Online Education Degrees in Educational Administration

Online Master's and PhD degree programs in educational administration. Specialization areas include administration and supervision, leadership in educational administration, school development and leadership, and more.

Online Educational Administration Degree Programs

Education administrators face excellent career prospects in the coming years. A high retirement rate coupled with a 12 percent increase in the number of jobs available is fueling demand for qualified professionals. Rising salaries will also sweeten the deal; in 2007, the national averages stood at $82,120 for K-12 and $85,870 for postsecondary administrators.

Educational administrators are important leaders, especially in a time where many schools face increasing public scrutiny and must meet national education standards. They are charged with developing programs that meet new rising standards for quality education, running educational institutions on tight budgets, monitoring student and institutional performance, and more.

Educational administrators can work in a variety of jobs, ranging from day-care administrator to college president to school principal.

K-12 Teaching Careers

• School principal (elementary, middle, or secondary school leaders)
• Assistant principal (assist the principal in school administration)
• Program director (supervise instructional coordinators, curriculum developers, and particular school programs such as music or career education)
• Preschool director

Postsecondary Education Careers (College or University)

• Chief academic officer (college administrator)
• Academic dean
• Department chairperson
• Director of student affairs
• Registrar
• Director of admissions
• Director of financial aid
• Athletic director

Becoming an Educational Administrator

Educational administrators almost always have undergraduate and advanced degrees. The minimum qualification for most positions is a Master of Education degree or a master's degree from a related field. Many high-ranking administrators have doctoral degrees, particularly at the college level.

Master of Education in Education Administration

A master's degree in education administration trains aspiring administrators in the diverse responsibilities associated with leading an educational institution. Educational administrators must have good interpersonal skills and often are required to prepare budgets, oversee students' progress, manage everyday operations, fundraise, set policies and standards, and ensure that institutions meet state and national standards.

Courses in educational administration degree programs include:

• School leadership and administration
• Personnel management
• Public relations
• Educational policy
• Educational finance and budgeting
• Curriculum development and evaluation
• Research design and data analysis

Principals of K-12 schools and preschool center directors must receive state licenses, and the requirements vary by state. Several organizations, including the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC), provide national standards for educational administrators. Postsecondary administrators do not face licensing requirements.

Many administrators at both the K-12 and college level advance into their positions from teaching roles and hold degrees in a particular academic field. Courses or a two-year master's degree in education administration can aid in the transition from academic to administrative roles.

Educational administrators face competition and high requirements for educational attainment. However, for many the rewards and challenges of leading an educational institution make it worthwhile, and administrators generally report high job satisfaction. A favorable job market and high salaries also make this a popular career path.

Pursue your Educational Administration degree today.

AIU Online American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers. Learn more about programs at AIU Online Master's (M. Ed.) in Leadership in Educational Organizations Master's (M. Ed.) in Leadership in Educational Organizations AIU Online's Master of Education degree program offers a concentration in Leadership of Educational Organizations. This program is designed for dedicated professionals wishing to broaden their range of professional opportunities by acquiring strategic leadership skills necessary for pursuing positions responsible for education services and workplace learning and performance. View Accreditation Hide Accreditation American InterContinental University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association. Additional information is available at 312-263-0456 or www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. Hide Accreditation Ashford is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Strayer University Get the right foundation for your future with a degree from Strayer University. Evening, weekend and online classes are all available to meet the needs of busy adults. Learn more about programs at Strayer University. M.Ed.: Educational Management M.Ed.: Educational Management The M.Ed. in Educational Management is designed for elementary and secondary teachers, training and development specialists, and HR managers in the education sector. Build the organizational, leadership and industry-specific skills you need to take a leadership role in your field. View Accreditation Hide Accreditation Strayer University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

View more featured schools 1 2 next →