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Educational Leadership Concentration in Education
An educational leadership concentration prepares students for administrative and leadership roles in schools and school districts. It builds on the education program core and adds courses focused on school governance, organizational management, and education policy.
Quick Answers
What is an educational leadership concentration in education?
An educational leadership concentration is a focused set of courses within an education program that prepares you for principal, assistant principal, or district-level administrator roles.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework varies by school, but most programs cover school law, organizational leadership, budgeting and finance, human resources, and instructional supervision.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Education Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: School administration, governance, and organizational leadership
- Key career: According to the BLS, Education Administrators (K-12) earned a median annual wage of $105,870 (May 2025)
- Related career: According to the BLS, Education Administrators (Postsecondary) earned a median annual wage of $104,590 (May 2025)
- Job outlook: K-12 Administrators: 20,800 annual openings (2024-2034)
- Degree levels: Most common as a master’s or doctoral concentration
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Education Program Guide.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| School Law and Policy | Legal frameworks, compliance requirements, and education policy analysis |
| Organizational Leadership | Leadership theories and practices for managing schools and staff |
| School Finance and Budgeting | Budget development, resource allocation, and fiscal management |
| Human Resources in Education | Hiring, evaluation, professional development, and labor relations |
| Instructional Supervision | Observing, coaching, and evaluating teaching effectiveness |
| Strategic Planning | Long-range planning, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How education concentrations compare
| Concentration | Key Career | Median Salary | Job Growth (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Childhood Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Elementary Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Secondary Education | Secondary School Teachers | $64,580 | -1.6% |
| Special Education | Elementary School Teachers | $62,340 | -2.0% |
| Curriculum and Instruction | Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $72,090 | +2.1% |
| Educational Leadership | Education Administrators, K-12 | $104,070 | -1.5% |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Educational leadership is most often pursued at the master’s level and complements the curriculum and instruction track for administrators who also shape teaching practice. Many candidates also hold a teaching background in concentrations such as elementary education.
Next Steps
- See how this specialization is delivered in our online education format guide.
- Browse online colleges offering graduate education programs.
- Considering a related field? Explore the healthcare administration program.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.