Benefits of a Master’s in Educational Leadership

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

Are you a licensed educator looking to advance in your career while still making a difference in the lives of students? If this sounds familiar, pursuing your master’s in educational leadership — gaining in-depth knowledge of educational policy, curriculum development, school finance, and more — may be the perfect path for you.

Providing the unique tools and strategies needed to lead, administer, and manage in an academic environment, the Master of Educational Leadership program available through UC Online will position you to increase your earning potential and create a meaningful impact on education. So, whether you’re interested in working in the private or public sector, we’ll broaden your leadership potential so you can continue doing what you do best — serving the needs of students, schools, and communities throughout Ohio and the nation.

What is Educational Leadership?

Educational leadership is the process of enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of teachers, students, and parents toward achieving common educational aims. Professionals in the field manage the daily functions of their institution, establish goals, and implement tactics to achieve them. They come in many forms, such as teachers, guidance counselors, school principals, and district-level administrators.

Job Opportunities

Few skills are more in demand than leadership. It doesn’t matter if you work within the private or public sector, earning your master’s in educational leadership can pave the way for a variety of career-advancing opportunities, including:

• College provosts, who are in charge of overseeing the planning and development of educational programs provided by the college — and earn a median wage of $169,485.
• Education administrators, who plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools — and earn a median wage of $101,320.
• Elementary, middle, and high school principals, who oversee all school operations and provide a safe and productive learning environment for students — and earn a median wage of $98,420.
• Special education directors, who ensure the academic and social success of students in special education programs — and earn a median wage of $78,000.

Job Outlook

Pursuing a career in educational leadership requires commitment, but the payoff is unmatched. Candidates who earn their master’s in the field widen their career prospects, boost their earning potential, and increase their professional credibility when applying for new roles — and there are a lot of them. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 23,500 openings for elementary, middle, and high school principals are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.

Job Fulfillment

Pursuing a leadership position in education is a natural and fulfilling next step to teaching, as they both directly impact the lives of students in the surrounding communities. Top-performing principals not only guide professional development and curriculum strategy but establish schoolwide culture so that all students can flourish, no matter their situation or background.

Master of Educational Leadership Through UC Online

Providing the real-world skills you need to build your path to success, the fully online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership program at the University of Cincinnati is ideal for licensed educators looking to expand their earning potential and responsibilities. In our top-ranked program, you will:

• Discover the theories and practices of educational leadership and organizational behaviors in school systems.
• Gain hands-on experience through internships that will familiarize you with the roles and responsibilities of a principal.
• Examine current economic theories, sources of revenues, and trends in the fiscal structure and operations of public education.

And you’ll do it all while specializing in either Special Education Leadership, Principal Leadership, or General Administration and Policy.

“Because our program is 100% online, students can work at their own pace. While there are deadlines to meet, it’s up to the students to choose the method that works for them to continue balancing work and life responsibilities with school.”

— Dr. Sean McCauley, Associate Professor and Coordinator MEd Educational Leadership

Ready to Change Your School for the Better?

Educational leaders take on many roles, from professors to school principals to superintendents — no matter which you choose, UC Online is here to provide the knowledge, resources, and tools you need to create meaningful change for your students and communities.

Ready to get started? Learn more about our MEd of Educational Leadership program or take the first step in spearheading needed changes in your school by beginning your application today.

* Salary data sourced from Payscale and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.