Online Master’s Degree in Education Leadership

Education leadership students gain skill and experience in education administration, finance, human resources, curriculum development and communication. Students of an online Master’s Degree in Education Leadership can move into management positions or principal programs, as the skills acquired will be enormously in demand in the education arena. Compassionate, knowledgeable, and skilled leaders are needed in the education field, which has strong focus on diminishing resources and increasing student achievement expectations. Graduates of a top master degree online program in education leadership will develop much-needed skills in this demanding field.

Online Master’s Degrees in Education Leadership Requirements

An online master’s degree in education leadership requires students with motivation and a passion for critical issues surrounding education. Student achievement, regulations, human resources issues and governmental testing are areas students should have an interest in before applying to a program. Strong writing and reading comprehension skills are necessary for success in an online education leadership master’s degree. Experience working in a school or classroom is also desired.

Online masters in education leadership require a bachelor’s degree before application. Common bachelor’s degrees held prior to pursuing an online master in education leadership include:

• Bachelor of Arts, Education
• Bachelor Arts, Education Leadership
• Bachelor of Education
• Bachelor of Education, Leadership
• Bachelor of Science, Leadership
• Bachelor of Science, Management
• Bachelor of Arts, Administration

Those pursuing an education leadership master’s degree online typically come to the program with a background working in the field of education. Some career choices for online education leadership master’s degree students include teachers, accounting specialists, human resources specialists and department chairs.

Online Education Leadership Master’s Degree Education

Good online master degree programs in education leadership typically take between 2 to 3 years to complete. The types of masters degrees offered by the best education leadership master’s programs online include:

• Master of Science in Education Leadership
• Master of Arts in Education Leadership
• Master of Education, Leadership
• Master of Education, Administration and Leadership

Information on Education Leadership Courses

Coursework for accredited online master’s degree programs in education leadership involve management, regulations, leadership and communications skills. While many of the best online master’s degrees in education leadership specialize into a specific area of the field, they will require basic courses to ensure broad knowledge of the field. Some courses required to complete an online master’s in education leadership online include:

• Education Leadership, Theory and Practice
  This course provides an overview of school administration, including
  economics, political and societal influence.
• School Law
  This course provides an overview of school law for educators,
  addressing legal matters that impact the operation of public schools.
• School Finance
  School finance offers an in-depth view of basic concepts of public school
  finance from both a state and federal perspective.
• School Facilities
  This course is designed for those who have responsibility in developing or
  maintaining school facilities. Topics include existing school facilities and
  the planning and implementation of new facilities..
• Leadership in the Restructured School
  This course provides case-studies and advanced critical thinking skills for
  students who plan on leading a federally mandated school restructuring.

Specializations and Concentrations

The field of education leadership is wide, with many opportunities for specialized study. Students earning an online education leadership master’s degree will have an opportunity to concentrate in a particular area, which can include a principal program. Principal studies, however, will include a residency/internship program to gain practical skills. Specializations in an online master’s degree program in education leadership include:

• Principal Program
• Human Resources
• Resource Allocation
• Facilities
• Students Achievement
• Curriculum Development
• Human Resources
• Finance

Careers in Education Leadership

Graduates of an online master’s program in education leadership can choose from a variety of careers within the field. Leadership skills are valued in the ever-changing discipline of education, and graduates with accredited masters degrees will hold a strong advantage in obtaining fulfilling employment.

The following career opportunities are available for graduates of top online master’s programs in education leadership:

• School Principal
  A principal manages all aspects of a school, including human resources, student achievement and facilities. A master’s degree is required, as is an internship. Principals earn an average of $87,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.
• Resource Allocation Manager
  Resources allocation managers are responsible for financial resources in a school, institution or district. Resources allocation managers earn an average of $68,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.
• Human Resources Manager
  A human resources manager is responsible for recruitment, compensation, employee issues and union relationships. Human resources managers earn an average of $60,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.
• Curriculum Developer
  Curriculum developers analyze areas of student needs, teacher training needs, and updated learning requirements. Curriculum developers earn an average of $83,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.
• Facilities Managers
  Facilities managers are responsible for maintaining current school facilities, developing plans and managing construction for new facilities. A facilities manager earns an average of $80,000 per year. Job growth is expected at an average rate.

An online master’s degree education leadership is an essential component of a fulfilling career in the field of education. Students of top online masters degree programs in education can expect a wide variety of career opportunities and advancement upon graduation.