For experienced teachers asking, “What can I do with a master’s degree in education leadership?” the answer lies in these growing opportunities. A master’s program prepares graduates to step into administrative roles and become transformative leaders who positively impact the lives of students, teachers and fellow administrators. 

Skills Gained in a Master’s in Educational Leadership Program 

A master’s degree in educational leadership is designed for experienced educators who want to take on leadership roles in their school, their district or the broader education system. Graduate students build the skills needed to move into administrative positions and support effective teaching and learning.  

The program emphasizes leadership across multiple domains, helping students become well-rounded, adaptive leaders. Through a mix of classroom instruction and real-world experience, graduates develop the knowledge to guide teachers, improve student outcomes and strengthen school communities. 

Key skills for school administrators and other leaders typically include: 

• Strategic planning and decision-making 

• Curriculum development and instructional leadership 

• Budgeting and resource management 

• Teacher evaluation and professional development 

• Relationship building with students, families and communities 

3 Careers in Educational Leadership 

What can you do with a master’s degree in educational leadership? For most experienced teachers, this degree serves as the next step toward administrative roles that expand career opportunities and open doors to leadership at multiple levels of education. 

Elementary, Middle and High School Principals 

At the elementary, middle and high school levels, principals serve as the chief administrators of their schools. They oversee day-to-day operations, including scheduling, curriculum standards, staff management, budgeting and community relations. Principals are responsible for hiring and supporting teachers, evaluating performance and ensuring that schools provide a safe and effective learning environment for students. 

Becoming a principal typically requires a master’s degree in educational leadership, teacher leadership, education administration or a related field. They also need several years of classroom teaching experience. Most states also require public school principals to pass a background check and obtain an administrator license. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for elementary, middle and high school principals was $104,070 in 2024. 

School Superintendent 

While principals lead individual schools, superintendents oversee entire districts. Superintendents are typically hired by the district’s school board, with whom they work closely to oversee operations and develop plans to meet the district’s needs. Their responsibilities include hiring principals and overseeing staffing, working with the school board to set goals, managing budgets and expenditures, administering human resources policies, monitoring construction and maintenance, and representing the district to the public. 

Becoming a school superintendent usually requires a master’s degree in educational leadership or a similar field, along with significant experience as a teacher or principal. In most states, superintendents must hold a valid teaching license, earn an administrator license and pass a background check. 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for kindergarten through secondary education administrators, including school superintendents, was $103,460 in 2024. 

Instructional Coordinators 

Instructional coordinators, or curriculum specialists, are responsible for a school’s or district’s curriculum and teaching standards. They develop teaching materials, organize training and workshops for teachers, and collaborate with teachers and principals to integrate new approaches into the classroom. Coordinators also analyze curriculum effectiveness, review and recommend textbooks and other instructional resources, and stay current on teaching techniques and technologies to help improve student performance. 

In addition to requiring instructional coordinators to hold a master’s degree in educational leadership or a similar field, some districts like them to have expertise in a specific subject area, such as history or science. They typically need several years of teaching or administration experience, and in some cases, a state teaching license or administrator license may also be required. 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for instructional coordinators was $74,720 as of 2024. 

What Else Can I Do with an Educational Leadership Degree? 

When people think of school administration, they often picture roles in elementary, middle and high schools. However, numerous opportunities are also available in postsecondary education. With a master’s degree in educational leadership, graduates can pursue positions such as: 

• Department heads: Overseeing a particular department of a college or university 

• Dean of students: Leading student services at a college or university 

• University registrars: Managing the academic records of postsecondary students 

• Program directors: Developing the learning objectives, activities and budgets of a particular education program 

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for postsecondary educational administrators was $103,960 in 2024. 

Beyond schools and universities, graduates may find leadership opportunities in education policy, nonprofit organizations or educational technology companies that support learning on a broader scale. 

Shape the Future of Education with SEMO Online 

Teachers ready to take the next step in their careers can find ample opportunities by earning a master’s degree in educational leadership. This degree program positions educators to improve their schools, districts and communities while advancing their own professional goals. 

The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership from SEMO Online is a flexible, fully accredited program. Students gain expertise across Missouri’s five leadership domains — visionary, instructional, managerial, relational and innovative — and apply what they learn through project-based coursework and an internship in their own district. The program also fulfills the requirements for the K-12 Missouri Initial Administrator Certificate (building-level), preparing graduates to step directly into administrative leadership. 

Explore how SEMO Online can help you become a leader in your school district.