What Can You Do with an Educational Leadership Degree?

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If you have a passion for education and are looking for opportunities beyond teaching in the classroom, earning a Master’s in Educational Leadership can open doors to exciting new career paths. Here are some great career options for Master’s in Educational Leadership graduates.

Why should I earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership?

A Master’s in Educational Leadership is a great choice for anyone with an interest in education, leadership, policy, and research. Earning this degree can support you as you step into leadership positions and inspire change at a higher level. 

Students will learn about principalship, finance, school administration, diversity and inclusion, mental health issues in education, and data-driven decision-making. 

Earn Your Master’s in Educational Leadership Online

PBA offers an online Master’s in Educational Leadership that can prepare you for lifelong service as a leader in education. The flexible coursework and schedule allow you to keep working while you earn your degree. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) upon successful completion of this program.

 

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Career Options for Master’s in Educational Leadership

Here are some great career options for graduates with a Master’s in Educational Leadership:

 

Principal

A principal manages the administrative and teaching staff of a school. Principals are responsible for creating school regulations such as dress codes, discipline, and standards for academic performance. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $103,460
  • Job Outlook: 1% Growth

Assistant Principal

Assistant principals are responsible for the administrative tasks of a school, working to ensure the school’s academics meet state and federal standards. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $85,465
  • Job Outlook: 5% Growth

School Superintendent

School superintendents oversee a school district and manage aspects such as hiring staff, budgeting, helping students succeed, and making and monitoring policies. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $100,720
  • Job Outlook: 1% Growth

University President

University presidents are responsible for leading higher education institutions to success. While university president roles are uncommon, they may be an inspirational goal for educational leadership students. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $330,496
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Special Education Specialist

Special education specialists help support positive educational outcomes for students with special learning needs. A career as a special education specialist can be rewarding.

  • Average Annual Salary: $65,910 
  • Job Outlook: Little to no change over the next decade

Athletic Director 

A career as an athletic director can be a great option for students who are passionate about both education and sports. Athletic directors oversee multiple sports programs and ensure that student athletes are positioned for success. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $131,726
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Department Head

A department head manages a team of staff within a particular department. They typically oversee research and set goals for their team. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $86,249
  • Job Outlook: 4% Growth

Dean of Students

A dean of students oversees the activities and services offered to students, such as school programs, safety and interventions, admissions, and student support resources. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $103,682
  • Job Outlook: 9% Growth 

University Registrar

A university registrar keeps a record of student data. They help students sign up for classes and ensure they stay on track for graduation and have met all their course requirements. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $55,788
  • Job Outlook: 10% Growth

Provost

A provost leads a college or university in its effort to set its values, academic goals, policies, and practices. They also track higher education trends to inform their decision-making. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $161,574
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth 

Program Director

Program directors oversee the educational programs at their school, including any academic partnerships. They focus on program development, management, and evaluation. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $70,752
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth 

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and inclusion managers create and carry out programs and initiatives to promote inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. They ensure that all employers and students have equal opportunities. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $135,903
  • Job Outlook: 8% Growth

Admissions Director

An admissions director oversees the admissions process from recruiting potential students, evaluating applicants, and supporting the admissions process. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $116,087
  • Job Outlook: 8% Growth

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers ensure that the standards for education are met across the schools they support. They create instructional systems that support learning and teaching strategies implemented in their district. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $86,064
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Academic Director 

An academic direct creates strategies to lead an institution’s strategic and educational objectives. They often manage people and resources and provide mentoring to staff. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $122,669
  • Job Outlook: 4% Growth

Educational Policymaker

Educational policymakers evaluate current policies and work to improve them. They use research and data to lead the way in new policies to support students and educators. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $74,376
  • Job Outlook: 7% Growth

Community / State Agency Administrator

A community or state agency administrator work with social services to provide a range of activities and resources to a community. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $60,413
  • Job Outlook: 5% Growth

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants are an expert in their field. They often have plenty of first hand experience and use their knowledge to support schools and improve the educational experience. 

  • Average Annual Salary: $109,401
  • Job Outlook: 6% Growth

 


 

What do you Learn in a Master’s in Educational Leadership?

The core classes in a Master’s in Educational Leadership include topics such as:

  • Communication for the Educational Leader in Implementing Change
  • School Leadership & Diversity
  • Public School Law
  • The Principalship 
  • School Administration
  • School Finance
  • Dealing with Mental Health & Trauma in the School
  • Leadership
  • Data-Informed Decision Making
  • Practicum in Educational Leadership

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