Careers With a Master’s in Educational Leadership

Educational leadership plays an essential role in guiding schools and driving student achievement. As schools and districts face increasing challenges in the classroom, the need for skilled leaders who can guide teams, implement effective policies, and foster positive learning environments is more critical than ever.

Completing a graduate program like Aurora University’s online Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement opens the door to this high-demand field, allowing you to make a lasting impact on your community. This guide explores the career opportunities, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge you will gain throughout the program to further your career and pursue principal endorsement in the state of Illinois.

What Is a Master’s in Educational Leadership?

A master’s in educational leadership is a graduate-level degree that prepares educators for leadership roles within schools, districts, and other academic institutions. Focusing on areas like curriculum and development, instructional leadership, staff supervision, and policy analysis, students learn how to lead and create positive change within diverse educational settings.

The degree program at Aurora University is designed to equip working educators with the skills and expertise they need to advance into leadership roles and gain licensure for principal endorsement in Illinois. By developing their leadership and organizational management abilities, they can gain the confidence to guide staff, influence policy, and shape a productive educational atmosphere.

What Are Essential Skills for Careers in Educational Leadership?

Successful educational leadership requires a combination of technical competencies and interpersonal strengths. Leaders need to understand how to effectively manage school resources while fostering a positive and collaborative environment for teachers and students. Examples of core skills used throughout educational leaders’ careers include:

• Data-driven decision making: Use student data to make informed choices that improve learning outcomes.
• Program evaluation: Determine the strengths and weaknesses of academic programs to drive student success.
• Policy analysis: Interpret and apply educational policies to ensure compliance with local regulations.
• Resource management: Oversee budgets, staffing, and materials to keep schools or organizations running smoothly.
• Collaboration and communication: Build and encourage strong relationships between teachers, families, and staff to support student learning and organizational success.
• Organizational leadership: Set goals, create a vision, and motivate teachers, students, and other staff to reach those goals.
• Conflict resolution: Overcome challenges and roadblocks to create a safe, supportive school environment.

What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Leadership?

A master’s in educational leadership degree opens the door to high-level careers across schools, districts, and higher education institutions. Graduates commonly enter advanced roles where they oversee programs, manage staff, shape policy, and create a lasting impact on the overall school environment. Example career paths and their median annual salaries include:

• Principals oversee an entire school, managing staff, budgets, and daily operations to create a safe, positive learning environment. They earn a median annual salary of $104,070.
• Instructional coordinators develop, implement, and evaluate curricula to improve instructional methods and learning outcomes for students. They earn a median annual salary of $74,720.
• Postsecondary education administrators manage a college or university by overseeing student services, academics, and faculty. They earn a median annual salary of $103,960.

Why Earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership?

Earning an educational Leadership master’s degree helps take your career to the next level, offering upward mobility, higher earnings, and increased responsibility within academic organizations. Graduates are equipped with the skills and expertise to pursue principal roles that directly shape the success of students across classrooms and communities.

With the skills and confidence to influence equity, inclusivity, and school culture at a systemic level, you will have the opportunity to create positive change that benefits staff and student experiences. By guiding teachers, implementing effective policies, and fostering a commitment to positive learning, you’ll make a lasting impact throughout your school community.

Inside Aurora University’s Online Educational Leadership Degree

Aurora University’s online MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement program offers a flexible pathway for working educators to gain licensure for principal endorsement in Illinois. Led by industry-recognized educators, this program, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), combines core coursework with hands-on internship experience in an Illinois public school to build practical skills and prepare graduates to apply for licensure and principal endorsement.

With virtual learning platforms, personalized support, and multiple start dates throughout the year, Aurora University’s online programs make it easy to balance your education with your personal and professional commitments. You will develop a deeper understanding of educational leadership, sharpen your management skills, and gain the confidence to pursue high-level roles across schools, districts, and academic organizations.

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming an Educational Leader Today

Earning an online master’s degree in educational leadership from AU enables you to step into meaningful roles in Illinois that shape academic organizations and drive student success. Graduates pursue roles as principals, instructional coordinators, administrators, and program directors who lead staff, implement impactful policies, and guide school-wide initiatives.

Aurora University’s educational leadership degree equips students with the skills to become effective, equity-focused school leaders who create inclusive learning environments that shape their communities. To begin your journey towards becoming a transformative educational leader, request information or apply today to AU’s online MA in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement program.