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M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Career Outlook

Foster Achievement in Your Educational Leadership Career

Flexible Online Courses

Hands-On Internships

Winthrop University’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree empowers you to commit to excellence as an educational administrator or teacher leader. You’ll build expertise in driving student achievement and enhancing performance among teachers and staff in PK-12 schools.

  • Prepare to sit for the Praxis Educational Leadership exam*
  • Engage in a curriculum that aligns with NELP and CAEP standards
  • Each online course lasts 7 weeks

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Excel as a Leader in PK-12 Schools and Beyond

Training and Development Manager $127,090 median annual salary1

Principal $104,070 median annual salary2

Instructional Coordinator $81,321 median annual salary3

Education Consultant $76,046 median annual salary4

Shape the Future of Education in Your Career

Completing Winthrop’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program prepares you to succeed as an elementary, middle or high school principal or teacher leader. As a school leader or administrator, you will serve as a visible advocate for your institution, driving modernization across processes and technologies while promoting equitable outcomes for all members of the school community. In addition to school leadership roles, you can prepare to become a district or state leader, facilitator, coach or multi-classroom leader.

  • Projections indicate 328,100 principals will work in elementary, middle and high schools nationwide in 20342
  • Develop leadership skills to advance your career, coach and mentor others, and serve in roles that drive your school or organization’s vision—supporting student achievement while fostering teacher growth and retention
  • Winthrop has a 98 percent pass rate for graduates who have taken the Praxis Educational Leadership exam*

Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired

What You’ll Learn

By graduation, you’ll be proficient in all points outlined in the eight categories of standards set by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA):

  • Mission, Vision and Improvement
  • Ethics and Professional Norms
  • Equity, Inclusiveness and Cultural Responsiveness
  • Learning and Instruction
  • Community and External Leadership
  • Operations and Management
  • Building Professional Capacity
  • Internships

Skills You’ll Gain

  • Communication
  • Curriculum leadership
  • Decision-making
  • Educational research, design and analysis
  • Ethical leadership
  • Personnel development
  • Policy and governance

Career Services That Enhance Your Education

Discover services that help you take the next step in your career. Winthrop offers dedicated support and access to Handshake, a career management platform for connecting with other students, alumni and employers. Through these resources, you can benefit from:

Distance Career Coaching

Our career coaches offer one-on-one guidance about career paths, strategies and resources for standing out to employers.

Mock Interviews

With support from our career coaches, you can simulate real-world interview scenarios and practice answering questions to gain confidence.

Resume and Cover Letter Guidance

Collaborate with our team to refine your resume and craft compelling cover letters that resonate with employers.

Job Search Support

Handshake puts an array of opportunities at your fingertips and provides personalized support for your job search.

Sources and Disclaimer

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Training and Development Managers.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/training-and-development-managers.htm.
  2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.
  3. Payscale. “Average Instructional Coordinator Salary.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Instructional_Coordinator/Salary.
  4. Payscale. “Average Education Consultant Salary.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Education_Consultant/Salary.

*Licensure Disclaimer: Completion of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program does not guarantee school administrator licensure in South Carolina or North Carolina. Students should check with local school administrative offices, the South Carolina Department of Education or the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regarding specific South Carolina and North Carolina school administrative licensure requirements.