Educational Leadership Major
Educational Leadership is the study of how to lead and administer schools and educational programs. It is a major within Education.
Educational Leadership is the study of how to lead and manage schools and educational programs effectively. Students in this major explore questions about organizational management, instructional improvement, budgeting, policy, and staff development. The field examines how leaders make decisions that affect teaching and learning, how to support teachers in their work, how to create inclusive school environments, and how to navigate the relationship between schools and their communities. Students develop skills in areas like strategic planning, data analysis, conflict resolution, and communication.
Students drawn to this major typically have experience working in schools or educational settings and want to take on broader leadership roles. The major usually begins with foundational coursework in educational theory, organizational behavior, and the history and structure of education systems. As students progress, coursework becomes more specialized and applied, allowing them to focus on areas such as curriculum development, special education administration, or higher education leadership. Many programs incorporate real-world projects, case studies, and internship placements that let students apply concepts to actual school and district challenges.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Educational Leadership program commonly includes topics such as:
- School administration
- Education policy
- Organizational leadership
- School finance
- Curriculum leadership
- Education law
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Educational Leadership is commonly offered at these levels:
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Educational Leadership background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- School administrator
- Program coordinator
- Instructional leader
- Education consultant
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Educational Leadership major?
Educational Leadership is the study of how to lead and administer schools and educational programs. It is part of education, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Educational Leadership majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as school administration, education policy, organizational leadership, school finance, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Educational Leadership major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as school administrator, program coordinator, instructional leader. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Educational Leadership offered at?
It is commonly offered at the master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.