An online doctoral degree in education administration may prepare individuals to become leaders within the educational system. In this three to five-year program, students may learn the fundamentals of leadership, how to create a mission and vision for schools, and how to effectively manage a school’s budget and finances. The required coursework for these programs may include dissertation preparation courses alongside core education administration classes such as educational research, teacher evaluation, and curriculum development.

Upon successful completion of the doctoral-level program, students may seek entry to upper-level employment within the educational system. Doctoral-level graduates may find gainful employment in state-wide school districts, federal education programs, charter schools, public schools systems, and private schools.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree at minimum
• Program Length: Three to five years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment
• Projected Employment Growth: 10% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for doctoral-level education leadership degree programs may include research-based dissertation courses alongside core education administration classes. These courses may teach students how to enhance higher-level education in communities, write and submit professional education grants, and develop appropriate assessment methods for education systems. Core education administration courses may include the following:

• Education: Purpose, Theory, and Practice
• Educational Research Methods
• Principles of Education Administration
• Leading Diverse Schools
• Special Education Administration
• Teacher Evaluation and Supervision
• Curriculum Development

Career Options

Those who complete a doctoral-level degree program in education administration may pursue career opportunities at universities, public school districts, state education departments, charter school districts, and federal education programs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in education administration are projected to increase by 10% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• District Superintendant
• University Professor
• School Principal
• Admissions Director
• Curriculum Director

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook