Sunday, 27 May 2012

Online Educational Leadership Degrees by Program Level

Individuals aspiring to administrative positions in education can benefit from a master's degree in educational leadership. Online programs are available that allow students to further their education while working. Educational leadership is often a focus primarily found at the master's level.

Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership Overview

Individuals looking for upper-level employment in education may pursue a Master of Arts, Master of Science or Master of Education in Educational Leadership completely online. Students take advanced classes in current pedagogical practices and curriculum trends. They also learn about the state of national education in contemporary society. A bachelor's degree in education or a related field and acceptable scores on graduate school examinations are required. Some programs may expect incoming students to hold a valid teacher's license, and many prepare students to meet administrative licensure requirements, such as principal and superintendent.

Program Information and Requirements

A master's degree program typically takes 2-3 years to complete. Distance learners need access to a computer with high-speed Internet. Instructors use traditional texts, audio and video presentations, webinars and chat rooms to create a virtual learning environment. Because some classes require academic papers, word processing and printing capabilities are required.

List of Common Courses in Educational Leadership at the Master's Level

The graduate curriculum emphasizes the responsibilities of educational administration. Students explore the educational system from legal, societal and student standpoints.

Current Curriculum Trends Course

Students look at current curriculum designs from kindergarten through grade 12. They pay special attention to administration's role and practice techniques. Local and national standards are considered.

Staff Development Course

Instructors give insight into how administrators bring on new staff. Students learn all about the recruitment process, from selection to evaluation. They also discuss such topics as personnel policy, fringe benefits and salary schedule.

Leadership and Education Course

The course studies the teacher as leader and how this role impacts student behavior. Students consider the school from an operational standpoint and explore challenges prompted by changes in educational settings. Collaborative decision-making and self-evaluation of strengths and weaknesses in leadership abilities are stressed.

Career Information

Graduates with a master's degree in educational leadership can advance their careers to a higher-level administrative position in education, including principals, assistant principals and district administrators. Upper-level administrative jobs often require state licensure. The U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) expected an eight percent job growth for educational administrators between 2008 and 2018. In May 2009, the mean annual wage for elementary and secondary school administrators was $87,390.

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