Text 3 Educational Management Master's Degree

Many career options in elementary and secondary schools can result from earning an educational management master's degree. This article shows you what you can learn as part of a master's program, and offers an outlook at jobs in the field of educational administration. Schools offering College Administration & Leadership degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

What Is an Educational Management Master's Degree Program?

An educational management master's degree program prepares you to work in schools as an administrator. You can also look for programs in educational administration, which are more common and cover the same concepts and skills. Many schools offer online options for an educational management or administration master's degree program.

Many educational management master's degree programs require you to be a licensed, experienced teacher to be admitted. If you choose an online program, your schedule can usually be flexible enough to maintain your current position. Most programs also require you to complete an internship or practicum working under the supervision of a licensed, experienced principal or other administrator. Many programs qualify you for state licensure to work as a principal in public schools.

Program Format	Online and on-campus options available
Program Requirements	Internship or practicum, current teaching license
Course Topics	Leadership methods, learning theory, employee relations, management theory
Salary Info (2014)	$89,540 median salary for elementary and secondary administrators

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

What Will I Learn?

The courses you take in an educational management or administration master's degree program prepare you for all aspects of managing a school. You learn about learning theories, management theories, leadership methods and employee relations. Curriculum planning, school finance and budgeting are also covered. You also learn how to communicate with students, teachers, families, the community and school board.

Many educational management master's degree programs require you to undertake research projects, and you take courses that help you conduct that research. You might be required to submit a project or paper in order to graduate. Additionally, internships are typically required and are arranged at local schools.

What Will My Job Be Like?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2014 that job opportunities for educational managers and administrators should be on pace with the rest of the country through 2024 (www.bls.gov). The report cited increased responsibilities for principals, assistant principals and other administrators as a major factor in job openings. In 2014, elementary and secondary school administrators earned an annual median salary of $89,540. (413 слов)