Fort Hays State University - Education Specialist

[newdegree]

The EdS program at Fort Hays State University accepted me, and I want to complete it by May of 2027. I will begin the program on March 23, 2026. Most courses last 8 weeks, some courses require 16 weeks (Foundation of Research, Leadership Portfolio in Education, and Capstone Course). Aside from summer, which is a single 8-week term, they conduct two 8-week terms every semester. My long-term objective is to apply to an EdD program that takes a significant amount of transfer credits or an EdS degree. I have so far made a list of the colleges I intend to apply to, and my top five are those mentioned below. Before anyone jumps to the conclusion that an EdS is a waste of time and that I should pursue an EdD instead, I chose to complete an EdS first since it provides a flexible program all year round. I am not required to move with a cohort, and they give me the option to finish the degree and take a break if I get bored with the teaching profession or burn out, before continuing with an EdD. In addition to offering a variety of concentrations, the EdS degree is transferable to another institution. Also to mention the cost of tuition is $349 per credit which is cheaper than all EdD programs and only requires 30 credits.

1. Mississippi State University
   
   
2. Rockhurst University
   
   
3. William Carey University
   
   
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
   
   
5. Penn State University World Campus (Although they
   only accept 6 transfer credits)
   

Additionally, I am considering sending applications to the following programs, but will most likely not attend if one of the following schools above accepts me, so I may wait to hear back first from my top 5 schools:

1. Thomas Edison State University
   
   
2. Liberty University
   
   
3. University of the Cumberlands
   
   
4. Baker College
   
   
5. Marymount University
   

Fort Hays State University's EdS program also has a transfer agreement with the following universities:

1. American College of Education - They accept 27 out of 30 credits towards the EdD program
   
   
2. Kansas State University - will accept 18 credits
   out of 30 from EdS towards their EdD program. 
   

[SteveFoerster]

If you're keen on Penn State or Old Dominion then you really should just do that doctoral program directly. Otherwise this is not a bad plan IMHO.

In fact, at the rate schools are adding dissertation completion programs, and considering how many will admit someone who doesn't technically have ABD status but merely has 30 post-Master's level credits to transfer in, you may have more options than this by the time you're done with the EdS.

Also, I noticed that Morgan State in Baltimore isn't on your list, but it may be an option for you. Same with National University.

[newdegree]

If you're keen on Penn State or Old Dominion then you really should just do that doctoral program directly. Otherwise this is not a bad plan IMHO.

In fact, at the rate schools are adding dissertation completion programs, and considering how many will admit someone who doesn't technically have ABD status but merely has 30 post-Master's level credits to transfer in, you may have more options than this by the time you're done with the EdS.

Also, I noticed that Morgan State in Baltimore isn't on your list, but it may be an option for you. Same with National University.

Penn State is an option, but it's expensive. I like the school's big name and that the program has a capstone. At Penn State, all graduates, no matter which Penn State Campus you graduate from, receive the same diploma with no indication of which specific campus or school in Penn State you graduated from, even if the school was fully online. 

Really, my number one choice is Mississippi State University. I have heard good things about it from current students. I am keeping my options open in case one program does not accept me, but I have narrowed it down to a top 5 list with potential backups. Hopefully, I will not have an issue getting into all of my top 5 schools, but hey, you never know. I have seen people's applications rejected for a variety of reasons. Schools do reserve the right to be selective and to base their candidate selection on experience, resume, prior education, and application materials such as personal statements, exam scores, letters of recommendation, etc. 

Do you know any dissertation completion programs that will admit someone with 30 post-master's level credits and no ABD status? Most of them I seen require some identification of ABD status from the prior university.

[wow]

I'm looking forward to hearing how this program goes for you. For some reason I thought Valdosta State would be in your top 5 for the EdD. But the ones you've chosen are great options.

[newdegree]

I'm looking forward to hearing how this program goes for you. For some reason I thought Valdosta State would be in your top 5 for the EdD. But the ones you've chosen are great options.

Considered them, but the EdS-to-EdD transfer was an issue, as they don't offer any bridge program. 3 of my top 5 schools offer EdS-to-EdD bridge programs. The other two offer a low number of required credits: Virginia Commonwealth University requires 48 credits, and Penn State requires 37, and both accept a small number of transfer credits. All the programs in my top 5 list have capstones rather than dissertations. The requirement of a valid teaching license and the limit of one start date per year are other reasons Valdosta State University didn't make the cut.  

I based my top 5 decision on affordability, the time it takes to complete the degree (mainly no residency requirements), the number of credits required to complete the degree, the number of terms offered per year, how many weeks classes run, transfer credits, bridge program compatibility, and whether the GRE is required.

[PauFraTat]

This sounds like a great plan! I got excited about the potential ACE transfer until I saw that the agreement was only for the Education Administration, Education Innovation & Leadership, and Leadership in Reading programs (I was looking at the Business Education and Workforce Leadership program). But still awesome if it aligns with your pursuits!

I am sure you have looked into this, but I figure I will share my feedback nonetheless. I was recently enrolled at MSU for their PhD in CS, and two things made me drop after a few courses. First of all, at least for CS, the online courses were synchronous, and attendance was mandatory. The live stream appeared to be a webcam pointed at the professor in front of a screen that was too blurry to see, and the audio was too poor to hear everything and stay engaged. Second, and relatedly, each course had an additional $600 distance-learning fee added to tuition. So I decided it wasn't for me (which is too bad, since I really liked the program's structure).