What Is Educational Management?
Education management is both a field of academic study and a collective group of professionals that includes principals, teachers, and other education professionals. Learn what responsibilities these professionals have including their impact on education policy.
What Is Educational Management?
Educational management, also sometimes known as educational administration, is commonly associated with elementary and secondary schools as well as institutes of higher learning like colleges and universities. Education management professionals can also be found working in governmental agencies, private companies, and not-for-profit organizations. Those working in educational management might develop education policy, conduct research, or consult to help evaluate and develop ways to enrich and enhance the educational system at all levels. Most educational management professionals have earned at least a master's degree and many are licensed teachers or principals.
Required Education
Those interested in an educational management career will likely need to complete a master's or doctoral degree program. Some of these programs are intended specifically for public education teachers and administrators; however, completing a teacher education program is not a requirement for enrollment in some educational management programs. You can also find educational management programs that focus on preparation for careers in higher education. Master's degree programs might require completion of a thesis project and internship. Doctoral programs generally require a dissertation based on original research.
Common Coursework
The core coursework in educational management degree programs varies slightly from program to program. Listed below are some common courses that you can expect to encounter in a graduate-level educational management program:
Education economics
Education legislation
Public policy and education
Management of educational organizations
Evaluation of educational systems
Licensure
Education managers who work in school administration, usually as principals, are required to be licensed in most states, if they work at public schools. Requirements vary, but they often include a master's degree and additional training. Sometimes continuing education is needed to maintain licensure. Private schools do not require licensure.
Job Skills
Leadership skills are a must in this field. Professionals working in education management must also have good decision-making and problem-solving skills. They should also be good communicators and be comfortable working with teachers, parents, and children, as well as other community members.
Occupational Statistics
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual salary for elementary and secondary school principals was $95,310, while academic administrators at the postsecondary level earned $94,340 in 2018. The BLS predicts job growth for these two careers around 8% and 10% respectively during the 2016-2026 decade. The BLS indicates this might be due to a need to replace retiring professionals. Additionally, the advanced educational requirements for many positions might deter some from pursuing openings in the field, making positions more readily available to those who do hold the necessary degrees.
Educational Management Master's Degree
Many career options in elementary and secondary schools can result from earning an educational management master's degree. This article shows you what you can learn as part of a master's program, and offers an outlook at jobs in the field of educational administration.
What Is an Educational Management Master's Degree Program?
An educational management master's degree program prepares you to work in schools as an administrator. You can also look for programs in educational administration, which are more common and cover the same concepts and skills. Many schools offer online options for an educational management or administration master's degree program.
Many educational management master's degree programs require you to be a licensed, experienced teacher to be admitted. If you choose an online program, your schedule can usually be flexible enough to maintain your current position. Most programs also require you to complete an internship or practicum working under the supervision of a licensed, experienced principal or other administrator. Many programs qualify you for state licensure to work as a principal in public schools.
What Will I Learn?
The courses you take in an educational management or administration master's degree program prepare you for all aspects of managing a school. You learn about learning theories, management theories, leadership methods and employee relations. Curriculum planning, school finance and budgeting are also covered. You also learn how to communicate with students, teachers, families, the community and school board.
Many educational management master's degree programs require you to undertake research projects, and you take courses that help you conduct that research. You might be required to submit a project or paper in order to graduate. Additionally, internships are typically required and are arranged at local schools.
What Will My Job Be Like?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported in 2019 that job opportunities for educational managers and administrators should be on pace with the rest of the country through 2029 (www.bls.gov). The report cited increased responsibilities for principals, assistant principals and other administrators as a major factor in job openings. In 2020, elementary and secondary school administrators earned an annual median salary of $98,490.
