Discover the numerous scholarship alternatives for students pursuing a master’s degree in educational leadership.
Then, look at the typical courses offered in educational leadership programs.
Information for Masters in Educational Leadership Scholarships
Master’s degree programs in educational leadership are typically designed to prepare students for jobs as school principals, administrators, curriculum developers, or other educational professionals.
There are various scholarships available to help students afford their educational leadership master’s degree, some of which are listed below:
1. Donald H. and Verna S. Duncan Endowed prize is a $1,000 prize awarded by Phi Delta Kappa (PDK) International to a student currently enrolled in an educational leadership graduate program. You must be a PDK member and provide an application, personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
2. PDK Educational Foundation Scholarship Program: PDK International also provides one-time $500 to $2,000 scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students seeking degrees in education.
To apply, you must include a personal statement, transcripts, a letter of recommendation, and a statement regarding previous educational activities.
You must also be affiliated with Educators Rising Collegiate, Pi Lambda Theta, or PDK.
3. Leon Bradley Scholarship Program: The American Association of School Personnel Administrators (AASPA) grants two $3,500 scholarships to minority education students who are in their last year of completing a certification or endorsement requirement.
4. Educational Administration Scholarships: The School Superintendents Association (AASA) offers seven scholarships to graduate students interested in becoming school superintendents. You must be nominated by your department chair.
Coursework in an Educational Leadership Master’s Program
In your educational leadership master’s degree, you will most likely be required to complete 30-36 credit hours of curriculum covering all areas of what it takes to effectively lead a school or education organization.
These programs typically include some level of practical experience, such as an internship or practicum in a school context, and can be completed in roughly two years.
Leadership in the School Environment
One frequent course in educational leadership master’s degrees looks at ideas, tactics, and practices for effective school-based leadership.
Typically, you will study decision-making and behavioral organizational theory, which focuses on understanding how individuals and groups behave in a school setting.
Some courses cover ethical leadership and how to handle ethical challenges in schools.
Education/School Law
A course in education or school law often gives a foundational understanding of executive, legislative, and judicial laws, court judgments, and regulations affecting education and students, such as liability, student rights, gender equity, and school searches and seizures.
You could also research the structure and role of school districts and school boards. This type of course may focus on legislation and regulations specific to the state in which the program is based.
Curriculum Development, Analysis, and Evaluation.
Another type of course you could take focuses on the methodologies and procedures for curriculum conception, development, implementation, and assessment.
Some courses focus on guiding curriculum development within an organization as well as collaborating with teachers on curriculum implementation and evaluation, while others may include data analysis. All courses, however, often address current research on the topic.
School Finance
As an educational leader, you will most likely need strong financial abilities and expertise to efficiently run a school or organization.
School finance courses may address topics including budgeting, accounting, local and federal taxation, and revenue. Most courses emphasize leadership skills in the context of making financial decisions.
Instructional Supervision
Instructional supervision is typically a course that helps you build the skills and information required to oversee and evaluate education and teachers.
You may study methods of teacher observation, clinical supervision, and the development of professional development programs. Many courses also cover the history and theory of instructional supervision.
A master’s degree program in educational leadership may prepare you for a job as a principal, superintendent, or other school leader by providing curriculum that helps you develop your leadership skills as well as an awareness of the financial, legal, and supervision components of school administration.
When pursuing your degree, you can seek out scholarships to help make your educational leadership degree more affordable.