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An educational leadership degree prepares experienced educators to move into school administration and leadership roles, such as principal or district administrator. DegreeFlex can match you with accredited educational leadership programs at every level.
An educational leadership degree builds on prior teaching experience with coursework in school operations, staff management, and education policy. An educational administration master’s degree is typically the minimum most states require before becoming a principal, alongside classroom teaching experience.
An educational leadership degree prepares graduates for roles the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies as elementary, middle, and high school principals, among the highest paying roles in the broader education field. This occupation earned a median annual wage of $105,870 as of May 2025. Employment is projected to show little or no change from 2025 to 2035, with about 20,600 openings projected each year, almost all resulting from the need to replace principals who transfer to other roles or retire.
A few of the accredited schools you could be matched with.
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Requires significant prior classroom teaching experience
High-stress role balancing staff, students, and families
High-stress role balancing staff, students, and families
Principal certification requirements vary significantly by state
The typical minimum requirement for most principal and administrator roles
Research, academic, or superintendent-level district leadership roles
A practice-focused doctoral path for experienced school leaders
Most states require principal certification in addition to a master’s degree in educational leadership or administration, along with several years of classroom teaching experience.
In most states, yes. A master’s degree in educational leadership or administration is typically the minimum requirement, along with teaching experience and state certification.
It depends on your goals. An EdD, common among ed leadership doctoral programs, tends to focus on practical school leadership, while a PhD leans more toward research and academic careers.
Yes, as long as it’s from an accredited institution. States and school districts generally focus on accreditation and licensure over whether a degree was earned online or on campus.
Many superintendent roles prefer or require a doctorate, though requirements vary by state and district, so it’s worth confirming local requirements early in your planning.
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