What Can I Do With a Degree in Educational Leadership?
A degree in educational leadership is designed for educators who are already progressing toward leadership roles. The program of study represents a step when you have classroom experience and are ready for positions with greater responsibility.
In most cases, an education leader degree is required to become a school principal and is highly relevant for other senior roles. The advanced qualification signals that you are prepared to lead, make decisions, and take responsibility beyond your own classroom.
Who an educational leadership degree is for
An educational leadership degree is mainly for educators who are moving toward leadership roles. A relevant masters is often required to become a school principal and is also expected for senior administrative positions in education.
The degree also strengthens your position when applying for other leadership roles within a school. It is especially valuable if you are already:
- Taking on coordination responsibilities such as year level or subject leadership
- Contributing to curriculum planning or school-wide initiatives
- Mentoring other teachers or supporting professional development
- Looking to move into roles like instructional coach or faculty lead
Many educators reach a point after several years of teaching where they want to step beyond the classroom. The degree can act as both a credential and a reset point, helping you extend your career and position yourself for the next level of leadership.
What you can do with an educational leadership degree
An educational leadership degree leads to roles across schools, universities, and education organisations. Most senior educator career paths fall into four broad areas.
1. School leadership roles
School leadership positions are the most direct and common pathways for graduates. Responsibilities include managing staff, overseeing student outcomes, and running day-to-day school operations.
- Principal
- Assistant principal
- Instructional coordinator
- Curriculum leader
2. District and system leadership
District and system-level roles operate across multiple schools or entire education systems. Responsibilities focus on policy development, budgeting, and improving performance across a district or organisation.
- School superintendent
- Education administrator
- Program director
3. Higher education administration
In universities and colleges, leadership roles are more specialised and often tied to student services, academic planning, or institutional strategy.
- Dean of students
- University registrar
- Department head
- Provost
- University president
4. Specialist and advisory roles
Some roles operate outside direct school management and involve improving systems, programs, or access to education. Educational consultant, policy, and program roles combine leadership with technical or policy expertise.
- Curriculum developer
- Educational consultant
- Diversity and inclusion manager
- Admissions director
Some roles focus on running schools directly, while others operate at a system or advisory level. The degree supports both hands-on leadership and broader strategic positions across the education sector.
Key skills developed in educational leadership
A master’s in educational leadership develops skills needed to manage schools, work with staff, and improve outcomes across an education system. The most important capabilities include:
- Use data to guide decisions and measure outcomes
- Plan and implement school improvement strategies
- Understand education law, policy, and governance
- Manage school budgets and financial resources
- Design and evaluate curriculum and programs
- Support teacher development and instructional quality
- Address student wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion
- Manage organisational change within a school or system
Leadership programs in education are about bringing instructors up to speed as administrators and leaders. For example, business administration skills are a focus in the Master’s in Educational Leadership at SCU Online. Participants learn strategies and build skills typically associated with business.
Do you need a master’s degree to become a principal
In most cases, yes. A master’s degree in educational leadership, educational administration, or a related field is typically required to become a school principal. This qualification is usually necessary for state licensure and is a standard requirement for hiring in public schools.
Build classroom teaching experience. Several years of teaching are usually expected so that school leaders understand instruction, staff needs, and student learning in practice.
Earn a relevant master’s degree. Most principal pathways require graduate study in educational leadership, educational administration, or a closely related field.
Complete certification requirements. Candidates typically need administrative licensure, which may involve an approved leadership program, state exams such as the School Leaders Licensure Assessment, and a background check.
Requirements vary by location, and rare exceptions do exist, but the standard path is teaching experience, graduate study, and formal certification.
Salaries in educational leadership
Salaries in educational leadership vary by role, responsibility, and level of institution. Senior leadership positions usually pay more than school-based support or specialist roles, but progression often depends on experience and credentials.
| Role type | Examples | Typical salary pattern |
|---|---|---|
| School leadership | Assistant principal, principal | Strong salaries tied to direct responsibility for staff, student performance, and school operations. |
| System leadership | Superintendent, senior district administrator | Higher salaries reflecting district-wide oversight, policy responsibility, and budget management. |
| Higher education leadership | Dean, provost, university president | Often the highest-paid roles due to broad institutional authority and executive responsibility. |
| Specialist leadership | Curriculum developer, instructional coordinator, educational consultant | Competitive salaries that vary by expertise, employer, and whether the role is internal or advisory. |
Principals earn an estimated 207% more than classroom teachers based on a sample of 40k instructor salaries observed across the United States. Current pay averages show principals earning an average $131,289 compared to $42,773 for teachers.
A master’s degree does not guarantee a high salary on its own, but it is often an important requirement for reaching the roles where stronger salary outcomes are available.
Is a master’s in educational leadership worth it
A master’s in educational leadership is essential for educators who want to move beyond the classroom. It is typically required to become a school principal and is widely expected for senior administrative roles across schools and districts.
The degree is also more versatile than most education master’s programs. Participants develop leadership, management, and decision-making skills that are not limited to teaching roles. In that sense, it can function similarly to an MBA, with skills that transfer into government, education policy, training organisations, and other administrative positions beyond schools.
For non-educators or those intending to always be a classroom teacher, the degree may have limited value however. Educational leadership is most relevant for those looking to extend their career into leadership, policy, or administrative roles within and beyond the education system.
