Schools need strong leaders to solve problems, innovate, and enact change, and with a master’s degree in school administration, you’ll be prepared to fill that role. If you’re ready to support the success of students and educators alike, a degree in school administration may be the perfect fit for you.
How a Master’s Degree in School Administration Can Help You
Running a school is like running a small country. If you’re interested in leading that country as a principal, a college dean, or even a superintendent, a master’s degree in educational administration is the qualification of choice. This degree provides graduates with an intense understanding of school administration, and will allow you to step into leadership roles in a number of levels.
What You’ll Learn from a Master’s Degree in School Administration
Master’s degree programs in school administration cover everything from budgets to safety to school policy. Their rigorous curricula usually include a practicum or capstone project and, in certain cases, coursework can be applied toward certification programs (for example, certification as a principal or superintendent, or in instructional leadership). Courses typically include:
- Educational Administration
- School Law
- Program Management
- School Budgeting Social Diversity
- School Based Evaluation and Improvement
Where You Can Earn a Master’s in School Administration Online
Schools always need strong leaders, and as demand stays strong for school administration, the number of online master’s in school administration programs continues to grow. Some of the programs available today include:
- University of Southern California
- University of Dayton
- MS in Education
- Online Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
- The University of Massachusetts Lowell’s online master of education in educational administration is designed to meet the needs of experienced practitioners who want to expand their contributions to education. This degree is complete with a mandatory capstone project.
- For college and university administrators, Northeastern University offers an online master of education in higher education administration. The curriculum includes courses on globalization and technology, as well as management and interpersonal skills.
- The online master of science in educational administration at the University of Scranton looks at both educational research and administrative practice. Two 150-hour practicums are required for graduation, one at the elementary school level, and one at the secondary school level.
Careers Available with a Master’s in School Administration
The straightest career path for a graduate with a master’s degree in educational administration leads to the principal’s office. You could also choose to become a:
- superintendent
- instructional supervisor
- program director
- professional development specialist
Principals, the most common career for school administration graduates, have a steady job outlook and good pay, with a median annual pay of $87,760. Educational administrators working for local government will earn even more, with an annual mean wage of $91,900.
