The Educational Specialist degree (EdS) program offers you the opportunities for advanced study in instructional practice, educational leadership, and instructional leadership. This degree program includes 30 semester hours designed to extend and expand your level of professional competence beyond your current master's level program education. During the program, you will become up to date on matters relevant to your field of specialization, be able to read and understand research in your field, apply relevant research findings to professional activities and learn how to assume a leadership role in your specialization. You may transfer six (6) credit hours toward degree requirements upon approval.
Applicants must hold a master's degree from an accredited institution to apply to the EdS degree program. LMU's available concentrations include Instructional Practice (IP), Instructional Leadership (IL), Educational Leadership (EL), and Professional Counseling and Educational Leadership. This program is offered in a flexible online/hybrid format!
The Instructional Practice concentration is designed for candidates seeking to strengthen their skills as classroom leaders through innovative curriculum design, effective instructional practices, and research-based approaches to teaching and learning. The program is tailored to educators who are passionate about advancing their professional practice and developing their leadership capacity within today’s dynamic classroom environment.
The Educational Leadership concentration is designed for candidates who already hold Leadership Licensure, out-of-state candidates, higher education professionals, and practitioners seeking to enhance their expertise in organizational leadership. The program emphasizes best practices in leadership, innovative approaches to strategic school improvement, organizational alignment, and data collection and analysis to strengthen the overall educational community. This program is tailored to educators and professionals who aspire to lead in educational, community, or business settings.
The Instructional Leadership concentration is designed for candidates who have the state-required teaching experience and are seeking to obtain Leadership Licensure. The program develops the knowledge and leadership skills necessary to lead and support teachers at the building or district level, with an emphasis on teacher development, instructional effectiveness, instructional strategies, and student assessment. This program is tailored to licensed teachers who meet the state-required experience and aspire to serve as licensed principals in Tennessee.
Graduates of the Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program are prepared to lead instructional improvement, support teacher development, and advance student success in a variety of educational settings. Through advanced coursework in leadership, curriculum, instruction, organizational improvement, and data-informed decision-making, candidates develop the knowledge and skills needed to assume leadership roles at the school, district, and organizational levels. Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
Lincoln Memorial University offers EdS degree courses at our Knoxville, TN (LMU Cedar Bluff) off-campus instructional site (OCIS) in a hybrid format. Contact Lisa Horton for the updated schedule of dates.
Lincoln Memorial University’s Online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure) has been recognized as one of the nation’s top affordable programs, earning the #18 spot in EdDPrograms.org’s 2026 ranking of the Most Affordable Online Ed.S. Programs. This recognition highlights LMU’s commitment to providing accessible, high-quality educational leadership opportunities for working professionals seeking to advance their careers.
Lisa Horton - EL, IL, and IP
800.325.0900 ext. 7057
lisa.horton@LMUnet.edu
Kristen Smith - Professional Counseling and Educational Leadership
865.531.4110
Kristen.Smith862@lmunet.edu
Carter & Moyers School of Education
6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway,
Harrogate, TN 37752
423.869.3611
800.325.0900
