Get Your Degree!

Get information on programs from our featured schools.

What is Education Administration?

The education leadership and administration degree is the area of study and employment that deals with the management and supervision of teachers in educational settings. Individuals in this field typically have extensive teaching experience and have chosen to further their involvement in the process of administration through study and eventual employment.

Individuals in the field are responsible for the implementation and maintaining of policy, working with teachers toward common goals, managing expectations of parents and employers, and working within the established parameters of budgets and goals as established by the school, board of education or the state.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$93,160

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

60.21%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

464,070

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Educational Leadership and Administration Programs

Harvard University (Cambridge, MA) is a private research university and one of the top Ivy League universities. It has an established reputation in the Liberal Arts, particularly for its undergraduate program. Harvard also takes pride in its comprehensive programs under the Graduate School of Education. All programs under the school prepare students and professionals to be scholars and leaders. Harvard offers a full-time, three-year program leading to a Doctor of Education Leadership degree. The program is designed for interested professionals from diverse backgrounds. For over 100 years, Harvard University has been known for its significant alumni from several industries like education, politics, medicine, and humanities. 

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) is recognized as America's first university and was founded by Benjamin Franklin. Today, Penn is one of the greatest institutions of higher learning and research. Penn fosters an interdisciplinary approach to learning for undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. The Graduate School of Education houses six academic divisions including Teaching, Learning, and Leadership. A Mid-career Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership is offered in Penn. This is designed for senior and mid-level educational leaders who aim to have a more in-depth understanding of the discipline. The division offers other graduate programs that train students and professionals in using practice-based approach and theories in addressing problems in schools and community settings.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Columbia University (New York, NY) is an Ivy League university at the heart of Manhattan. This university offers degrees from bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Their Teachers College has several graduate programs, particularly in Education, Health & Psychology. Moreover, Columbia University is a top research university. The Teachers College offers a variety of graduate-level Education Leadership degree programs.  The college provides education by integrating theory and practice. These programs are designed to prepare students and professionals to assume relevant roles across different educational settings. It also homes known personalities from science, politics, and the arts. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Northwestern University (Evanston, IL) is a private university recognized around the globe for its educational excellence. It also ranks as one of the best undergraduate programs in the U.S. Northwestern University provides a variety of programs from certifications, diplomas; bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The university takes pride in its education, law, and media-related programs. Teacher Leadership is one of the concentrations under the Master of Science in Education program. It is designed for teaching professionals who aim to develop their leadership skills. The program can be completed within two years. 

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN) is a non-profit private institution that offers a variety of programs related to the legal profession, social sciences, business and marketing, interdisciplinary studies, and health. Peabody College has education-related programs and they offer both online and on-campus learning modes. The Department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations manages graduate programs that are designed to prepare professionals to be leaders across all educational settings, and government and non-government organizations. VU admissions are considered highly competitive with only 20% of applicants are considered accepted every school year. The college is consistently ranked as the best graduate schools for Educational Administration and Supervision Program. 

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN) offers a large number of educational opportunities for students. The school’s mission relates to its Roman Catholic affiliation. It also offers financial aid to deserving students through loans, grants, scholarships, and work-study programs. The university and the Alliance for Catholic Education offers the  Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program. It is a program that prepares transformational Catholic school leaders. The program includes a Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership. It is a 25-month program packed with coursework  and experiential learning activities. 

Acceptance Rate

15.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD) is a public university that ranks among the best in education, research, and medical healthcare. Johns Hopkins programs rank first across the U.S. in various fields of studies. The university maintains campuses across the Baltimore-Washington area as well as China and Italy. The School of Education offers a long list of degree and certificate programs. These programs prepare professionals to be leaders and scholars in the field of education. JHU fosters an evidence-based research and practical experience approach in learning. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) has two main campuses. Programs offered by USC across these campuses are dominated by sciences, medicine, and liberal arts. Meanwhile, other USC programs are conducted at different locations in Southern California. The university values collaboration, encourages interdisciplinary studies, public service, and takes pride in professional education. The USC Rossier School of Education offers undergraduate and graduate programs for aspiring teachers, and professionals who aim to be educational leaders and scholars. The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is a three-year program that prepares professionals to be leaders across all educational settings. The School of Education houses other doctoral programs delivered online and on-campus. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California - Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA) is the second oldest campus among ten campuses under the University of California System. UCLA is a popular research university and considered one of the best in the country. The university has top-notch undergraduate programs with equally the best graduate opportunities. UCLA offers a wide range of academic programs and continuing education opportunities focused on the Education. Educational Leadership program leads to a doctoral degree. The program is for individuals who aim to develop their skills as leaders across every educational setting. 

Acceptance Rate

12.32

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Virginia - Main Campus (Charlottesville, VA) is a public research university founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1891. UVA is considered as one of the top 25  best universities in the U.S. and one of the original public Ivy Colleges. The university has 11 schools that offer a long list of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Jefferson envisioned the university to develop leaders and foster leadership through many fields of studies. Administration & Supervision is an area of study under the School of Education and Human Development. It offers graduate-level programs to aspiring educational leaders. These programs are designed to provide evidence-based research, teaching and service across every educational environment. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

University of California - Berkeley (Berkeley, CA) is the oldest campus of the University of California system, also known as an esteemed public research university in the United States. Aside from providing top-notch undergraduate programs, UC Berkeley also boasts high ranking graduate programs. Thus, the university is among the top 10 best across the United States. It is also recognized around the world. The Graduate School of Education offers a wide range of programs that prepare students and professionals to be leaders and scholars in education. The school manages several leadership programs leading to a Master’s or a Ph.D. degree. Professional programs on leadership are also offered in UC-Berkeley. 

Acceptance Rate

16.25

Student to Faculty Ratio

20:1

Boston College (Chestnut Hill, MA) has an undergraduate curriculum that ranks among the best in the United States. Also, it actively participates in research and works closely with the Carnegie Foundation. The school maintains a tradition of excellence in education, which traces its mandate to its Jesuit origins. It offers programs from bachelor's up to doctoral. The Lynch School of Education and Human Development offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Rigorous coursework and experiential learning are provided to students. Graduate programs prepare students to be leaders and scholars in education. Graduates can assume roles across every education setting. 

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, NC) is one of the most highly regarded public institutions of higher education in the U.S. The university is recognized for the academic quality it provides, affordability, diversity, social engagement, and international presence. “Carolina” is consistent in ranking among the country’s top universities on research. Moreover, undergraduate and graduate programs are praised and often receive high marks for their quality. “Carolina” excels in science, medicine, education, as well as performing arts. UNC’s School of Education offers a master’s program in School Administration and a Doctor of Education program in Educational Leadership. Both programs train students to be leaders in education through research-based education and practical training programs. These programs are designed to be flexible to suit the schedule of a professional. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) Is a top-ranked institution. BU offers programs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees. Students who choose BU have the freedom to choose among programs in more than 250 fields of study. BU is popular for its interdisciplinary programs, research curriculum, and esteemed faculty line up. Wheelock College of Education & Human Development offers a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies with a focus on Higher Education Administration. This program trains professionals to be leaders and administrators across colleges and universities. They are expected to adapt to the contemporary higher education landscape and address issues currently impacting these educational settings. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of Richmond (University of Richmond, VA) is a liberal arts college that offers a variety of undergraduate programs.  Among the popular majors are in business, legal, education, social science, language, and literature. These programs are designed to develop students’ skills that will help them land employment. The curriculum can also be a help for the students to pursue graduate education. The School of Professional & Continuing Study offers graduate programs on education. Interested professionals can take a graduate certificate or earn a master’s degree on Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. This program is designed for licensed teachers who aim to seek administration/supervision endorsement across public schools across the state or take on leadership roles in nonpublic schools. 

Acceptance Rate

28.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private, nonsectarian, research university and the largest non-profit institution of higher learning in the U.S. NYU has study abroad facilities located around the globe. NYU started with only the College of Arts and Science but today, undergraduate and graduate schools focus on education and human development, business, nursing, dentistry, and public service. The university offers several graduate degrees in Educational Leadership. Every program is designed to train students and professionals to be leaders across a variety of educational settings. Graduates are expected to become more equipped upon conclusion of any program.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lehigh University (Bethlehem, PA) is a non-profit private institution. The university has various degree programs giving interested student applicants to choose which major is right for them. Among the popular programs in LU are business and marketing, engineering, psychology, and physical sciences. Compared to other universities, LU has a fairly low population with an average of 7,000 students enrolled per year. LU offers graduate programs on Educational Leadership. The master’s and doctoral programs prepare professionals to further their career and enhance their skills to be leaders within academic institutions. Certificate programs are also available for professionals who do not aim to earn a degree. 

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Brandeis University (Waltham, MA) is a private research university offering a variety of degree programs for students. The university is popular for its strong liberal arts programs. The school poses a wide range of opportunities for students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities and the Boston Consortium, allowing students to cross-register to courses offered in other universities like Boston College, Boston University, and Tufts University. The university has a Teacher Leadership Program designed for elementary and secondary teachers from public and Jewish Day schools.  This program aims to train these teachers to be leaders in their workplaces. An Advanced Graduate Study and MA in Teacher Leadership are offered and both are delivered online. 

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Bucknell University (Lewisburg, PA) is a liberal arts college. The university offers quality undergraduate education that aims to help students to develop skills that are beneficial in their pursuit of graduate education or employment. The curriculum allows students to be exposed to a variety of topics. Bucknell University offers Education programs that deliver both theoretical and experience-based courses. Certificate programs are also available. Admissions to the university are considered highly competitive, with only an average of 30% of applicants being admitted 

Acceptance Rate

34.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of California-Irvine (Irvine, CA) is an institution of higher learning and research, and one of the fastest-growing campuses in the University of California system. UCI is known for its top-rated academic programs and professional schools. UCI is one of the leading universities in research and interdisciplinary programs. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs including a doctoral program in Education. The Ph.D. in Education at UC Irvine prepares professionals to be scholars and leaders in the field. It offers several concentrations students can choose from - Educational Policy and Social Context (EPSC), Human Development in Context (HDiC) or Teaching, Learning, and Educational Improvement (TLEI).

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Pepperdine University (Malibu, CA) is a non-profit private institution that offers a variety of educational opportunities. The wide range of options allows students to choose which major is right for them. The Churches of Christ affiliation is a great influence on the history, education, and mission that defines the school. Business and marketing, legal studies, psychology, and education are just some of the areas of study offered by the university. Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy program is designed for professionals who aim to be leaders across public & private (K-12) schools. The program focuses on providing theoretical coursework and experiential learning opportunities to students. 

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX) is a public university and best known as the flagship institution for the expansive UT higher education system. The university offers undergraduate and graduate as well as interdisciplinary programs. UT’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy offers a variety of graduate programs. The department aims to train aspiring educational leaders in public schools and higher education institutions. Research is also integrated on the curriculum. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

College of William and Mary (Williamsburg, VA) is a public school that offers interested student applicants to choose from a wide range of majors. The school is located in a predominantly suburban area. Among the areas of study William and Mary offers are business and marketing studies, legal studies, social sciences, language and literature, and interdisciplinary studies. A variety of Educational Policy, Planning & Leadership programs are offered in the college. These programs allow professionals to earn graduate-level degrees before assuming leadership roles in the K-12 and higher education settings. 

Acceptance Rate

37.68

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The University of California - Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA) is one of the prestigious universities under the University of California system since 1944. UCSB has been named one of America's best colleges. Among the top programs in UCSB are humanities and the arts, engineering, and the sciences. The university offers Education programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Policy, leadership, and research methods is just one of the seven concentrations offered for graduate programs in Education. Studying at UCSB poses a lot of opportunities in different fields of study. The university also homes a variety of academic, social, cultural, and religious student organizations. 

Acceptance Rate

29.56

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is the flagship university of the state. UFl is known to be one of the largest single campus universities in the country. The university is considered as a “Public Ivy” and one of the most prestigious higher educational institutions in FL. UFl offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It also provides professional degrees which include dentistry, law, and pharmacy. Educational Leadership is offered at the graduate level. Both master’s and doctoral programs can be taken on-campus or online. These programs are designed for professionals who want to contribute to the future of K-12 education. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Top Degrees in Educational Administration & Leadership

With a plethora of educational leadership and administration degree programs to choose among, where do you start when looking for the best online degree for you? The answer is a personal choice and not a universal one, thus you must create a priority list for you.

Questions to help you build a priority list can be found on our college admissions guide to help you to determine what is most important to you and find a college degree program and administration licensure online that best fits your career aspirations. Your priority list is far more important that starting with a top 10 list of best colleges published by a media conglomerate intent on selling more magazine subscriptions or a website pushing 0% APR credit cards.

With your priority list in hand, the path towards making a great decision about a school leader will come into focus. Your college degree options to become an ed leader include the following paths:

Certificate in Educational Leadership & Administration

An online certificate in education administration is a tool used by graduate students to upskill and take advantage of learning opportunities to advance their careers. Certificate educational leadership programs in ed admin are hyper-focused, shorter term educational tools lasting 1-2 years depending on the number of credits taken at a given time.

Online certificates provide requisite knowledge and marketable skills to administrators and licensed teachers. The goal is to help educators upskill and expand career opportunities in education. Qualifying for a graduate certificate from an accredited university will require you to meet all prior requirements established by the school.

Bachelor Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration

Online Bachelors degrees Education Administration are conferred as a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science in Education (BSED), or Bachelor of Science (BS) depending on the curricular design of the program and accreditation standards.

Bachelor degrees will take full-time students 4-years to complete that blend liberal arts courses such as math, speech communication, English composition, and philosophy with core education classes.

Core curriculum in educational leadership degree include classes such as educational philosophy, organizational development, psychology, learning theory, principles of education, educational philosophy, curricular design, and relevant instructional modalities. Some schools offer student teaching opportunities in a classroom while others require students to split time between a classroom and shadowing administrators in an approved school.

Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration

An online masters degree in education is often a 1-2 year program of full-time matriculation after successfully meeting all lower-level course requirements. Masters degrees in educational administration can be conferred as a Master of Science (MS), Masters of Arts (MA), or a Master of Education (MEd).

Masters degree programs in education leadership equip students and working professionals for leadership positions in education and prepare them to become proficient in community relations, behavior management, financial management, school law, instructional leadership, curriculum development, principal licensure program, and educational leadership through a variety of case studies and real-world applications.

Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership & Administration

Doctorate degree in educational leadership programs are conferred as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Education Specialist (EdS), or Doctor of Education (EdD). Doctoral programs can take 3-6 years to complete after meeting all lower-level degree requirements and the time spent to complete the dissertation project.

In most doctorate-level programs in educational administration, students will elect an area of specialty that can include tracks in curriculum& instruction, elementary education, middle grades education, secondary education, educational leadership, or special education.

The doctorate educational leader programs prepare students for advanced opportunities in higher education, primary education, leadership opportunities, administrative positions, or research opportunities in public or private institutions.

Education Administration Requirements and Licensure

Education leadership degrees are offered at the master's level. The degree is available to educators who wish to pursue a career in administration, typically with schools (public or private), school districts, and postsecondary educational institutions.

The role of an education administrator is to interact with teachers, subordinates, parents and students; to evaluate student progress and the curriculum offered; outline goals and affect policy.

Those who seek jobs with public institutions will be required to obtain licensing and/or certification from the state. Requirements for licensing and certification will vary from state to state, but nearly all will require a minimum of a master's degree to be considered for licensure.

Private institutions, not beholden to state requirements for employment, may not require licensing or certification but will typically have an equivalent minimum education and/or experience requirement. A curriculum in education administration may include:

Employment in Education Leadership

Individuals seeking placement in the administrative levels of a school or system will need to be astute and proactive. Occupations within school administrations are tiered, and as such moving up in the hierarchy requires the demonstration of certain skills, including loyalty, discipline, inventiveness and flexibility.

Job opportunities for education administrators are on the rise as the responsibilities for the role increases over time. But it is important to note that the field is competitive with a limited number of available jobs at any given time. Promotion is usually achieved through lateral movement to a larger system or through openings left vacant due to promotion or retirement.

Education Leadership Jobs

Most education educational leadership careers started as teachers and thus have experience within the system. The level of experience and education will vary greatly among administrators, and the more experienced administrators tend to have higher levels of pay and are more quickly promoted.

This is not to say that individuals should not pursue a career in education administration early, but rather that, as mentioned above, jobs are competitive, and that finding a position may take some time. Real world experiences principal candidates and other jobs available to those seeking a master's degree in educational administration include:

  • Assistant Principal
  • School Principal
  • Director of Admissions
  • Associate Principal
  • Superintendent
  • Dean
  • Director

Educational Administration Salary

The average salary for a high school principal is approximately $97,000 per year with the top 10% earning $135,770 a year and the bottom ten percent earning $59,910 a year on average.   Wage variance can be traced back to the institution type, different fields of study, work experience, and educational levels.  The BLS estimates a job growth of 8% during the coming decade which translates to some 83,800 job openings during the coming reporting period.

Top Job Titles of an Education Administrator

When considering a future in the education administration and leadership field, it is important to understand jobs in the sector.  We have culled a short list of titles of school administrators that you may find when looking for jobs.  While job duties may vary from school to school, you will be armed with the knowledge of what job titles apply to the administration field.  A list of the top job titles for education administrators include:

  • Superintendent
  • Assistant Principal
  • Principal
  • School Administrator
  • Middle School Principal
  • School Superintendent
  • Athletic Director
  • Elementary Principal
  • High School Principal
  • Special Education Director
Top Job Duties of an Education Administrator

In a recent survey by the United States Department of Labor, a group of educational administrators from around the country provided insights into their profession.  One of the key findings of the survey was the job duties of education administrators.

With the varied job duties from district to district, the responses varied widely.  However, the most common job responsibilities help prospective students understand a typical day as an administrator.  A list of the top job duties of an education administrator include:

  1. Recruiting, hiring, training, and retaining teaching and classified staff members
  2. Enforcing discipline and attendance rules across the district
  3. Collaborating with teaching staff to develop and manage curriculum standards, develop mission statements, and set performance goals across the school district
  4. Conferring with staff and parents to communicate about educational policies, policies, behavioral, and learning matters
  5. Observing classroom management, teaching methods, and learning materials to evaluate developmentally appropriate curricula and teaching techniques

States with the Highest Employment of Education Administrators

  • Texas           24,970
  • California    20,120
  • New York    19,260
  • Illinois         12,100
  • Ohio              9,740

Top Paying States of Education Administrators

  1. Connecticut   $127,110
  2. New Jersey    $125,760
  3. New York       $120,810
  4. California       $114,270
  5. Delaware        $108,800

Featured Rankings

Find Your College Match

Sort By
PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com