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Education Specialist in Education and Technology

Program Quick Facts

Credits

Start Terms

Fall

Spring

Summer

Available

Online

Tuition

$3,365.10

estimated cost per semester

More tuition details

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Education and Technology at Dakota State University is a fully online, 30-credit post-master’s degree for experienced educators seeking leadership roles in teaching and technology. Building on DSU’s strengths in teacher education, literacy leadership, educational technology, cybersecurity, and computer science, the program prepares graduates to serve as instructional leaders, technology specialists, and change agents in K–12 and postsecondary settings.

Coursework mirrors the master’s in education and technology, allowing educators with an existing master’s degree to earn an advanced credential rather than a second master's. The Ed.S. is a postgraduate program designed for educators to earn an advanced degree without completing a full doctoral program.

Curriculum and experience highlights

Advanced Technology Integration

Through hands-on engagement with innovative tools, candidates build both technical fluency and instructional expertise. The program prepares educators not only to integrate technology confidently in their own classrooms but also to support colleagues, guide schoolwide implementation, and lead initiatives. Graduates are equipped to expand access to high-demand pathways in K–12 settings.

Research-Based, Applied Practice

Students benefit from collaboration between the College of Education & Human Performance and the Beacom College of Computer and Cyber Sciences. This interdisciplinary approach provides a strong foundation in instructional innovation, cyber education, artificial intelligence, and digital learning systems. Grounded in evidence-based instructional theory, the fully online program allows practicing educators to complete real-world projects within their own schools or districts, applying new strategies immediately and demonstrating measurable impact.

Choose your area of study

Those drawn to innovation in education can choose the educational technology specialization, where education and digital tools merge to prepare future educators to transform teaching and learning. Through hands-on experience with emerging technologies, digital lesson design, immersive classroom applications, and leadership development, this path equips you to confidently integrate instructional technology, support fellow teachers, and lead schools in meeting state and national expectations for digital learning.

Students working on laptops with code on the screens.

Those drawn to teaching in high-demand fields can choose computer science and cyber education specialization, where computing, cybersecurity, and instruction come together to prepare future educators for today’s digital world. Aligned with DSU’s nationally recognized expertise and state initiatives like the Governor’s Cyber Academy, this path addresses the critical shortage of qualified computer science and cybersecurity teachers, especially those who want to teach dual credit courses in their high school.

Educators attending a lecture with a presentation slide on the screen titled Literacy Leadership.

Those passionate about strengthening reading achievement can choose the literacy instructional coaching specialization, where leadership and evidence-based literacy practices come together to support student success. Through focused study of research-based instruction, coaching strategies, and school-wide literacy initiatives, this path prepares you to meet the growing demand for qualified literacy leaders.

Why choose Dakota State University?

A legacy of teacher preparation and technology leadership

Founded in 1881 as a teacher training institution, Dakota State University has evolved into a nationally recognized leader in cybersecurity and computer science while maintaining its strong foundation in education. The Ed.S. in Education and Technology reflects this distinctive identity by integrating advanced teaching methods with cutting-edge technological expertise.

Fully online flexibility for working educators

The program is delivered entirely online, allowing practicing educators to advance their credentials without interrupting their professional responsibilities. This flexible format ensures accessibility for students across South Dakota and beyond.