San Diego Master in Educational Leadership On-Campus Programs

On-Campus MEd, MA, MS in Educational Leadership Degrees

There are three common forms of ‘education degrees’. These are the Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS) in Education. Educational leadership and administration are typical areas of emphasis for each.

• A Master of Education (MEd) degree is sometimes used by licensed teachers to stimulate their career. As a professional degree it is usually designed to enhance practice skills.
• Master of Arts (MA) programs often focus on theory and action research by the student.
• Master of Science (MS) programs tend to focus on analysis, research, and the science behind learning.

Other masters degrees could draw content from business or psychology. Obviously, your academic background and the career choices you want to make should help to inform your decision. Several examples of education administration schools and the degrees they might offer are provided for you compare.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

A Master of Education (MEd) in Educational leadership program may provide courses that are geared to state standards for principals. Applicants typically need a bachelors degree, current teaching certificate and minimum number of years as a teacher. Other material such as a strong GPA, reference forms, resume and personal essay could be required to supplement this.

Given the wide range of possible tasks and skills associated with school leaders, course content is likely to cover many topics. Some courses could help students learn how to use data to drive decisions and solve problems as they arise. Also, students may take a course that discusses school law and how to build relationships with community members. A small sample of other types of courses you might find is listed below.

• Instructional Leadership
• Human Resources, Recruitment, Development and Staff Retention
• Curriculum and Student Achievement
• Communication and Technology for School Leaders
• Budget and Finance

In addition to their courses, MEd students may take part in relevant internships as part of their degree requirements. This could be a great way for local students to begin their professional network with instructors in their area.

DID YOU KNOW?

Principals typically need several years of work experience as a teacher. ⁱ

Master of Arts in Student Services Administration

The Master of Arts (MA) in Student Services Administration degree may appeal to current and future professionals who want to build or further their credentials. This type of program looks at the theory behind and practices for student services administration. Topics range from admissions and financial aid, student affairs and residential life to intercollegiate athletics, student activities, campus security, and records and registration. Some of the required courses might include research methods, college student development, governance, finance and law.

In some schools, the MA in Student Services Administration is a thirty-six-credit hour, non-thesis program. It might consist of required core courses, a student internship, and electives. A final project paper may also be required. Applicants typically need a bachelors degree and may have to show a specific GPA like 3.0., but this could vary between education administration schools.

Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction

The M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction is usually a degree for experienced teachers who want to discover new and effective instructional tactics. Along with an undergrad degree, applicants may need a teaching certificate in education. Some programs could also look at Praxis scores, references, an essay and may require a personal interview.

In terms of coursework, some programs might entail about 36 credits divided into required core courses, electives and a capstone. Courses typically combine theory, practice and action research. Through these students could learn how to integrate technology into lesson design and explore education law and models of instruction. This type of program could also factor in elective credits which meet the educational requirements for the Supervisor Certification. Other possible areas of focus that might be available to students include Principal Certification, ESL Certification, and Special Education. 

Master of Science in Educational Leadership

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Educational Leadership program may suit educators who want to broaden their knowledge and skills to pursue formal or informal leadership roles in schools. To apply, students are presumed to have a bachelors degree from an accredited university, letters of recommendation and a personal essay. Students who want to work towards their administrative license may also need a valid teaching license in their state. If this is your goal, you can check which education administration schools have programs in your city or state.  

Some MS programs entail about 30 credits. Core courses typically engage students with content that could explore finance, legal areas, staff evaluation and more. In their courses, students may develop the ability to think systematically and analyze an organization’s overall effectiveness. In addition to their classes, students may conduct guided research in a leadership area of their choice. The aim of this research is usually to develop findings that can be directly applied to their practice area. 

Potential Career Outlook

Graduates with a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership may be prepared to pursue a variety of teaching and administrative positions in both public and private schools. Public school teachers and most public school administrators must be licensed by the state, which may mean teachers must continue their studies to keep licensure current.ⁱ Further degrees such as a PhD in Educational Leadership, Education Specialist or Doctor of Education are also available in some education administration schools. For those who want to teach education at the post-secondary level, an advanced degree is generally necessary.ⁱⁱ

Find Accredited Education Leadership Schools

Many education leadership schools are regionally or nationally accredited which means every few years they undergo a review. Some individual programs may also be approved by independent agencies such as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Presently, the NCATE has been consolidated with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). In general, accredited schools have to meet standards for things like their finances, faculty, curricula and services. This may be a helpful factor when deciding between education leadership schools.

Take the Next Step

Whether you want to launch or enhance your career, the next step is to find a Master in Educational Leadership School. We make it easy for you. Look for education leadership schools by city, state or country. Or, filter by subject (e.g. student affairs). This brings up a list of programs for you to read about and easily apply to. Just fill out the on-page form to get started!

[i] bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm | [ii] onetonline.org/link/summary/25-1081.00