What Can You Really Do With an EdS?!?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by jimwe, Oct 30, 2002.

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  1. jimwe

    jimwe Member

    I know this topic has been discussed here before, but here goes again. What is the value/utility of the EdS Degree? I'm finishing the MS Ed program in Online Teaching and Learning from Cal State Hayward (December) and want to go on in Education Technology.

    I've been looking at the EdS program at Mizzou-Columbia and am interested in it. The problem is, the track is for public schools and I wonder if I would be doing myself more of a disservice by doing it than not. Will it make me "overqualified" and pigeon hole me for employment? I've found I'm really interested in the Multi-media area and don't have a background for it, but am studying Macromedia software now. The thing is, I'd like to keep my options open for employment and not end up with a degree that is not of use to me. I've met a lot of overqualified people with weak degrees who can't really find a job they want because employers tell them "you're overqualified."

    I'm in Korea and would love to try the Capella PhD in this area but frankly, can't afford in excess of $3,000/quarter as I'm payying out of my pocket. . I've even done quite a bit of web searching and can't really find much on the utility of the EdS in Education Technology. Can someone give me some advice?!? Thanks!
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    The Ed.S. (also known as C.A.G.S.-Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study) is useful for many public school teachers who receive pay incentives for continuing education. A neighbor of mine who teaches public school gets additional pay steps at a Master's degree, Master's plus 15 (semester credits), Master's plus 30, and on and on (I think it stops at a Doctorate or Master's plus 90).

    As far as a stand alone credential for someone who isn't a teacher, I'm not really sure. I've toyed with the idea of doing a C.A.G.S. program in Interdisciplinary Studies (Criminal Justice & Psychology) at Fitchburg State College, mostly because I can do it for next to no cost (MA resident & Veteran). I can't imagine it would hurt my chances for an adjunct position anywhere.

    If you plan on going on for a Doctorate anyway, I wouldn't bother with the Ed.S. unless you could do it for free or very low cost.


    Bruce
     
  3. Anthony Pina

    Anthony Pina Active Member

    I have been in the field of educational technology for over 15 years and have had to make the same types of decisions. Educational technology is such a broad field (I have peers in K-12, community college, universities, for-profit corporations, non-profit organizations, health care facilities and government agencies-- Their titles and tasks are as vaired as their work settings).

    When you say that you would like to "go on in Educational Technology," my first question for you would be, "In what setting would you like to work and what would you like to do?" The answer to this would help determine what type of degree and what institution you should pursue.

    Tony Pina
    School of Education, California State U., San Bernardino
    & School of Education, La Sierra University
     
  4. Harijan

    Harijan New Member

    It all depends on what field of study you are in. I have an EdS in Marriage and Family Therapy and it has been helpful in securing me positions when "education" was the only difference between candidates. If you are in a field that is crammed with MS or MA persons, then an EdS may be for you. At minimum, it indicates advanced training in one's area of expertise. However, I would strong agree with a previous writer and take the challenge of a PhD if I wanted a higher degree.
     

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