How the Educational Administration Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Education is one of the most important career fields you can join today. As the population increases, the need for teachers to instruct the youth of the country increases as well. Enrollment in public primary and secondary schools is projected to increase eight percent by 2016, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Yet, with over 50,000 students in the countryís public school systems in 2009 alone, educators are not the only occupation that will grow as a result. Education administrators will be needed more than ever to handle the spike in the student population in order to keep schools running smoothly and efficiently. To prepare for a future in working as superintendents, principals, vice principals, and other administrative positions, educational administration majors take courses in principalship, educational law, classroom assessments, and other topics related to managing teachers and classrooms so that they may run as efficiently as possible without sacrificing the quality of education. This educational background provides educational administration graduates with the experience and skills needed in the field.
Best Career Paths for Educational Administration Majors
Educational administration majors handle the business end of running a school, keeping their institutions in compliance with education standards and laws and ensuring that the school as a whole functions effectively. The best career paths for educational administration majors are:
- School Principal. School principals in elementary, middle, and high schools are responsible for ensuring the happiness of the teaching staff and addressing any issues or inquiries they might have. They appraise teachers, meet with district administrators and parents, set school policies and goals, and prepare budgets and reports for district officials. Principals also have the duty of disciplining problematic students and making certain that all students meet the education standards of the state and country. School principals make an average salary of $91,576 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Higher Education Dean of Students. The dean of students at a higher education institution serves as a connection between students, faculty, administrators, and other staff at the university. They work to ensure student comfort on a campus, working with teachers and faculty to enforce academic policies and the student code of conduct. The dean of students is also responsible for investigating claims of student misconduct and determining proper penalties if needed. Deans of students at universities make an average salary of $88,280 annually, according to the Bureau.
Both of these positions take utilize the educational and managerial techniques that educational administration majors possess.
How to Market Your Educational Administration Degree
Earning an educational administration degree is an important step towards starting your career. However, you will also need to know how to market your degree to potential employers in order to prove to them that your education makes you an excellent candidate for the position. To do this, be specific about the skills you learned during your college career. For example, mention that your educational administration degree helped you understand the importance of student communication and managerial tactics. Reassuring employers and clients that your educational background helped you develop real-world skills is the most effective way of marketing your educational administration degree.
