Specialist Degree: A Bogus Degree or Diamond in the Rough

James S. Payne, Esim Erdim 
(The University of Mississippi, USA)

Abstract: Requirements for Specialist Degree Programs in 12 comprehensive universities were analyzed. It is concluded that Specialist Degree Programs consist of a certain number of course credit hours beyond the master’s degree, are composed of many independently taught classes, and require a thesis or major paper.
Understandably, many professionals view the specialist program as a bogus degree, made up of a conglomeration of courses designed to help practitioners get a pay raise in their job. However, when higher education is presumed to promote professional and personal growth, and the independently taught courses focus on service to the candidate by promoting professional and person growth, the Specialist Degree may be viewed differently.

Key words: specialist degree, independent study, teacher education