway

Choosing the right major and graduate pathway involves a three-step process: assessing your current credentials, defining your five-year goal, and checking your state’s specific licensing laws. Every state has different rules for what degree is needed for specific leadership roles.

I advise students to use college planning guides and tools like the College Scorecard to compare programs. Look for “CAEP Accreditation.” This ensures the program meets national standards for teacher and leader preparation. If a program isn’t accredited, your state might not accept it for your license.

1. Step 1: The Foundation. Get your Bachelor’s in Education and your teaching license.
2. Step 2: The Experience. Teach for at least three years. Join leadership committees at your school.
3. Step 3: The MEd. Apply for an MEd in Educational Leadership once you are sure you want to leave the classroom for administration.
4. Step 4: The Pivot. After a few years as a principal, decide if you want to stay in a building or move to the district level. If it’s the latter, pursue the EdS.

Alex followed this plan. He didn’t rush into a master’s degree immediately. He taught for four years, learned the ropes, and then used his school’s tuition assistance to pay for his MEd. This saved him nearly $20,000 in student loans.

Navigating Costs and Financial Aid for Education Degrees

Navigating the costs of an MEd or EdS requires looking beyond just tuition. You must consider student fees, books, and the “opportunity cost” of your time. Fortunately, education is one of the few fields where many employers will help cover the bill.

Most graduate students are eligible for federal student loans through the FAFSA. However, I always tell my students to look for “TEACH Grants” or state-specific loan forgiveness programs. Many states will forgive your loans if you agree to lead a high-needs or rural school for a certain number of years.

• Tuition Benchmarks: Public universities average $500-$800 per credit hour for graduate education.
• Scholarship Amounts: Many professional organizations, like the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), offer scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
• Employer Reimbursement: Check your “Master Agreement” or union contract. Many districts pay for 3 to 6 credits per year.

By using these resources, you can minimize the debt you take on. A data-driven decision means looking at the total cost of the degree versus the expected salary increase over the next ten years.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Leadership Journey

Common mistakes in choosing an education degree include picking a program that doesn’t lead to licensure or skipping the “teaching years” requirement. I have seen many career changers enter an MEd program only to realize they cannot get a job because they never held a basic teaching certificate.

Another mistake is assuming a higher degree always means more money. In some small or private schools, the salary cap might be lower, and an EdS might not provide a return on investment. Always check the salary schedule of the districts where you want to work.

• Check Accreditation: Only attend CAEP or regionally accredited schools.
• Verify Licensure: Ensure the program meets your state’s “Administrative I” or “Administrative II” requirements.
• Don’t Over-Educate Too Early: Getting an EdS before you have any leadership experience can sometimes make you “overqualified” for entry-level assistant principal roles.

Essential Tools for Your Education Planning

Using the right tools can take the guesswork out of your college planning. I recommend a mix of government data and professional networking tools. These resources help you see the “real world” outcomes of the degrees you are considering.

1. College Scorecard: Use this to see the average debt and salary of graduates from specific MEd programs.
2. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Great for checking the job growth rates for principals in your specific state.
3. LinkedIn Skills-Gap Data: Look at the profiles of current superintendents. Do they have an EdS or an EdD? This tells you what your local market prefers.
4. State Department of Education Websites: This is the only place to find the exact requirements for your administrative license.
5. Degree Comparison Spreadsheets: Create your own to track credit costs, duration, and whether the program is 100% online or hybrid.

Personalized Action Plan for Aspiring School Leaders

Your action plan should be a living document that changes as you grow in your career. Start with your undergraduate education and keep your eyes on the long-term goal. Whether you are a high school senior like Alex was, or a career changer, the path is clear if you follow the data.

• Year 1-4: Complete your Bachelor’s in Education. Maintain a high GPA (above 3.0) to ensure graduate school admission.
• Year 5-8: Gain teaching experience. Lead a department or a grade level.
• Year 9-10: Earn your MEd in Educational Leadership. Obtain your principal license.
• Year 11+: Evaluate your interest in district-wide leadership. If the interest is there, enroll in an EdS program.

This structured approach ensures you are never “underemployed” or stuck with debt you cannot pay back. It allows you to build a stable, fulfilling career while making a real difference in the lives of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between an MEd and an EdS?

The MEd is a master’s degree that usually serves as the first step into school leadership, focusing on principal roles. The EdS is a post-master’s specialist degree that provides advanced training for district-level roles like superintendents. The EdS is “higher” than a master’s but does not require the long research dissertation found in a doctorate.

Can I become a principal with just an EdS?

Technically, you need a master’s degree to get an EdS. Most principals get their license through an MEd program first. However, some people who already have a master’s in a different subject (like English or Math) can take an EdS program specifically designed for “initial licensure” to become a principal.

Is an EdS worth the extra money?

It is worth it if your career goal is district leadership or if your school district offers a significant salary increase for the “specialist” rank. If you plan to stay as a classroom teacher or a building principal forever, the MEd is usually sufficient for your needs and provides a better ROI.

How long does it take to get an MEd vs. an EdS?

An MEd usually takes about two years of part-time study while you are teaching. An EdS is shorter, often taking only one year to 18 months, because it builds directly on the credits you already earned during your master’s degree.

Do I need a teaching license to get an MEd in Educational Leadership?

In almost all cases, yes. Most reputable MEd programs in leadership require you to have a valid teaching certificate and several years of experience. This is because the degree is designed to train you to lead other teachers, which requires a deep understanding of the classroom.

Which degree is better for a career changer?

If you are moving from a corporate job into education, you should first look for a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or an MEd that includes initial teaching certification. You cannot jump straight into school leadership (MEd Leadership or EdS) without first becoming a certified teacher and gaining experience.

What is the average salary increase for an EdS?

While it varies by state, an EdS typically adds between $3,000 and $8,000 to your annual salary compared to a master’s degree. Over a 20-year career, this can result in an additional $60,000 to $160,000 in total earnings, not including the higher pension benefits that come with a higher final salary.

Does an EdS count toward a doctorate later?

Yes, many universities allow you to transfer the credits from your EdS directly into an Education Doctorate (EdD) program. This can sometimes cut the time needed for a doctorate in half, making the EdS a great “stepping stone” for those who aren’t ready for a PhD yet.

Are online MEd and EdS degrees respected?

Yes, as long as the university is regionally accredited and the program is CAEP-approved. Most school districts do not distinguish between an online degree and an on-campus degree, especially since most working administrators prefer the flexibility of online learning.

What is the best bachelor’s degree for someone who wants to be a superintendent?

The best bachelor’s degree is a BS or BA in Education with a focus on a core subject like Math, Science, or English. This allows you to start as a teacher, move to a principal role with an MEd, and eventually reach the superintendency with an EdS or EdD.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Michael Harrington. Visit our Meet the Team page to learn more about the author and their expertise.)