To earn a degree in education administration, you typically need to have a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certification. You will then need to be accepted by a college or university that offers a program in education administration, at which point you can then work on the classes necessary to earn your degree. Once you complete your coursework, you may then receive a degree in education administration and find work or continue your own education. If you wish to continue toward a post-bachelor’s degree, then you will need to be admitted to a graduate program and complete further coursework.
A degree in education administration is typically one aimed toward those who are interested in working in education, but not necessarily as a teacher. Principals, vice principals, school board administrators, and departmental chairs at colleges and universities are all positions that someone interested in education administration may ultimately fill. In order to receive a degree in education administration, however, you will first have to complete high school or GED testing.
You also may need to meet other requirements in order to be accepted by a college or university that offers a degree in education administration, which will depend on the school you wish to attend. Requirements typically are listed on school websites or can be obtained with a phone call to an admissions office. Once accepted by the school, then you can begin your coursework in education administration. This will typically include classes in business, management, and leadership as well as education classes that will help you better understand issues regarding modern education.
Coursework for a degree in education administration may also involve classes in ethics and the legal concerns of education administrators. Once you complete your coursework, which will typically take about four years in total, you then can receive a bachelor’s degree in education administration or education in general. The specific type of degree you can receive will depend upon the school you attend and the kinds of programs the school offers. To work in public education, you may also need regional or national certification as well, which will typically be in addition to your degree coursework.
If you want to receive a higher degree in education administration, such as a master’s degree or doctorate, then you will need to apply to a graduate program in education administration. You will typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field to apply; many programs also require that you take Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests and provide several letters of recommendation. Once you are accepted into a graduate program, you then can continue further coursework toward your master’s or doctorate in education administration.