The School of Education offers Learners the opportunity to pursue an area of specialization within a degree program. Learners who complete at least 18 semester credits in a specific specialization may elect to have the specialization recorded on their transcript and diploma. There is a great deal of flexibility for Learners as they accomplish fulfilling the number of credits needed for their degree. You can even customize your learning plan.

NCU recognizes that each Learner is unique, and therefore evaluates each application based not only on what courses or program of study a Learner has accomplished previously, but takes into consideration which specialization they will be pursuing at NCU and their current and future professional goals. Academic Advisors review each Learner's transcripts and application detailing all program requirements, options and choices with the Learner.

All NCU Learners are required to take EDR7000 - Educational Research Strategies.

These are the specializations offered:

Curriculum and Teaching
The nature and purpose of the Curriculum and Teaching specialization is to provide Teacher Learners the knowledge, skill sets, and professional competencies that will enhance their instructional practice and expand their professional awareness. Learners have the opportunity to explore, examine, and evaluate contemporary teaching and instructional practices. Effective teaching methods are aligned to effective curricula design and development. Effective learning outcomes and student achievement are aligned to effective curricula implementation and assessment. This specialization offers Learners a comprehensive program of study aimed to improve their classroom performance and practice.

Educational Leadership
The School of Education at NCU is committed to preparing Educational Leaders and scholars through a comprehensive program of study in Educational Leadership (EL) addressing the ever-changing conditions and emerging issues within the context of education. Dedicated to the University's mission of providing excellence in teaching, research, and service the Program promotes a broad array of values, knowledge, and skills essential to renew and improve education in the 21st Century. Learners pursuing the specialization in Educational Leadership engage in study related to the setting in which they are interested in working. The specialization in Educational Leadership allows Learners to pursue a coherent set of structured learning experiences including traditional coursework, research, and professional practice to achieve learning outcomes.

Education Technology Management
Education Technology Management (LTM) is designed for education professionals who seek leadership roles in the field of educational technology. Focus of the program is in establishing a knowledge base and application of new technologies, current research in the field and designing curriculum and instruction through technology integration and instructional planning. Learners will develop skills and knowledge to advance their instructional effectiveness in varied settings through application of technology theory and practice.

Education Technology Management is designed for educational trainers, teachers and supervisors.

E-Learning and Teaching Online
Online teaching requires that instructors develop a new set of skills in order to teach effectively via the World Wide Web. Participants will develop an understanding of online course development and management, as well as gain an understanding of the unique needs of an online learner.

English as a Second Language (ESL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
Teaching English to speakers of other languages is a truly specialized area of pedagogy and one that is increasingly demanded of educational institutions and training programs. This English as a Second Language/English for Speakers of Other Language program conveys the expertise and skills set education practitioners need to excel in this vital and growing field. (N.B.: If you plan on using these courses for ESOL/ESL certification in your state, request approval by your state office of education before registering.)

Exceptional Student Education
The Exceptional Student Education (ESE) specialization is designed to prepare graduates to teach and work with individuals with various types of disabilities. The specialized curriculum prepares Learners to teach students with mental, physical, behavioral and learning disabilities, as well as work in a variety of related fields.

The course offerings within the ESE specialization covers a wide spectrum of issues relating to individuals with disabilities, including the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, instructional strategies, social development, and language development. The curriculum also encompasses learning environments, instructional planning, assessment, professional and ethical practices, and collaboration. Learners pursuing the ESE specialization may customize the specialization so it meets their unique professional and personal goals.

Gifted and Talented Education
The NCU Gifted and Talented Education (GTE) Specialization provides present and future education professionals with the most current research and skills necessary to foster educational reform in this field. These questions answered for Learners will help develop professionals who will serve as advocates for gifted and talented populations.

Higher Education Leadership
The specialization in Higher Education Leadership (LHE) offers Learners pursuing the doctor of education or doctor of philosophy degrees with an opportunity to pursue studies in higher education. Learners pursuing the higher education specialization are employed as middle-and senior-level administrators (including presidents, vice presidents and deans) and as faculty members in colleges and universities throughout the world.

The Learner can tailor their coursework to complement their interests and professional aspirations.

Learners will acquire knowledge about research, theory and practices applicable to higher education. They will conduct and evaluate applied or basic research in the field of higher education.

The specialization emphasizes the assessment and participation in the actual practice of higher education administration and research.

Instructional and Curriculum Leadership
The specialization in Instructional Leadership (IL) at NCU provides a solid foundation for Learners who want to improve the instructional capacity of schools and increase student achievement. Effective schools are led by strong instructional leaders. Instructional leadership, not just by the principal but also by others in both formal and informal leadership roles play a pivotal role in leading instructional improvements and reform to enhance student learning and achievement.

Through the EdD research and dissertation courses Learners develop the skills of reflective decision making so that they are able to construct theoretically-informed practical solutions to the complex and multi-dimensional problems that face schools.

Organizational Leadership
Organizational Leadership (OL) appeals to Learners who are focused on developing the competencies required of organizational leaders. The strategically crafted courses serve to enhance Learner’s commitment to the understanding and practice of leadership. Grounded in research, facilitated by leadership practitioner faculty and customized for maximum professional impact, the NCU Leadership course of study is appealing to Learners who currently serve as or want to become collaborative change agents within their organization.

This specialization has broad appeal among educators whose professional goal may be organizational consulting or a generalist leadership position in corporate, government, not-for-profit, educational or community organizations.

School Improvement Leadership
The School Improvement Leadership (SIL) specialization guides individuals with leadership responsibilities within schools toward a deeper understanding of the need for the development, implementation, and regular review of improvement plans and strategies. Learners will increase their knowledge and practical experience as leaders of school improvement, through effective communication and reflective practice, while gaining a deeper understanding of the range of school improvement approaches.

Sports Management and Leadership
The Sports Management & Leadership specialization was created to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding and changing multi-billion dollar sports industry, providing Learners an opportunity to expand their knowledge. NCU's programs are delivered completely online to meet today's hectic schedules of educators and administrators.

Dr. Lynn Lashbrook, President and Founder of Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) serves as a faculty mentor. Sports leaders are invited by Dr.Lashbrook, throughout the year to participate in audio chats, giving the students the opportunity to learn firsthand about the real world of sports. For information regarding Sports Management Worldwide:
www.smww.com

This link will take you to the SMWW Landing page where you will find more information on the program and the application process: www.ncu.edu/smww.

Teacher Leadership
The specialization in Teacher Leadership (TL) prepares Learners with a knowledge base, skill set, and competencies necessary to assume diverse leadership roles in the educational enterprise. Teacher Leadership is not about "teacher power." Teacher Leadership is about energizing and mobilizing the "sleeping giant" - the untapped attributes and contributions of teachers to strengthen student performance and increase student achievement.

Teacher Leadership offers Learners the opportunity to develop their understanding of teaching and learning; to augment their understanding of school culture; to challenge the barriers to school reform and change; to build collaborative coalitions, and to create new system paradigms. Teacher Leadership is geared to Learners who wish to extend their professional influence beyond their classrooms without leaving the teaching profession.

Training and Development Leadership
The preparation of trainers, consultants, human resource educators, and program developers is addressed in this dynamic, integrative specialization. Theoretical and practical information from Organizational Leadership, Adult Education, Systems and Human Resource areas serve as the foundation and framework for this specialization. The Training and Development specialization prepares individuals to identify emerging workplace/workforce issues and to translate these issues into effective, comprehensive action-oriented learning agendas for their organization.