Online PhD in Leadership Education Administration
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An online doctorate degree in leadership education administration prepares professionals in the field of education for future challenges in instruction. Students in this PhD program research future trends in education and change through policy development. Doctoral graduates in leadership education administration are often found at the forefront of the education administration field.
Online PhD in Leadership Education Administration Requirements
The majority of students entering an online doctoral program in leadership education administration aspire to be in a management position within a public school district, private school, community college, or university. They typically have a strong knowledge base and a keen awareness of the education process. Most students have a previously earned a master’s degree in one of the following fields.
- Instructional Design
- Early Childhood Education
- School Administration
Online PhD in leadership education administration students usually have previous work experience as a college instructor, school administrator, or an elementary, middle, or high school teacher.
Online PhD in Leadership Education Administration Instruction
Online doctoral programs are usually more interactive than traditional courses. Learners are expected to participate in weekly discussion boards, group projects, scholarly readings, and write lengthy papers. In addition to course work, PhD in leadership education administration candidates conduct in-depth research within their area of interest and write a dissertation reporting the findings and discussing future implications.
Information on Leadership Education Administration Courses
The best online PhD programs in leadership education administration require students to study education law, budgeting, educational leadership, and community affairs. Doctoral level courses require learners to study policy and politics in education, as well as the following classes:
- Principles of Educational Administration
This course examines historical, theoretical, and current principles within education administration. - Instruction Assessment and Improvement
Learners study the importance of assessing, evaluating, and developing instruction to improve student outcomes. - Educational Research
The purpose of research in education is to identify future trends in education, recognize knowledge gaps, and formulate proposed solutions. - Higher Education and the Law
The Department of Education, legislators, and other elected officials set forth rules, regulations, and policies that education administrators must implement. This course studies legal issues that arise within educational settings. - Current Trends in Education
This course focuses on current trends in education, such as technology, online learning, and interactive gaming.
Specializations and Concentrations
Top online colleges offer students different specializations and concentrations to choose from. Prospective students should have a specialization in mind before starting a PhD program in leadership education administration. While different online universities offer a variety of concentration areas, the following is a list of commonly found specializations:
- Higher Education
- Special Education
- Distance Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- K – 12 Education
- Community College Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Adult Education
- Education Policy and Change
Careers in Leadership Education Administration
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for graduates of accredited online PhD programs in leadership education administration are excellent. Due to the increasing responsibility placed on school administrators, the number of expected retirements in the next few years, and the small number of applicants for administrative positions, job prospects are good.
Career opportunities include the following:
- School Principal
Principals oversee and manage elementary, middle, and high schools. They interview, hire, and evaluate teachers. Principals earn from $86,000 to $97,000 annually. - Vice Principal
Vice principals assist principals in day-to-day operations. They help in textbook selection, schedule classes, and curriculum development. Vice principals make approximately $10,000 less per year than principals do. - Instructional Coordinator
Instructional coordinators train teachers, review course materials, and implement technology in the classroom. They work for K – 12 school districts, community colleges, universities, and private education companies. Employment in this area is predicted to grow 23% by 2018, due to a changing society and Department of Education regulations. - Dean of Students
Colleges and universities employ dean of students. They deal with student affairs, recreational activities, and career counseling. Universities pay the dean of students around $88,000 a year. - Director of Admissions
The director of admissions at colleges and universities actively recruit and enroll students. They work closely with the financial aid office in order to help secure funds for education expenses. Universities typically pay more than community colleges, around $90,000 and $50,000, respectively.
Doctoral programs in leadership education administration is designed with working adults in mind. The online doctoral program allows the learner to work full-time, while earning their PhD online.
