EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation
Request InformationTap into creativity and innovation to drive instruction into the future.
- Up to 22 Credits
Advance Learning in any Setting With a Learning Specialist Degree
In a changing world, instructional experiences must be continually reinvented and refined. Gain innovative strategies for impacting current and future learning environments with an Education Specialist (EdS) degree in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation from Walden.
A learning specialist degree helps educators create effective learning experiences through authentic, engaging practices and assessments. This non-licensure program is ideal for K–12 teachers and administrators, military or corporate trainers, medical educators, and others who want to initiate and implement cutting-edge teaching and assessment practices.
Build advanced skills in creativity, innovation, and leadership to drive new possibilities for learning.
In your capstone, consult with an actual school or organization to identify a performance gap and propose an informed solution.
Prepare for new opportunities with research and leadership skills that can serve you both professionally and academically.
Program Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowCurriculum
Completion Requirements
- 45 quarter credits
- Capstone project
This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0539.
Courses
| Course Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
Choose one course from the following two courses: |
||
| EDSD 7002 |
Leading the Future of EducationAs an advanced graduate student, you are about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life. This practical course provides meaningful skills you will need to select your path, complete your degree, and become a successful leader of educational change in the 21st century. Networking and research skills, scholarly writing, critical thinking, use of Walden resources, and the three advanced graduate paths (e.g., PhD, EdD, EdS)—this course addresses all of these in a manner that provides a solid foundation of skill sets upon which to base your journey. You will find a balance of assignments (e.g., case studies, discussions, application assignments) that will ignite your passion for learning, allow you to collaborate with others, and guide your current and future work. This course is designed to reflect Walden's social change mission and provide you with meaningful tools for success as an advanced graduate student. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7006 |
Leading the Future of EducationAs an advanced graduate student, you are about to embark on one of the most exciting journeys of your life. This practical course provides meaningful skills you will need to select your path, complete your degree, and become a successful leader of educational change in the 21st century. Networking and research skills, scholarly writing, critical thinking, use of Walden resources, and the three advanced graduate paths (e.g., PhD, EdD, EdS)—this course addresses all of these in a manner that provides a solid foundation of skill sets upon which to base your journey. You will find a balance of assignments (e.g., case studies, discussions, application assignments) that will ignite your passion for learning, allow you to collaborate with others, and guide your current and future work. This course is designed to reflect Walden's social change mission and provide you with meaningful tools for success as an advanced graduate student. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7092 |
Innovations and the Diffusion of Learning TechnologiesSocial change resulting from the integration and adoption of technological innovations is the focus of this course. Learners explore Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations Theory through first-hand experience in a simulation. Learners explore research regarding the integration of technology in the workplace or education setting to determine strategies for becoming catalysts for change. Strategies for overcoming resistance and barriers to change are analyzed. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7410 |
Creativity and InnovationCreativity and critical thinking are driving forces behind human innovation and progress. In this course, educators explore theories, models, and roles of creativity and innovation in society and learning environments. They reflect on the risks and rewards associated with creativity and critical thinking, while employing approaches for idea creation focusing on originality and inventiveness. |
(5 cr.) |
| RSCH 7110 |
Research Theory, Design, and MethodsStudents in this research course are provided with the opportunity to develop core knowledge and skills for understanding, analyzing, and designing research at the doctoral level. Students explore the philosophy of science, the importance of theory in research, and research processes. The course also introduces students to the quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method research designs and methods. Students devote special attention to understanding the ethical and social change implications of conducting research and engaging in scholarship. They apply their knowledge and skills by developing elements of simple research plans for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7411 |
Authentic AssessmentInnovative learning requires creative assessment strategies to evaluate student learning within real-world and simulated environments. Through the use of reverse design, educators will create authentic assessments for a learning culture that emphasizes creativity, innovation, and critical thinking. In addition, approaches for using assessment data to effect change will be explored. Methods of inquiry designed to inform and improve learning and instruction to address new trends, including the latest tools and technologies, will be examined. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7093 |
Leading ChangeEducation professionals explore topics related to leading technological change in an organizational setting. Human performance concerns are examined utilizing a variety of leadership approaches. Learners identify a performance gap, develop technological interventions, consider social change issues, and design assessments in order to develop a plan for improving performance. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7107 |
Designing Instruction for eLearningInstructional design for eLearning involves understanding effective learning experiences in digital spaces. Educators apply the principles of the community of inquiry and the engagement of the digital learner as they design an eLearning course. Mobile technologies, collaborative learning, assessment, academic integrity, and meeting the needs of diverse and global students are addressed. Educators collaborate in the design and development of eLearning products and explore social change through eLearning. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7412 |
Innovative CurriculumInnovative curriculum evolves and changes in anticipation of learner needs. The focus of this course is on research-based processes and a variety of models used to design innovative curriculum to support learning across the lifespan and within diverse contexts. Strategies for aligning strong content with formalized standards and goals within the learning environment will be explored. The contributing roles of instruction, technology, and globalization will set the context for this course of study. |
(5 cr.) |
| EDSD 7900 |
EdS Capstone Project: Creating and Supporting Effective Educational PracticesEffective education leaders promote meaningful change for all students, foster the use of effective practices, and sustain long-term program viability in diverse educational settings. Throughout the program course sequence, educators examine critical components to create and support continuous improvement. These skill sets are applied in this capstone course as educators create a project that promotes meaningful education and social change. Working in a consultative role as a school or district professional, the educator engages in a project to identify a problem within his or her academic and/or work environment and propose a solution in the form of draft recommendations for the school, district, or educational setting. Additionally, the educator projects how the proposed recommendations, if implemented, would be evaluated and sustained. A Capstone Project Rubric is used to guide in project development and evaluation. |
(5 cr.) |
| VIEW ALL COURSES | ||
Tuition and Fees
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 45 quarter credit hours | $615 per semester hour | $27,675 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $160 | $1,440 |
| $29,115* |
*This sequence represents the minimum time to completion. Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included.
FINANCIAL AID
Many Walden degree-seeking students—67%—receive some form of financial aid.* Create a customized plan that makes sense for you.
*Source: Walden University’s Office of Financial Aid. Data reports as of 2018.
Find Ways to SaveProgram Savings
Speak with an Enrollment Specialist to learn about our current tuition savings.
Get Started NowAdmission Requirements
Completed online application and transcripts. Please note that the materials you are required to submit may vary depending on the academic program to which you apply.
More information for international applicants.
Become a Catalyst for Better Learning
Creativity and critical thinking are driving forces behind human innovation and progress. During Walden’s EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation program, you’ll harness these processes to lead bold, new approaches to learning and development. Build hands-on skills relevant to each step of the learning process. Explore how to best meet the needs of today’s global community of learners.
Meet Your Academic Team
-
Mark Clauburg
Program DirectorDr. Clauburg is the program director for Walden’s EdS in Educational Technology, MS in Instructional Design and Technology, and PhD in Education programs. He holds an EdD in Instructional Technology from Nova Southern University and a master’s from Stockton University.
Read Mark's Bio -
Darci Harland
Academic CoordinatorDr. Harland has 12 years of experience as a public school teacher, having taught middle-level science, high school science, and English. She is currently a full-time faculty member at Walden where she develops online courses, teaches doctoral-level courses, and mentors PhD and EdD students in capstone writing.
Read Darci's Bio -
Heather Pederson
Contributing FacultyDr. Pederson has worked at Walden University since 2014. She has served as full-time faculty and program director of research and residencies. Dr. Pederson is currently a contributing faculty member who teaches, serves on a variety of university committees, and serves as chair, methodologist, and URR for PhD and EdD dissertations.
Read Heather's Bio
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared to:
- Create innovative instruction, curriculum, and assessment grounded in theory and previous research.
- Create innovative solutions to learning challenges.
- Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
- Analyze instructional needs to develop innovative intervention plans for learning.
- Evaluate problems and issues in learning, instruction, and innovation.
- Ground decisions based on research in learning, instruction, and innovation.
- Participate in the profession ethically.
- Support global diversity and multiculturalism through the use of innovative curriculum and assessment in designing instruction.
- Utilize research to create innovative instruction, curriculum, and assessment to effect social change in the workplace.
Academic settings and a variety of workplaces need educators who can engage learners through new and creative instructional experiences. Become a catalyst for change in your school, district, or organization with an EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation from Walden.
A learning specialist degree can prepare you to lead instructional innovation that transforms learning in any environment. Position yourself to pursue specialized educational roles. Earn a respected academic credential in less time, and at a lower cost, than it typically takes to earn an EdD or PhD in Education—and transfer seamlessly into a doctorate program later if you choose to.
60,000
alumni.1An EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation can prepare you to pursue career options such as:2
- Learning and instruction director/administrator
- Director of innovation
- Instructional coach/professional development administrator
- Director of center for teaching and learning
An EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation can prepare you to work in settings such as:
- K–12 education
- University teaching and/or faculty development centers
- Military instructional setting
- Medical instructional setting
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