Online Education Administration Degree

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Educational leaders are in high demand, especially at a time when schools are facing increasing scrutiny from the public and need to meet exacting national education standards. A high rate of retirement coupled with around a 10% increase in growth within the industry has fuelled the demand for qualified professionals. If you have been teaching for several years then you may be looking to step into the shoes of the Principal but in order to do this you will require a minimum of a Master of Education Degree or a Masters in some other related field. You may even require a doctoral degree for a particularly high ranking educational administrator position.

Studying for an online education administration degree

Online or distance studying as it is often called is growing in popularity in the United States and many universities offer an online program in a wide range of degrees. They are an ideal solution for a person who doesn't want to compromise their present job and wants to be able to carry on earning whilst learning. This is especially true if you are the main family breadwinner. It is also offers far more flexibility than a traditional degree and is generally a cheaper option. On the downside, however, it does require a great degree of self discipline and motivation since, in essence, with no timetable or schedule to adhere to, you have to will yourself to enter the “virtual” classroom on a pretty regular basis if you are going to complete the program.

The type of person suited to an education administration degree

Being an educational administrator means you will have a diverse range of responsibilities associated with heading your particular educational institution. It almost goes without saying that you will need to have great interpersonal skills not just with your staff members but also with students and parents. You may have to oversee the progress of students, prepare budgets, manage day to day operations, set standards and policies, fund raise and ensure that the institution is meeting both state and national standards.

Types of courses offered in an education administrative degree

Educational Policy
Research Design and Data Analysis
School Leadership and Administration
Public Relations
Educational Finance and Budgeting
Personnel Management
Curriculum Development and Management

Career Prospects

There is a wide variety of jobs for education administrators ranging from an administrator in a day care centre through to a school principal or college professor.

K-12 careers in teaching

School Principal (who leads at either elementary, middle or secondary school)
Assistant Principal (who helps the Principal with the school's administration)
Program Director (they supervise co-ordinators who are instructing such subjects as music or career education, they also help to plan the school curriculum)
Pre-School Director

Post Secondary Education at College or University Level

Academic Dean
Chief Academic Officer (college administrator)
Director of Student Affairs
Athletic Director
Registrar
Department Chair Person
Director of Financial aid
Director of Admissions

Pre-school Directors and K-12 Principals need a state license and often the requirements vary from state to state. Many administrators both at college level and K-12 advance into these roles from their teaching positions and hold degrees in a specific academic field. A Masters Degree in Education Administration is the natural step to move from academic to administrative positions.

The Rewards

There is stiff competition for education administrator roles with high standards of attainments in education being necessary. However, the role of an education administrator is varied, challenging and satisfying, making it a very worthwhile career. The benefits are pretty good for education administrators and include generous pension and health packages and over 5 weeks a holiday a year. Employees of colleges and universities may be offered free tuition for themselves and their families.

Wages

Salaries vary according to the level at which the administrator is employed. In 2008 (the latest figures available) pre-school and child care program administrators were earning a median annual wage of $39,940, Elementary and secondary school administrators were earning a median annual wage of $83,880 and post secondary administrators were earning a median annual wage of $80,670. You can find more about the role of education administrators by visiting the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Become a elementary, middle or high school principal with a Masters in School Administration degree.