What is a Master of Educational Leadership?

Master's in Educational LeadershipWith a Master’s of Educational Leadership, graduates are well-prepared for many different types of positions in the field education. Students in these master’s programs gain additional knowledge and skills in various administrative responsibilities at the school building and district level, opening up possibilities in every type of educational setting from an early childhood development center to a college or university.

Educational Leadership Graduate Degree Overview

Educational institutions require highly skilled professionals to effectively manage and lead students and other educators. Additionally, educational institutions are increasingly faced with financial challenges, regulation, and out-of-school barriers that must be managed in order to help students at all levels receive the best education possible. Additional information can be found on the Issues and Topics page of the National Education Association website.

A Master’s in Educational Leadership degree guides future graduates through all types of possible situations. Graduates are well-prepared to lead and work with teachers, staff, other administrators, community members, and families to deliver high quality education to all students. Students complete a number of hours of classroom and school observation, field work assignments, case studies, research and assessment study, and coursework to gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a leader within the field of education.

Completing Coursework for a Master’s in Educational Leadership

An educational leadership degree includes a lot of courses that vary by institution and program. Common coursework will typically include classes that provide an overview of various areas of leadership within an educational organization such as curriculum design, supervision techniques in schools, learning theories, and topics in school improvement. Grant writing and financial courses are also typically part of a graduate curriculum in educational leadership.

Specific courses could include urban education foundations, policies for school reform, teaching and learning techniques, analyzing and implementing data for school improvement, community partnerships in education, educational testing, and microeconomics for educators. Other courses that are common include staff development, instructional supervision techniques, and educational leadership technologies.

Additional concepts graduate students will encounter in this degree curriculum include legal issues in education, non-profit financial management strategies, and family and school partnership roles. For additional information on preparing for a career in educational leadership, visit the American Association of School Administrators website.

Careers in Educational Leadership

The field of education offers professionals many avenues for what position and career path to follow after completing one of the many options for undergraduate and graduate degrees. With an educational leadership master’s degree, educators are qualified to pursue several of these options.

Possible positions to consider after completing a graduate degree in educational leadership include lead teacher, principal or assistant principal, district-level administrator, dean of students, and instructional director in early childhood, elementary, and secondary schools or school districts. A Master’s in Educational Leadership is also beneficial for graduates pursuing careers at the collegiate level of education. Possible positions to consider after graduation include registrar, department dean, division chair, and provost.

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The field of education is an in-demand choice for future graduates who are passionate for learning and for sharing that passion with students of all ages. For whatever level of education or area of interest, graduate students who are considering careers paths in and out of classrooms can benefit from a Master of Educational Leadership degree.