Online Master's in Educational Leadership

Online Master of Education Program Career Preparation

York’s online Educational Leadership program leads to principal certification in Pennsylvania. This degree also prepares students to take on leadership positions in program or department administration, curriculum and instruction direction, and more.

If you are interested in special education program leadership, primary or secondary education administration, or teacher leadership and development, the online MEd in Educational Leadership will help you develop critical strategic abilities, as well as leadership and management skills. The flexible online modality doesn’t sacrifice direct contact with local administrators, providing robust network-building that directly translates to career opportunities.

Careers to pursue with a master’s degree in educational leadership include:

• Assistant Principal
• Principal
• Curriculum Director/Supervisor
• Department Leader
• Special Education Supervisor
• Instructional Supervisor

Depending on local requirements, passing exams and special training may be required to complete certifications, beyond what is fulfilled by the master’s coursework. Students may also move into private industry or educational consulting.

Prepare for Further Professional Development and Doctoral Programs

MEd students apply real-world administrative experience and research skills to improve their classrooms and districts. These experiences equip graduates with a foundation for further education and development programs necessary for advanced education policy and academic careers.

After graduating from the online Educational Leadership program, you may pursue doctoral degrees such as a Doctor of Education (EdD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in research, policy, and more. Roles that may hire doctoral-trained education professionals include:

• Education Researcher
• Director of Educational Research
• Curriculum Director
• Chief Academic Officer
• Dean of Education

Outlook and Salary for Educational Leadership Careers

The Master's in Educational Leadership is a stepping stone to increased career possibilities and competitive salary levels. Through coursework rooted in real-world experience and professional development, York students are empowered to take on new roles and heightened responsibilities in decision-making, upholding shareholder relationships, and financial management.

York is in the heart of the mid-Atlantic region. This area spanning parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey is one of the metropolitan areas with the highest levels of employment of kindergarten through secondary education administrators, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS also projects growth in the employment of primary and secondary school principals by 5% from 2021 to 2031.

The BLS provides annual salary data for careers in educational leadership, including:

• Kindergarten through secondary school administrators, including principals—$98,420

Salary levels for teachers, administrators, and teacher leaders depend on location, years of experience, and other factors. Whether you’re pursuing more competitive teacher and teacher leader salaries or increased job prospects in your district or beyond, an online master’s in Educational Leadership at YCP can return the most rewarding results for your investment.

Gain PK-12 School Principal Certification in Pennsylvania

Active teachers certified in Pennsylvania can be one step closer to fulfilling the qualifications to pursue a career as a principal upon completion of the MEd in Educational Leadership at York College.

After graduating and passing the PRAXIS examination, students will be eligible to submit applications for the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Principal PK-12 Certification. Further requirements include a 3.0 graduate GPA and completion of the administrative internship.

The program internship is part of the certification process, as well as the PRAXIS exam.