Educational Leadership

Organizational leadership takes traditional leadership skills to the next level by incorporating key aspects of human psychology. The basic premise is to employ a management strategy that simultaneously works toward what is best for individuals and what is best for the organization as a whole.

Although there are many types of leadership styles the four most referred to are democratic, autocratic, laissez-faire and transformational. Find out which style you gravitate toward the most with this 10 question quiz.

At its core, resilient leadership is the ability to adapt to new circumstances or limitations. A resilient leader is one who can recover from setbacks, stay optimistic and mission oriented, respond instead of simply reacting, and make decisions with imperfect or incomplete knowledge.

Some common traits of resilient leaders include:

• Maintaining consistent and clear communication
• Remaining coachable, regardless of your position
• Building positive and trusting relationships
• Being comfortable saying “I don’t know” if that’s the honest answer
• Knowing when to take bold risks or try something entirely new
• Investing in the development of others
• Being willing to embrace change

A Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration is typically designed for educators who wish to advance their careers in leadership and administrative roles in education. This program is for individuals who already hold a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from an approved program and are seeking to earn their graduate degree to enhance their career advancement opportunities in education. This emphasis program does not lead to a state license or credential.

University of Massachusetts Global awards a block of 12 semester credits for successful completion from an approved Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. Please contact an academic advisor for more details.

EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods is a prerequisite for all other core courses and candidates are advised to take this course first. Students may take another course concurrently with EDUU 600. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss course sequencing with their academic advisor.

After completing the six core courses, candidates must submit a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating abilities or competencies in the core courses through LiveText, including a reflective essay. A standardized rubric will be used to determine that the candidate has demonstrated program competency.

A Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration can lead to a variety of leadership and administrative positions in the field of education. Here are some potential career paths for individuals with this degree:

• School Principal: School principals are responsible for managing the daily operations of elementary, middle, and high schools, including curriculum development, student discipline, staff management, and budgeting.
• Assistant Principal: Assistant principals work with the school principal to oversee the daily operations of schools, such as managing student discipline and instructional programs.
• School District Administrator: School district administrators are responsible for overseeing all schools within a school district, including managing budgets, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
• College or University Administrator: College and university administrators oversee the daily operations of higher education institutions, including managing budgets, developing policies, and overseeing academic programs.
• Education Consultant: Education consultants provide expertise and advice to schools and school districts on a variety of issues, such as curriculum development, teacher training, and student assessment.
• Educational Researcher: Educational researchers study the effectiveness of various educational programs and policies, using data analysis to improve educational outcomes.
• Curriculum Developer: Curriculum developers design and implement educational programs and materials, working with teachers and administrators to create engaging and effective curricula.
• Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work for government agencies, non-profits, or think tanks, analyzing education policies and making recommendations for improvements.

Overall, earning a Master of Arts in Education, Educational Administration can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in education, with opportunities to make a significant impact on the quality of education and the success of students and educators.

The demand for Master of Arts in Education, Educational Administration graduates varies depending on several factors such as location, level of experience, and the specific job market. However, in general, there is a growing demand for professionals in these fields.

Educational administrators — including principals, assistant principals, and other school administrators — are essential to the functioning of educational institutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of education administrators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing student enrollments in schools and the need for administrators to oversee and manage these institutions effectively.

Likewise, a Master of Arts in Education can lead to a variety of career opportunities, such as curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership roles. These roles may be in K-12 schools, higher education, government agencies, or private organizations. According to the BLS, employment of instructional coordinators (who often hold a Master of Arts in Education) is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

In summary, MAE, Educational Administration graduates are in demand, and the job prospects for these professionals are generally positive. However, as with any profession, the demand and job opportunities may vary depending on location and other factors.

An Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership opens doors to a wide range of leadership roles across various sectors, including education, healthcare, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and private corporations. Potential job titles include, but are not limited to:

• Corporate CEO/COO/CFO
• Chief Learning Officer
• Organizational Development Director
• Higher Education Administrator (Dean, Provost)
• Non-Profit Executive Director
• Corporate Training and Development Leader
• Educational Consultant
• Policy Maker
• School Superintendent/School Principal

These roles emphasize strategic leadership, change management, policy development, and organizational improvement, allowing Ed.D. graduates to create change and transform leadership.

At most institutions, it will take a student three to four years to earn this doctoral degree. But thanks to changes and updates made to the Ed.D. at University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global), students can now earn this prestigious degree in two years. This has been made possible by UMass Global embedding the student’s research and dissertation into their existing coursework. So, while the student completes their two years of coursework, they will, at the same time, be working through their dissertation. This allows students to complete the program in two years, rather than having to devote their third year solely to their dissertation, as is the case at other institutions.

This timeframe assumes the student will take two courses in each session: Fall I and II, Spring I and II, and Summer I and II in their first year. Half of those are research courses, working toward their dissertation. In the second year, two courses in Fall I and II and Spring I and II, and then working solely on their dissertation in Summer I and Summer II.

Possible transfer credits can also speed the attainment of your Ed.D. at UMass Global. You can receive up to 12 credits for master’s and doctoral coursework in a field related to organizational leadership.

The primary difference between an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership and a Ph.D. in a similar field lies in their focus and intended career paths. An Ed.D. is designed for professionals aiming to apply leadership principles directly within their organizations or in educational settings, focusing on practical application and problem-solving strategies. Conversely, a Ph.D. tends to be more research-oriented, preparing individuals for careers in academia or research, with a deep focus on theoretical foundations and empirical research methodologies. While both degrees are prestigious, the choice between them should be based on your career goals and preferences for practical application versus theoretical research.

Absolutely. Earning an Ed.D. (Doctor of Education) in Organizational Leadership is an investment in your future leadership capabilities and career advancement. This degree prepares you to effect positive change, enhance organizational effectiveness, and improve your leadership skills in various settings. Graduates often find that the knowledge and competencies gained significantly impact their professional opportunities, salary potential, and ability to drive strategic initiatives within organizations.