Educational Leadership Degree
Educators looking to enhance their careers and knowledge base look to a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. With this degree, educators can attain positions as administrators and other leadership roles through study, research, and field experience in education. Many earn a Master’s in educational leadership to learn emerging trends in education techniques. Programs range in length from 18-24 months, depending on credit hours. Online programs may demand a certain amount of time spent in a classroom; check individual programs for specific details.
Why an Education Leadership & Administration Degree?
Why do educators pursue a Master’s in Educational Leadership? Here are a few of the benefits of an advanced degree:
- A Master’s in Educational Leadership provides opportunity for advancement in your current position as educator, a salary increase, or a great asset in finding a new position in education administration.
- Increased value-added to the education job you already have.
- Many administrative positions in the field require a Master’s Degree.
- Increased knowledge in the most current trends in education.
There are numerous education masters programs to choose from. Obtaining your Masters in Education can play a major role in advancing your careers, and as such its critical that you select the right one for you. Below is a listing of options:
- Educational Leadership Degree
- Curriculum & Instruction Degree
- Literacy Degree
- Art Education Degree
- Music Education Degree
- NCATE Accredited Schools
- Special Education Degree
Educational Leadership Courses & Curriculum
Below is a sample of courses offered in a Master’s of Educational Leadership program. Since courses vary from institution to institution, consult your program’s curriculum for correct course selection and credit hours.
- Research in Education
- Communication
- Curriculum Design and Evaluation
- Educational Organization and Administration
- The Principalship
- Human Resource Management
- Higher Education Economics and Finance
- Higher Education Law
- Leadership and Innovation
- Administration of Higher Education Institutions
Educational Leadership Career Opportunities
A Educational Leadership & Administration Masters offers new opportunities in the field of education administration, or enhances the education career path you’ve already chosen. While not a complete list, possible career pathways may include:
- Grade school or high-school principal
- Public or private school administrator
- District administrator
- Childcare center administrator
- College admissions director
- College department chair
- Business development leader/administrator
Educational Leadership Admissions Requirements
If you want to obtain an online Master’s in Educational Leadership, be sure to check your state’s requirements first. Many online degrees offer “enhancement” degrees without providing all the licensing necessary to individual states – physical class time may be required to complete your degree. Check your individual program for more information.
Most Master’s programs require a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and transcripts from that university. In addition, many have GPA requirements and require letters of recommendation. Some programs will transfer credits or offer credit for prior coursework, but check with your individual institution for details.
If you are interested in a Master’s in Educational Leadership, consult the program’s admission requirements online or call a representative for details.
Educational Leadership Accreditation
There are a number of recognized accrediting agencies for educational administrators. Be sure to research the accrediting body before entering the program.
NCATE – National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
www.ncate.org
ISLLC – Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium
www.ccsso.org
Professional Organizations
Check out the education leadership professional organizations for more information about your desired career.
AASA – American Association of School Administrators
www.aasa.org
AERA – American Educational Research Association
www.aera.net
ASCD – Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
www.ascd.org
NEA – National Education Association
www.nea.org
NSBA – National School Boards Association
www.nsba.org