Degree Overview: Master of Education (M.Ed.) Degree with a Principal & Administrator Track
Majors Overview August 2, 2015This article talks about Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs with a principal and administrator track and their education requirements, coursework, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and licensing choices.
Master of Education (M.Ed.) Programs with a Principal & Administrator Track
Aspiring principals and administrators who wish to assume leadership roles at schools could benefit from enrolling into a Master of Education (M.Ed.) program. Schools may offer the program under various titles, such as Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration or Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership. Coursework may commonly be devised to train students for licensing requirements.
Program coursework trains students to satisfy school leadership standards recognized nationwide. An internship may be a requirement. Some schools offer online study and flexible scheduling options.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related major. Prior work experience as an administrator or a teacher may also be a requirement.
Coursework
Program coursework goes beyond classroom lectures to impart the grasp of schools as organizations that form parts of broader communities. Enrolled students can gain skills and knowledge in strategic planning, organizational management, and accountability. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Political and legal issues
•Principles of educational leadership
•Educational assessment and administration
•Educational foundations
•Human resources in education
•School finance
Job and Wage Outlook
Assistant principals, principals, and other administrators who report to them are all included within the gamut of education administration. Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, an average job growth of ten percent has been predicted for administrators (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The growth is expected to be driven by student enrollments. In May 2014, educational administrators in elementary and secondary schools brought in an average annual wage of $91,780 (BLS).
Continuing Education and Licensing Choices
Principals and other administrators in public schools require state licensure. Requirements vary from state to state; commonly, passage of an exam is required after students complete the master’s degree. They may need continuing education to renew licensure. Graduates seeking continuing education may enroll into Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) and educational specialist programs. Admission criteria in these programs typically require incoming students to hold a master’s degree.