What would an EdS in instructional technology do for someone who wanted to do adjunct work? It's above a master's but it's not a doctorate, right? Would it be useful? Would it get you more jobs? Would it be a waste of time?
If Instructional Technology (IT) was your area of concentration in your master's degree, then an EdS in the same field could be classified as a terminal degree qualifying you to teach IT courses at a level comparable to EdD, and ofcourse, depending on the institution as well as other variables. Most EdD programs would let you transfer all Eds course work especially, if you got those EdS credits from them (the same school) into their EdD program. Other EdD programs may also award an EdS after completion of certain credits in the doctoral program. For example, Nova Southeastern University awards an EdS after completion of coursework in their Computer Technology in Education PhD program, while their EdD program would accept 15 credits as transfer from an EdS earned from them (Nova). Conversely, Walden's PhD in Education accepts all EdS credits earned from Walden into the program (the last time I checked their EdS/EdD/PhD transfer policy). In essence, it really depends on individual schools..... For more insight into the difference between an EdS and Phd/EdD in terms of its utility, I think information on this page (University of South Florida - EdS in IT program website) provides ample. FYI: I've been looking at the possibility of using Nova's Tech Management and Administration EdS program as a viable terminal degree alternative to lets say, one from TUI.
My ex girlfriend is a secondary teacher in the state of Ohio. She finished this degree as it is 30 credits above a master's degree and this put her in the maximum salary bracket at her school. My understanding is that this degree is meant for existing teachers wanting the extra 30 credits for a salary increase. I believe would help you to become an adjunct as it satisfies the 18 graduate credit in the teaching subject requirements. However, it is not a substitute for a doctorate that is the required credential for most of the University teaching positions.
At the district level, the EdS can be useful in securing employment in specialized administrative positions such as director of technology, director of curriculum and instruction etc.
