Why Pursue an Online Master’s in School Administration?
If you’re passionate about leading schools, inspiring educators, and making a difference in students’ lives, earning a Master of Arts (M.A.) in School Administration could be the next step in your career. School leadership is about more than managing daily operations—it’s about creating a positive learning environment, shaping school policies, and ensuring student success.
For many educators, the path to becoming a principal feels unclear. If you’ve been wondering how to become a principal, earning a master’s in school administration is often the key requirement. This degree provides the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to step into leadership roles such as principal, assistant principal, district administrator, or curriculum coordinator.
And the best part? With flexible online programs, you can earn your degree while continuing to teach.
What is Educational Administration?
Before diving into the details of a master’s in school administration, it’s helpful to understand what educational administration entails. Simply put, educational administration is the backbone of effective school leadership, focusing on the management, organization, and policy-making that keeps schools running smoothly.
Administrators play a key role in:
- Overseeing school operations to ensure efficiency
- Developing and implementing curriculum that meets educational standards
- Managing budgets and resources to support students and teacher success
- Creating policies that improve academic performance and staff development
An online Master’s in School Administration prepares teachers to handle these responsibilities while promoting academic success.
Key Benefits of an Online Master’s in School Administration
1. Qualify for Leadership Roles in Education
Earning a master’s in school administration positions educators for leadership roles, including:
- School Principal or Assistant Principal
- District Administrator
- Curriculum Coordinator
- Instructional Supervisor
These leadership roles come with increased responsibility, influence, and higher earning potential. Many states require principals to hold a master’s in education administration, making this degree a critical step in career advancement.
2. Become a School Principal
One of the most common reasons teachers pursue an this degree is to transition into school leadership. For example, if you’re exploring how to become a principal, here are the essential steps:
- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education – Most principals begin their careers as teachers.
- Gain Teaching Experience – Schools typically require three to five years of classroom experience before considering candidates for leadership positions.
- Pursue a Master’s in School Administration – Most states require this degree for principal certification, as it provides leadership training and policy knowledge.
- Pass State Licensure Exams – Many states require a principal certification exam as part of the qualification process.
- Build Leadership Experience – Working as an assistant principal, department chair, or instructional coach can strengthen your experience before stepping into a principal role.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 20,800 principal openings each year over the next decade, emphasizing the need for strong leaders to guide schools and support student success.
3. Increase Your Earning Potential
School leadership comes with financial benefits. According to the BLS, the median salary for school principals is $103,460 per year—far higher than the median salaries for high school teachers ($65,220), middle school teachers ($64,290), and elementary school teachers ($63,670).
Earning a master’s in school administration not only qualifies you for higher-paying leadership roles but also equips you with the skills to negotiate better salaries in education. If you’re looking to boost your income while making a greater impact, advancing into school leadership can be a rewarding path.
4. Gain Expertise in School Leadership & Policy
A master’s in school administration covers essential topics that prepare educators for real-world leadership challenges, including:
- Educational Law and Ethics – Understanding policies that affect students and teachers
- School Budgeting and Finance – Learning how to manage school funding effectively
- Leadership and Decision-Making – Strengthening confidence in leading teams
- Student Assessment and Performance Evaluation – Using data to improve academic success
- Community Engagement and School Improvement – Strengthening partnerships with parents and local organizations
These skills empower future administrators to create effective policies, foster positive school cultures, and support both students and teachers in reaching their full potential.
5. Flexible Learning for Working Educators
Balancing work and further education can feel overwhelming, but an online master’s in school administration makes it more manageable. These programs are designed with working teachers in mind, offering:
- Self-paced coursework that fits your schedule
- Remote learning options so you can study from anywhere
- The ability to keep teaching while earning your degree
Many programs let you graduate in as little as two years, helping you step into leadership roles sooner without putting your career on hold. With this flexibility, you can advance your future while continuing to inspire your students every day.
How to Choose the Right Online Master’s in School Administration
With so many programs available, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your career goals and state certification requirements. Here are some factors to consider:
- Accreditation – Ensure the university is accredited and meets national education standards.
- Licensure Preparation – Check that the program fulfills your state’s principal certification requirements.
- Internship Opportunities – Some programs require administrative internships for hands-on leadership experience.
- Specializations – Look for programs with focus areas like curriculum development, instructional leadership, or special education administration.
If you’re looking for a high-quality, flexible program, consider Rowan University’s Master’s in School Administration program. This program meets New Jersey’s principal and supervisor certification requirements while allowing students to learn 100% online.
Is an Online Master’s in School Administration Right for You?
If you’re dedicated to:
- Inspiring fellow educators and leading schools to success
- Shaping education policies that impact students’ futures
- Creating a welcoming, inclusive learning environment where every student thrives
…then a master’s in school administration could be the perfect next step in your career.
This degree can open doors to leadership roles where you can make a bigger impact—on your school, your students, and the future of education.
Take the Next Step Toward School Leadership
Your journey to school leadership starts now. Earning a master’s in school administration can open doors to new opportunities, higher earning potential, and the ability to create lasting change in education. With an online program, you can take this next step without putting your career on hold.
Explore Rowan University’s M.A. in School Administration to see how this program fits your goals. Apply now and start shaping the future of education today!