A Masters in Science in Educational Leadership (EDLS) is a graduate degree program that aims to prepare students to work in leadership positions within the educational system. These programs provide up-to-date education, learning methods, strategies, and understandings to help encourage the work of teachers and administrative staff in the field. Students dreaming of careers in leadership positions within an educational program will benefit from this type of educational program.

Students learn a wide range of topics in the field, including school climate, school administration programs, school safety, and professional ethics. They also learn skills to enable them to work in guidance, supervision, personal administration, community relations, supervision, and numerous other areas of education.

The following are some courses in a master’s degree in educational leadership, though students may take concentrations outside this scope.

Current Trends in Education

This course typically looks at what influences current trends in education. Some topics covered include political, social, and economic influence on the education system. Educational history, reform, and renewal are all potential aspects of the course, as well as the role of the teacher.

Technology Leadership

Technology Leadership curriculum commonly looks at how instructional media influences education. You’ll also cover how to use this media as a tool in education and what ways may apply on different levels and settings to achieve results.

Technology and Learning

Students will investigate issues and concepts regarding integrating technology into the classroom. Professional, state, and national standards for the use of different types of technology will likely be discussed.

Curriculum and Instruction

Curriculum development is at the core of degree studies. The course will look at past, current, and potential future strategies regarding curriculum and how it is developed. Different frameworks and reflective inquiry are applied and investigated in this course commonly.

Assessment Practices

To help educators interpret and assess data in educational settings is the main focus. Both formal and informal assessments are typically covered in this course. How to assess within a classroom and how to apply the results of an assessment will also be discussed.

Psychology of Learning

Learning theories and the current issues of psychology in education lend a diverse scope of study for this degree. The needs of students on all levels are typically examined, as well as strategies and practices to meet those needs. Child development learning styles and constructivism should be covered.

5 Most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about a Masters in Education Leadership

What Can I Do With A Masters In Education Leadership?

Students completing a Masters in Education Leadership should retain the skills necessary for a range of careers. Career options include working as a district administrator, principal, assistant principal, college provost, or a director or supervisor in various fields.

What Is An MS In Educational Leadership?

A Master of Science in Educational Leadership is a graduate-level program that focuses on developing higher-level competencies for instructional leaders and educational professionals. The design and structure help prepare students to work in corporations, government, and education roles.

How Long Does It Take To Get A Masters In Education Leadership?

A master’s degree in education leadership takes about two years to complete. Some schools offer accelerated or part-time options that help make the program more flexible to meet the student’s needs. Some programs are as short as 18 months.

Do You Need A Masters In Educational Leadership To Be A Principal?

In some situations, it depends on state and local requirements. The school board’s decisions about a master’s degree are necessary for this type of position because it offers more insight and instruction in leadership.

Is An Educational Leadership Degree Worth It?

Depending on the student’s goals, an educational leadership degree will help students meet managerial and leadership position requirements. These skills will be an asset to your career goals with this degree.

Find Funding

The cost of completing a master’s degree may be extensive in some situations. The school sets tuition and other fees. The average price of a master’s degree in the 2019/2020 school year was $19,792, according to NCES data. There are few funding options available to cover the costs.

Below are some suggestions. Remember, these are not the only options for students working on a master’s degree program.

Scholarships

For students who apply for and receive funds from scholarships, the money typically does not require repayment. That makes applying for scholarships beneficial to many students. Prospective students will need to search for options, follow the directions included to apply, and be awarded the funds. It might take some time, but the options are available to help. Take a look at some potential options in scholarships for students studying education fields. 

Federal Loans

Federal loans are another option for many students pursuing an educational path at the master’s level. These loans are backed by the federal government. That means the terms and conditions within them are fairly straightforward. It is still important to know what those conditions are to know what to expect.

Masters degree federal loans are available to many students. There are typically fewer and different options available at the graduate level than there are for those studying at the undergrad level.

Here is a look at some of the options for graduate degree programs through federal student loans:

• Direct Unsubsidized Loans: These loans are available to graduate schools and professional students. Unlike direct subsidized loans, which are made available to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need, direct unsubsidized loans do not have a need-based requirement, so more students might be eligible for them.
• Direct PLUS Loans: These are made available to professional or graduate-level students. They are designed to pay for educational expenses that are typically not paid for through other loans. Eligibility for these loans is not based on financial need. However, some require a credit check to be performed, and borrowers may not qualify without meeting other requirements in some cases.
• Direct Consolidation Loans: These loans enable a student to combine all of their undergraduate and graduate-level federal debt into one new loan. This consolidation loan is typically provided after a student completes their education.

Private Student Loans

Another potential option for students to pay for their master’s degree in education is the use of private student loans. These are loan programs not backed by the federal government. Typically, they are available to students based on various qualifications. That’s an important factor about them – the terms and conditions vary significantly between loans and lenders. It is critical to know as many of the details about these loans as possible before entering into them.

Some private student loans require students to apply using their credit score. They may have GRE or GPA requirements that need to be met. Some might not have the same qualifications and standards for forbearance or refinancing later, either. Know what options in private student loans are available before choosing this route.

Is education administrator a good career?

An education administrator typically works to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools, including academic, administrative, and/or auxiliary activities.  They will likely evaluate curricula, teaching methods, and programs to determine if they meet the goals of the program, including in areas of effectiveness and efficiency. This could include ensuring they meet federal, state, and local regulations.

Education administrators will also observe teaching methods while examining learning materials and curricula to determine if they meet specific standards or goals, including examining different teaching techniques and providing instruction on where improvements may be necessary.

Some administrators also counsel and guide students in areas of vocational, academic, personal, and behavioral issues. They work with other teachers to develop curriculum standards and maintain them to develop mission statements and performance goals for groups of students. They typically direct and coordinate teacher, other administrator, and support staff activities.

Daily work activities may include determining the operational compliance with standards and regulations related to the educational programs and evaluating program effectiveness to support the professional development of others within the educational program. They’ll provide advice to others on personal and career development. Some also develop educational goals, standards, procedures, and policies within their organization.

To work as an education administrator, many employers require individuals to have a master’s degree or above with at least 5 years of experience in the teaching field. There is little on-the-job education provided. Employees are expected to have core skills heading into these positions.