An online master’s degree in educational leadership may provide individuals with the skills needed to become a leader in a variety of educational settings. In this one to two-year program, students may learn how to promote a culture of learning, supervise school faculty, and manage a school’s budget and finances. The coursework for these programs may include electives alongside major-specific educational leadership coursework including organizational change, school law, and educational research.

Graduates may either seek employment in their chosen area or enroll in a doctoral-level degree program. Master’s-level graduates may find employment in vocational schools, public school systems, charter school districts, alternate schools, and private schools.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: Bachelor’s Degree
• Program Length: One to two years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Employment or Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 10% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum for master’s-level educational leadership degree programs may include capstone thesis preparation courses along with core educational leadership coursework. These classes may provide an overview to the foundations of organizational change and may demonstrate how to understand diversity in a learning environment, and how to implement a faculty planning process. Core educational leadership classes may include the following:

• Theories of Teaching and Learning
• Contemporary Educational Thought
• School Law
• Organizational Change
• Human and Financial Resources
• Educational Research
• School and Community Partnerships

Career Options

Graduates of master’s degree programs in educational leadership may find career opportunities in public school systems, alternate schools, charter school districts, state education programs, and colleges. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics, employment opportunities in educational leadership are expected to increase by 10% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Principal
• Education Coordinator
• Director of Admission
• Assistant Principal
• Assessment Coordinator

Continuing Education

Students who successfully complete a master’s program in educational leadership may decide to further their education by enrolling in a doctoral degree program in the same or related field. A doctoral degree in educational leadership may provide individuals with enhanced leadership and managerial expertise. Employers may require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree at minimum for employment.

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