What Can You Do with Educational Leadership Degree? 8 Potential Careers

For individuals considering an educational-focused master’s degree, the desire to “make a difference” goes far beyond the surface-level impact of their roles working in education. Making a difference is about shaping futures, driving change, and creating environments where everyone — students, educators, and communities — can learn and thrive.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) designed the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership program to support our students’ desire to make a difference in education by preparing them for a leadership role in which they can make a difference.

If you’re considering a few options for a fully online M.Ed. program and want to choose the one that will meet your professional and personal goals, here are eight career opportunities for M.Ed. in Educational Leadership graduates and how they can make a difference.

#1 School Principal

A principal is the backbone of any educational institution, responsible for directing and managing a school’s activities, personnel, and overall operations.

Principal’s duties often encompass:

• Overseeing budgets and class schedules
• Regular interactions with students, parents, and teachers
• Evaluating teacher performance and student outcomes
• Curriculum oversight development
• Ensuring safety and maintenance procedures

Individuals stepping into this pivotal role typically need several years of teaching experience, a master’s degree in educational leadership (or related specialty area), and an appropriate license.

UC’s M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program equips aspiring principals with the skills and knowledge to prepare for licensure, lead responsibly, and make educational institutions safe and conducive to learning.

PRINCIPALS make a difference by:
Directly influencing students’ academic achievements and overall development | Creating a safe, nurturing, and positive learning environment | Helping ensure students and teachers thrive emotionally, socially, physically, and morally

#2 Curriculum Director

Curriculum directors are also known as Educational Program Directors, Curriculum Leaders, and Instructional Coordinators. Regardless of the title, this director-level role oversees the curriculum for an entire school district to ensure teachers are aligned with educational standards.

As experts in evaluating, designing, and implementing curricula, curriculum directors:

• Analyze data, such as student test scores
• Observe and train teachers
• Select educational materials and textbooks
• Implement new curricula tailored to students’ needs

UC’s M.Ed. in educational leadership program equips you with the background required for curriculum development roles.

CURRICULUM DIRECTORS make a difference by:

Developing effective and innovative curricula district-wide | Ensuring teaching methods are tailored to meet diverse student needs | Fostering an environment where every student can thrive

#3 School Administrator (Including District Leadership)

School administrators play critical roles in the educational system, operating at various levels to ensure the institution runs smoothly.

Administrator responsibilities often encompass:

• Hiring and supervising staff
• Managing budgetary needs
• Directing curriculum and programming
• Making pivotal educational decisions

Administrators in leadership roles oversee multiple schools within a district to ensure consistent, quality education across institutions. School administrator roles typically require a background in educational administration combined with leadership skills and a passion for shaping the future of education.

UC’s educational leadership program introduces you to the skills and knowledge you need to navigate the complexities of school administrator roles.

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS make a difference by:
Playing a crucial role in shaping the educational landscape | Influencing policies and executive decisions to drive systemic changes | Paving the way for a more consistent delivery of quality education

#4 Special Education Director

This key administrative role oversees the decision-making and execution of special needs programs, whether for a single school or an entire district. Professionals in this area are deeply attuned to the legal and ethical responsibilities related to special education. They are dedicated to crafting targeted programs and obtaining resources for students with special needs.

Special education directors’ responsibilities typically encompass:

• Overseeing the programs, services, and budget of the special education department
• Managing and guiding the staff within the department
• Ensuring positive outcomes for students with special needs

These roles typically require a special education background, leadership skills, and a deep-seated commitment to inclusivity.

UC’s online M.Ed. program provides educational leadership students with the foundational knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of special education leadership, including advocacy and student support.

SPECIAL EDUCATION LEADERS make a difference by:

Being a champion for inclusivity | Striving to create environments where students with disabilities can thrive academically and socially | Ensuring students receive quality education tailored to their unique needs

#5 Post-Secondary Education Administrators (Admissions Officers, Registrars, Provosts, Deans, etc.)

Post-secondary education administrators are the backbone of higher education institutions. Their multifaceted roles ensure the institution runs seamlessly and upholds its academic standards. Whether their job is the admissions officer curating a diverse student body, the provost setting educational priorities, the registrar streamlining student enrollment processes, or the dean overseeing academic departments, the individuals in these roles shape the institution’s academic trajectory and student experience.

UC’s educational leadership master’s program prepares you for entry-level post-secondary administrator roles, instilling the skills and expertise to support the needs of higher education institutions.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION ADMINISTRATORS make a difference by:

Playing a pivotal role in fostering an inclusive, vibrant, and academically rigorous environment | Influencing the institution’s reputation and the academic and personal growth of every student by the leadership decisions they make

#6 Social and Community Service Managers in State and Local Agencies

Professionals at the management level in state and local agencies are instrumental in rolling out educational policies and programs that positively impact communities or entire states.

Social and community service manager roles often spearhead social service initiatives that aid specific groups such as individuals with disabilities, children, veterans, and more.

These leaders’ responsibilities may include:

• Orchestrating social programs and services
• Analyzing data to gauge program outcomes and effectiveness
• Hiring and supervising staff
• Undertaking administrative tasks like budgeting and proposal writing

While many positions of this type may accept a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree — especially in educational leadership — may be preferred by the hiring educational institution.

Advanced degrees like UC’s 100% online M.Ed. equip individuals with the analytical and managerial skills essential for these roles.

SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICE MANAGERS make a difference by:

Ensuring vital educational community services are delivered efficiently and effectively | Overseeing the smooth operation of these programs, playing a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for many

#7 Federal Policymaking and Research

At the pinnacle of the educational hierarchy, professionals in federal leadership, policymaking, and research roles shape national educational policies and conduct pivotal research to enhance educational methodologies and practices.

It’s worth noting these roles are also found outside of government agencies. For example, foundations and think tanks engage in research and advocate for policy formulation to bring about positive changes in the education sector.

UC’s educational leadership M.Ed. studies prepare you for an influential policymaking or research role, empowering you with the understanding and skills to make impactful decisions on a national scale.

FEDERAL POLICY ADVOCATES AND RESEARCHERS make a difference by:

Bringing about nationwide systemic changes that benefit vast student populations | Steering federal policies and decisions to ensure more equitable and effective educational systems | Elevating the standard of education across the country

#8 Educational Consultants and Training Development Managers

Education consultants involved with training and development are guiding lights for executives and educators, offering advice and developing training programs to launch initiatives that enhance educational outcomes.

They advise schools, districts, or educational organizations on best practices, curriculum development, and various academic matters. Training and development managers are tasked with designing, planning, and administering training programs.

Aspiring consultants or managers in this leadership area often benefit from a master’s degree, like UC’s educational leadership program. It prepares students for these roles, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to innovate, advise, and lead in the ever-evolving world of education.

CONSULTANTS AND TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS make a difference by:

Driving innovation and change to help educational institutions optimize their practices | Ensuring employees and educators are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to enhance the effectiveness of their institution.

The Right Educational Leadership Role for You?

What’s unique about our M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is that our students can earn a versatile graduate degree that allows them to work in careers outside the classroom that truly make a difference.

Careers in educational leadership represent a calling that merges personal passion with professional purpose to serve a brighter, more equitable future. If you’re ready to start your journey into educational leadership and discover a role ideal for you, contact an Enrollment Services Advisor today.