The University of Idaho awards the degree of Education Specialist to students who want an organized program of graduate studies beyond the master's degree but who may not wish to pursue a doctoral program. The Education Specialist degree is delivered only by the College of Education.
Requirements for Education Specialist Degree
Credit Requirements
An acceptable program of at least 60 upper-division and graduate level semester credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required. Additional credits may be required for those who have master's degrees in other areas of emphasis or who have deficiencies. Credits listed on an undergraduate transcript, professional development courses, or courses on a professional degree transcript are not available to be used toward a specialist degree. No more than three credits of workshop or workshop-related courses may be used toward a specialist degree. Thesis or dissertation credits cannot be used towards a specialist degree. Each student, following advising, will submit the study plan for approval to the major professor, the appropriate program administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies for approval.
Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree Credit Limitation
No more than 12 of the last 30 credits may be taken as transfer courses, correspondence courses (with prior written approval of the dean of the College of Graduate Studies), or non-degree courses. Transfer credits must be from institutions offering graduate programs in the discipline(s) of the course(s) being transferred. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries.
Time Limit
The last 30 credits must have been taken in the eight years preceding the semester in which the degree is awarded.
Procedures for Education Specialist Degree
See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding appointment of major professor, study plans, application for advanced degree, final semester registration, and non-thesis requirement.
