The Education Specialist, Educational Specialist, Specialist in Education, or Ed.S. academic degree in the US is designed for individuals who wish to develop skills or increase knowledge beyond the master's degree level. Most individuals that earn an Ed.S. degree seek to increase their skills for advanced certification requirements or other professional objectives. For example, experienced teachers, counselors, and administrators pursue an Ed.S. degree while meeting state or professional requirements for career advancement. The Ed.S. degree is considered a terminal degree just like a doctorate.

While the Ed.S. degree is considered "beyond" the master's degree level, many outside educational settings do not recognize or acknowledge it. Whereas master's degree holders will be guaranteed advancement and granted movement up the salary scale, the Ed.S. degree holder may be ignored by managers and executives.