Education Master of Arts – School Leadership
Program Overview
What is a master of arts in education – school leadership?
An M.A.Ed. in School Leadership is a master’s-level degree designed for certified teachers who wish to explore careers in building-level leadership such as principal or assistant principal at primary and secondary schools.
Why pursue an M.A.Ed. in School Leadership at Furman?
For certified teachers, our M.A.Ed. in school leadership prepares graduates to lead in our schools, strengthen our communities and equip diverse learners for tomorrow’s challenges. Furman offers a curriculum that allows you to secure your M.A.Ed. without interrupting your current teaching or administrative role. Learn from some of the most respected professors and practitioners in education. Our faculty have served years, often decades, in the leadership roles you are looking to pursue and are expertly suited to help you navigate your career goals in education. Learn more about graduate studies in education and how to apply.
How will you learn?
Our program seeks to grow leaders who are able to bring about transformational change, in addition to equipping our graduates with the expertise for the day-to-day operations involved in running a school.
Unlike so many school leadership programs that provide only a semester-long stretch of practical experience, the M.A.Ed. in school leadership at Furman includes a yearlong internship. From closing out a school year to opening a new one, and everything in between, candidates see and do it all – develop a budget, build a master schedule, provide teacher feedback, oversee state testing, manage after-school programs and more. You’ll emerge from the experience with the skills, know-how and confidence you need to take the next step in your career.
Careers for M.A.Ed. – School Leadership graduates
You’re an experienced teacher, but you are ready for more. An M.A.Ed. in school leadership is a launch pad for new vocational heights in education.
Some vocations include:
- Elementary school principal
- Middle school principal
- Secondary school principal
- Elementary school assistant principal
- Middle school assistant principal
- Secondary school assistant principal
- Instructional coach and other district-level positions such as curriculum coordinator or special education coordinator
- Program director
- Data/quality specialist
- Assistant director for nonprofit school organization
- Writing interventionist
- Career center director
- Superintendent
- Registrar
- Assistant superintendent
- Employee relations representative
- Associate principal
- Administrative support staffer
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96%Teacher retention rate for Furman education graduates within five years, compared to 50% nationally
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66Furman education graduates who are named “teacher of the year” over the last five years
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100%Class of 2021 graduates hired for teaching positions
Our faculty
Your academic advisor will help you explore your passions, define your interests and achieve your goals. You’ll tap into a widespread network of community and alumni mentors to help you on your individual educational path – and to the opportunities at the end of it. Pair theory with practice under the expert guidance of faculty who have worked in and led schools at all levels. Furman’s education faculty represent decades of study and field expertise. Learn more about graduate studies in education and how to apply.
Harris Heath
Vernon L. Prosser
Our graduates become teacher leaders who improve student learning and help shape the culture of their schools. Retention rates for Furman graduates far exceed state and national averages. Some career options include elementary school principal, middle school principal, secondary school principal, elementary school assistant principal, middle school assistant principal, secondary school assistant principal, instructional coach and other district-level positions, program director, data/quality specialist, assistant director for nonprofit school organization, writing interventionist, career center director, superintendent, registrar, assistant superintendent, employee relations representative, associate principal, and administrative support staffer.
On average, professionals who hold a Master of Arts in education can expect a base salary of $60,000 or more, according to payscale.com.
Base salaries for district administrative roles in Greenville County Schools in South Carolina range from $49,410 to $159,954, based on a 245-day work schedule. At the school or building level in the district, base salaries for administrators range from $67,620, to $113,337, based on a 245-day work schedule.
The M.A.Ed. in school leadership at Furman is typically a two- to three-year program.