What it is
Educational leadership & administration prepares experienced educators to lead schools and districts — as principals, assistant principals, and administrators — setting vision, managing staff, and shaping the learning environment. It's the primary path to the best-paid roles in K–12 education.
What you'll study
This is a graduate field built on teaching experience:
- Master's (MEd/MA) or EdSSchool leadership, education law and policy, finance and operations, supervision, and data-driven improvement
- InternshipA supervised administrative internship
- Doctorate (EdD/PhD, optional)For superintendency and senior leadership
Most states require a master's plus an administrator license to become a principal.
Concentrations & focus areas
- Principal / Building LeadershipLeading a school
- District AdministrationCentral-office roles
- Curriculum & Instruction LeadershipAcademic programs
- SuperintendencyDistrict leadership (doctorate)
- Higher-Ed AdministrationColleges/universities
- Policy & OperationsSystems leadership
Skills you'll build
- Leadership & visionGuiding a school
- ManagementStaff, budget, operations
- Instructional leadershipImproving teaching
- CommunicationWith staff, families, community
- Data & problem-solvingDriving improvement
Careers & job titles
- Assistant principal / principalSchool leadership
- District administrator / directorCentral office
- Curriculum directorAcademic programs
- SuperintendentDistrict leader (doctorate typical)
- Postsecondary administratorHigher ed (~$102,610)
- Education consultantAdvising schools
Job outlook & demand
Demand for school leaders is steady as current principals retire; there are ~333,000 principal jobs nationally. The path requires teaching experience plus graduate study and licensure, which limits supply.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Leadership is the best-paid K–12 education track. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), elementary/middle/high-school principals had a median of $104,070 (range ~$72,400–$165,820), and postsecondary education administrators ~$102,610. Superintendents earn considerably more.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A master's (or EdS) + administrator license is required for principal roles; a doctorate (EdD/PhD) leads to superintendency and senior leadership.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you are an experienced educator who wants broader impact, enjoys leadership and problem-solving, and is ready to manage people, budgets, and vision.
Path note: this isn't an entry-level field — it builds on classroom experience. For educators seeking higher pay and leadership impact, it's the clearest route.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusLeading schools & districts
- DegreeMaster's/EdS + license (doctorate for superintendent)
- Builds onTeaching experience
- CareersPrincipal, district administrator, superintendent
- Pay$104,070 median principals (BLS); ~$72k–$166k
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: