Degree Overview: Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree in Leadership in Educational Organizations
Majors Overview August 2, 2015This article talks about Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs in Leadership in Educational Organizations and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and licensing choices.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs in Leadership in Educational Organizations
Educational professionals including teachers who aspire to positions as administrators could benefit from enrolling into a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program with a concentration in educational organization leadership. The prerequisite requirements include a teaching license and an undergraduate degree. Schools also offer these programs through a Master of Arts in Education or Master of Arts (M.A.) track. Apart from coursework in educational leadership, students may have to complete an internship. These programs may have various capstone requirements including a thesis or an oral examination.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold an undergraduate degree in any major, and not necessarily in education. They may also need to have standardized test scores and a minimum grade-point average. Applicants may also need to have a valid teaching license and teaching experience.
Coursework
Program coursework combines practical applications and training and covers diverse subject areas including human relations and educational management, among others. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Multicultural challenges in educational administration
•Staff management and assessment
•Leadership theory in educational organizations
•Educational politics, ethics, and policy
•School finance
Career Choices
Program graduates may seek various career positions including that of a principal. They may also choose to become educational program administrators or assistant principals.
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of six percent has been predicted for elementary, middle school and high school principals (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). In May 2012, these professionals brought in an average annual wage of $87,760.
Licensing Choices
A master’s degree is in the licensing requirements for principals in most states. Working with a mentor or passage of an exam may be other requirements. In some states, continuing education is required to maintain licensure (BLS).