How to Become a School Administrator
Colleges and universities, K-12 schools, and school districts depend on administrators to manage school activities, deliver student services, and oversee operations. School administrators can also earn among the highest salaries in the education sector.
Education administrators typically have several years of experience in the field and advanced degrees. Current educators and career changers can benefit from learning how to become a school administrator.
What Does a School Administrator Do?
School administrators manage academic and administrative tasks at all educational levels. Their responsibilities vary depending on their work setting and specialization.
Elementary, middle, and high school principals and vice principals supervise daily operations at their schools, evaluate teachers, manage support staff, address disciplinary issues, and assess curriculum effectiveness. They also oversee the school budget and coordinate with the district to meet the school’s needs.
At the K-12 level, different school administrators lead special education services, curriculum and instruction offices, and athletic programs. They also manage the administration of school and district-wide offices.
In colleges and universities, administrators oversee admissions, student affairs, financial aid, and academics. The work setting determines their tasks. For example, college administrators in registrars’ offices assist students with course catalogs and registration, while those in admissions recruit and evaluate applicants.
Steps to Become a School Administrator
Gaining the knowledge and skills to work as a school administrator requires a mix of education and experience. Careers in school administration require at least a bachelor’s degree, and many employers prefer or require a graduate degree. Prospective school administrators often work as educators before transitioning to administration.
While the pathway can follow many routes, the steps below lay out a typical path to becoming a school administrator.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Students pursuing roles in K-12 administration often major in education or teaching. These majors incorporate coursework and student teaching practicums to meet state licensure requirements. Those interested in higher education administration can benefit from a degree in education, business administration, or the social sciences. A bachelor’s degree in any field can also prepare graduates for additional study toward a master’s degree. Completing a bachelor’s degree typically requires four years for full-time students.
Step 2: Apply for a Teaching Credential
Most K-12 administrators begin as teachers, which in the public school system requires a teaching credential issued by their state. Depending on the state, educators may need a license, a certificate, or another type of credential. In California, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues teaching credentials.
While requirements vary, most teachers need a bachelor’s degree, student teaching experience, and passing scores on educator certification examinations. Candidates who majored in a non-education field can meet these requirements by completing a teacher preparation program or a master’s degree that meets licensure requirements.
Step 3: Gain Experience in Education
Many school administration career paths require several years of classroom teaching experience before transitioning to administrative roles. Teaching experience strengthens the communication and leadership skills required to work in school administration. In particular, teachers interested in administrative careers benefit from experience as mentor teachers, lead teachers, or department chairs.
K-12 school administrators typically bring five or more years of experience into their roles. College administrators often need less than five years of experience. Relevant experience can include roles in admissions offices, student affairs, or related fields.
Step 4: Specialize With a Graduate Degree
Most school administrators hold a graduate degree. Among K-12 and college administrators, 44% held a master’s degree and 13% held a doctorate in 2022-2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Earning a graduate degree helps school administrators specialize their knowledge and develop management skills.
Graduate programs in school administration, educational leadership, education administration, or a related field provide focused preparation. These programs incorporate courses in organizational leadership, financial management, and human resources management focused on the education sector. They also cover key topics such as school relations, instructional leadership, and school governance. Completing a master’s degree typically requires around two years for full-time students.
Step 5: Apply for School Administrator Jobs
With a master’s degree and the right experience, candidates can apply for school administrator jobs. Common career paths at the K-12 level include vice principal, special education director, or curriculum and instruction director. At the college level, school administrators may hold titles such as admission director, academic affairs director, student affairs director, or dean.
School administrators can advance their careers with experience or a higher degree. Some academic dean positions, including titles such as provost, generally require a doctorate. K-12 administrators with experience as an assistant principal, a vice principal, or a director can pursue job titles such as school principal. Some school administrator roles may require additional credentials. For example, many states require a school administrator's license to work as a public school principal.
School Administrator Salary and Job Growth
Employers often require or prefer several years of experience and a master’s degree for school administration positions. Salary data and job projections indicate that pursuing administrator roles can pay off.
Education administrators earn higher salaries than many other careers in education. For example, according to May 2024 BLS data, K-12 teachers reported median annual salaries of around $62,000-$65,000, K-12 school administrators earned $104,070, and college administrators earned $103,960.
Job growth projections estimate around 20,800 K-12 principal job openings annually between 2024 and 2034. College administrators are projected to have around 15,100 job openings annually. Earning potential and job growth vary by location and job title.
Become a School Administrator With Notre Dame de Namur University
Becoming a school administrator can be a rewarding career path, and the Master of Arts in School Administration program at the School of Education at Notre Dame de Namur University (NDNU) integrates school administration coursework with fieldwork to prepare graduates for school administration careers.
NDNU students pursuing a master’s degree complete coursework in School Leadership, Financial Management, and Organizational Management. The program incorporates an applied capstone project that allows candidates to apply leadership and management concepts in real-world school administration settings.
In addition, the program meets the requirements for a preliminary administrative services credential in California. Fill out the form below to contact the School of Education today to begin your future in school administration.
Recommended Readings
Can a Master’s in Education Increase Your Salary?
Deciding on the Best Master’s in Education Programs
Master’s in Education Requirements
Sources:
CareerOneStop, Education Administrators, Kindergarten Through Secondary
CareerOneStop, Education Administrators, Postsecondary
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Profiles
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Postsecondary Education Administrators