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What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Education Administration Program?

When enrolling in an online master’s in education administration program, students can expect to receive the same high-quality instruction as they would while taking on-campus classes. Online programs are an excellent option for those already working in the field, as the flexibility will give you more time to meet all your job responsibilities. When choosing an online master’s in education administration program, it’s important to research to find the best option for your personal and career goals.

Available concentrations

If you already know what role you would like to have in the education administration field, look for a program that allows you to focus your studies on that specialty. Some of the most common concentration options for a master’s in education administration include:

  • PK-12: This concentration prepares graduates to become public or private school leaders serving students from Pre-K to 12. Some programs may have even more specific specializations, such as a concentration for elementary school or high school.
  • Curriculum Supervisor: Learn how to assess and improve a school or district’s curriculum.
  • Special Education Leadership: This concentration covers working with students diagnosed with autism and other disorders.

Common degree curriculum

At the master’s degree level, students in education administration learn about the challenges and issues facing the current education system as a whole and strategies that address those concerns.

Some schools offer 100% online master’s in education administration programs, while others use a hybrid model that requires some participation on campus. While the exact curriculum is going to vary significantly depending on your school and concentration choice, a few topics are covered in just about every master’s in education administration program, including:

  • Educational Law and Ethics: Delves into national and state laws regarding education.
  • Measuring Student Engagement: Reviews methods of administering assessments, both informal and formal, and how to interpret results, both school-wide and district-wide.
  • Faculty Management: Explores strategies for managing faculty and how to be an effective leader.
  • School Finance: Explains how to manage school finances and balance annual budgets.
  • PK-12 Principalship: Covers topics related to being a PK-12 principal or vice principal.

Certification and license preparation

Each state has its own licensure and certification requirements for education administrators. Some roles, such as school principal, almost always require obtaining a state license. Ideally, your online master’s in education administration program will be designed to prepare students for the necessary state exams and other requirements.

Program accreditation

Only apply to schools approved by a DOE-recognized accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Otherwise, you may have trouble accessing financial aid or transferring credits to another institution if needed. It’s worth noting that most employers in this field will only hire candidates who graduated from an accredited institution as well.

Program completion timeframe

Most master’s in education administration programs require between 36 to 42 total credits. The time it takes to meet these requirements will depend on your pace. Full-time students typically graduate within two years, while part-time students may need up to five years. Those who plan to continue working while they earn their degree will likely only be able to attend school part-time.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Education Administration Graduates

You’ll have the potential to earn a significant income with this degree. Indeed, K-12 principals often earn six-figure salaries, with the top 10% making more than $158,770.

Your salary will likely depend on where you work. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to offer higher pay. For example, K-12 principals in New York make about twice as much on average as K-12 principals in West Virginia.

Most occupations in this field are expected to see relatively slow or even negative growth over the next decade, so it may be challenging to find employment opportunities.

Job Title Job Description Median Yearly Salary Projected Growth Rate (2022 – 2032)
K-12 Principal Elementary, middle, and high school principals manage all school operations and ongoing daily activities. They coordinate curricula standards for each grade level and oversee school staff to ensure they’re providing a safe, productive learning environment for students. $101,320 1%
Postsecondary Education Administrator This job involves overseeing student services, academics, and faculty research at colleges and universities. Individual job duties vary depending on the department —  postsecondary education administrators may manage admissions, student affairs, the registrar’s office, etc. $99,940 4%
Preschool/Childcare Center Director The directors of preschools and childcare centers supervise staff, oversee daily activities, and prepare budgets. They are responsible for implementing all aspects of their center’s educational program and ensuring compliance with state standards. $49,690 -3%
Instructional Coordinator Instructional coordinators oversee school curricula and teaching standards. They develop materials for classroom instruction, coordinate their implementation, and assess their effectiveness. They usually work at a district-wide level. $66,490 2%

Professional organizations

Professional organizations provide an excellent opportunity for students entering a master’s program in educational administration to learn more about their chosen career path and form connections with other professionals in the field. Some of the most notable organizations for education administrators include:

Financing Your Online Master’s in Education Administration Degree

Online programs are more affordable than on-campus programs, but you still may need help paying for your degree. As with a traditional brick-and-mortar program, your first step in seeking financial assistance should be filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to take advantage of federally funded grants and loans. Private financing options are also available through various companies and non-profit organizations.

Student Finance Resources and Guides

As mentioned above, many options are available for funding your online master’s in education administration program, each with its own eligibility requirements and application deadlines. The resources listed below will help you sort through all this information and save as much money as possible.

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Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.