Online Degrees in Educational Administration

From preschool to college, all levels of educational institutions can benefit from the guidance of qualified administrators. Depending on their position, educational administrators may be responsible for supervisory duties such as measuring the performance of teachers, creating and adhering to a budget, and ensuring students have access to a safe and quality education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov/ooh, 2012).

In order to qualify for, and fill these roles, students in educational administration degree programs typically learn the public policies and laws that affect decisions made in schools. They may also study how to collaborate and communicate with teachers and staff, implement new technologies, and properly assess and evaluate school curriculum. Degree programs help instill leadership qualities in students, which can help equip graduates to create effective learning and teaching atmospheres through proper management, support and guidance.

Available Online Educational Administration Degree Programs

Bachelor's Degree in Educational Administration: This online program generally takes full-time students four years to complete, and often includes courses in professional growth, educational leadership, learning assessments and conflict resolution. Other coursework may focus on organizational theory, the fundamentals of school finance and budgets, and family inclusion. With a bachelor's degree in educational administration, graduates can pursue careers such as preschool or child care center directors. Some states require that administrators in these positions also earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) certification, or the Child Care Professional (CCP) designation. Entry-level postsecondary administration positions may also be attainable for bachelor's degree holders (bls.gov/ooh, 2012).

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Master's Degree in Educational Administration: The master's program usually takes two to three years of full-time study to complete. Students typically learn about the specific administrative responsibilities that school leaders take on, including financial and staffing decisions. Instruction may also cover how to establish networks of communication and collaboration between educators, administrators, and parents of students. The use of technology in the classroom to help assess educator and student performance also tends to be an area of focus. Graduates may be qualified to become K-12 principals, or administrators at a college or university (bls.gov/ooh, 2012).

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Doctoral Degrees in Educational Administration: Students interested in pursuing this degree can choose one of two options: a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Administration or a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Educational Administration. Broadly speaking, the Ph.D. is for students interested in conducting research and publishing scholarly papers, while the Ed.D. is for individuals who wish to be administrative practitioners.

Much of the coursework for the degrees can overlap, as Ph.D. candidates may also wish to move into administrative positions. There is generally a deeper focus on research methods in the Ph.D. path, as well as its dissertation classes. Students earning their Ed.D. may have the choice to complete a doctoral project instead of a dissertation. Graduates of these programs can qualify to become deans or provosts, as well as admissions administrators. Other possible positions include administrators in the registrar or student affairs offices of colleges and universities (bls.gov/ooh, 2012).

There may also be a residency requirement for students in doctoral degree programs. For more information, contact an admissions counselor or other school representative.

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Career Outlook for Graduates of Educational Administration Programs

As student enrollment increases nationwide, the BLS expects more administrators will be needed to help provide quality educational environments (bls.gov/ooh, 2012). Preschool and childcare directors are projected to see national employment growth of 25 percent between 2010 and 2020, which is faster than average. In that same span, BLS estimates that demand for K-12 principals and postsecondary education administrators will grow by 10 percent and 19 percent, respectively.

If you are interested in pursuing an online degree in educational administration, please request information from the schools below.

Sources:
“Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals,” Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm
“Postsecondary Education Administrators,” Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm
“Preschool and Childcare Center Directors,” Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm