Ed.S then Ed.D or Ed.D then Ed.S?

I'm still a ways away from making this decision but I figured I'd ask. I just finished my first semester at Fort Hays State in the MS in Heath and Human Performance program. Assuming I finish it, I'd like to continue my education. Currently my professional goals include either coaching full time or teaching full-time and coaching on the side. I found two programs that interest me and both could help me with my career goals, I'm just not sure which to do first. I understand that an Ed.S is typically just a terminal degree if you don't want a doctorate. However, I still want my doctorate, but the Ed.S is in a field that a could help support the doctorate. Anyway, the ED.S is from Valdosta State in Coaching Pedagogy and the doctorate is an Ed.D in kinesiology from UNC Greensboro. So if I were to do both programs, would it be better to get the Ed.S first or the Ed.D?

 

The Ed.S. is a lower degree than the Ed.D., so the natural progression would be Ed.S. to Ed.D.

The American College of Education offers a Ed.S. in Leadership where all the credits will transfer to the Ed.D. program

 

Thank you very much for the quick reply. I understand the Ed.S is lower, but it would be in a somewhat unrelated field. Would that make a difference? I can see an Ed.S in leadership leading to a Ed.D in leadership. But in my case would an Ed.S in Coaching Pedagogy lead to an Ed.D in kinesiology? At that point does it matter the order? Also I'm not interested at all the the Ed.S in leadership you mentioned. As stated before, I'm interested in the Ed.S I mentioned because it would complement the Ed.D and help with my career goals.

 

When you say teaching full time in your original post are you referring to K-12 or in higher education? Depending on which you are referring to, further credentialing (which may or may not be covered in the Ed.S program) may be necessary.

 

Most likely teaching K-12, more specifically physical education at a 9-12 level. I should add that I already have a K-12 teaching certificate from my undergrad. But I am also open to higher education.

 

You don't need a grad degree to be a coach. Skip the EdS and go straight to the EdD

 

I know that. I'm already a college coach. But I'm sure the degree could still help and I can learn a lot from it.

 

I guess if you're playing with someone else's money it's not a big deal.

 

Seconded. EdD will open a lot more doors and "only" pursuing it will free up a lot more time (for teaching and coaching!)