Information on Master’s Degree Programs in Administration of Education
Majors Overview August 11, 2015This article talks about master’s degree programs in administration of education and their educational requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education and licensure choices.
Master’s Programs in Administration of Education
Students in Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree programs in Administration will gain a strong foundation in the philosophy, psychology, and history of education. Graduates will learn about finance, the supervision of staff, and the managerial strategies in school law. They will learn how to assess and evaluate curriculum design and teaching strategies. Most states require school administrators to hold special licenses. Requirements may vary, but commonly include an internship and master’s degree.
Students in education administration programs may choose a concentration in school business management, higher education administration, or administration. They must also gain experience in the field through administrative roles. Before students complete the program, they will have to take a comprehensive exam.
These programs usually take as little as 18 months and require 36-45 credit hours of study. Many schools offer evening and weekend classes, along with daytime sessions during the summer, to accommodate working teachers. Online programs are available through other schools.
Educational Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree. They must also submit appropriate graduate test scores, such as MAT or GRE, a resume, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation before they can enter the program. International applicants must pass a TOEFL test to demonstrate English competency.
Coursework
Program coursework incorporates strong principles and theories in school leadership through courses in philosophy of education, educational administration, supervision, and educational research. Core coursework may cover topic areas such as:
•Supervision of instruction
•Emerging educational models and technologies
•Learning theories
•Principalship
•Program assessment and evaluation
Career Choices
Program graduates can seek advanced management and administrative positions in higher education and K-12 schools. They may choose from possible job titles such as:
•Superintendent
•Academic Director
•Principal
•School administrator
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth rate of six percent has been predicted for principals of high, middle and elementary schools (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The growth expected to be driven by school enrollments differs from location to location. Job opportunities can also be affected by state and local government budgets. In 2014, most secondary and elementary school education administrators brought in an average wage ranging between $59,250 and $129,300 per annum.
Continuing Education and Licensure Choices
In most states, school administrators in K-12 schools are required to gain state licensure before they can find employment. Each state may have its licensing requirements; common requirements include completion of training and a master’s degree program, as well as the passage of an exam. License can be maintained by administrators through continuing education courses. They may choose to enroll into a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) to gain advanced scholarly knowledge and application in the field of educational administration.
