The state-approved Education Specialist (Ed.S.) program is based on the belief that effective leadership is learned by the content of the courses and the field experiences that are offered throughout the program. This program is practitioner-oriented, offering opportunities to apply theoretical learning with practical and authentic assignments. The learning laboratory for the program is the school or school district where assignments are completed and internships are conducted. The Ed.S. program utilizes a cohort program that develops a sense of community like that which is developed in a school, in this sense, the same practices that build capacity in an organization are cultivated and modeled in the program. <br><br>The Ed.S. program includes a two-year Internship in which the students work with a mentor of their choice, building practice in leadership activities that serve students, faculty, and the larger educational community. The students complete the required 220 hours for the State of Michigan and are eligible for K-12 Administrative Certification and Building Level Endorsement after satisfactory completion of the 34 credits of the program, and this Internship.