Educational Administration and Supervision, Other.

Degree Overview

Educational Administration and Supervision, Other (CIP 13.0499) is a specialized field of study focused on the leadership, management, and oversight of educational institutions and programs. While traditional administration degrees often focus strictly on becoming a K–12 principal or a school district superintendent, the "Other" designation encompasses innovative and niche leadership roles. This includes the management of charter school networks, adult education centers, specialized vocational schools, and even educational programs within the justice system or corporate settings.

This degree is designed for individuals who are natural leaders and strategic thinkers. It is ideal for those who want to move out of the classroom and into a role where they can shape policy, manage budgets, and lead teams of educators to improve student outcomes on a systemic level.

What Is an Educational Administration and Supervision (Other) Degree?

An Educational Administration and Supervision (Other) degree prepares students for the complexities of running an educational organization in the 21st century. These programs go beyond basic school management to explore specialized topics like restorative justice in school discipline, the business side of "school choice" and charter management, and the supervision of non-traditional learning environments. It blends the principles of business administration with the unique ethical and social responsibilities of the education sector.

Schools offer this degree to:

• Prepare leaders for non-traditional educational settings like alternative schools or online academies
• Train specialists in educational law, finance, and human resources
• Develop supervisors who can mentor teachers and improve instructional quality across various grade levels
• Address the specific administrative needs of private, non-profit, or international educational organizations

This structure emphasizes organizational leadership, community relations, and data-driven decision-making.

What Will You Learn?

Students in these programs learn how to balance the diverse needs of students, parents, teachers, and government regulators while maintaining a functional and safe learning environment.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Most students learn to:

• Manage complex school budgets and allocate resources effectively
• Interpret and apply educational laws and state/federal regulations
• Conduct teacher evaluations and provide constructive professional feedback
• Lead strategic planning initiatives to improve school performance
• Facilitate communication between the school and the broader community
• Manage crisis situations and ensure campus safety and security

These skills are essential for anyone who wants to hold a position of high responsibility and public trust within the education system.

Topics You May Explore

Depending on the program's focus, students may study:

• Organizational Theory and Behavior in Education
• School Finance and Resource Management
• Educational Law and Policy Analysis
• Supervision of Instruction and Clinical Supervision
• Community Relations and External Communication
• Ethics for Educational Leaders
• Data-Informed Leadership and School Improvement
• Alternative School Models and Charter School Governance

This coursework ensures that graduates understand both the "business" of education and the "heart" of teaching.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A degree in Educational Administration and Supervision (Other) prepares students for high-level leadership roles that often extend beyond the traditional principal's office.

Common job roles include:

• Charter School Director or Network Leader
• Adult Education Administrator
• Director of Alternative Education Programs
• Vocational or Technical School Principal
• Educational Non-profit Program Director
• State or Local Education Agency Coordinator
• Director of Special Education or Curriculum
• School Business Manager

While some of these roles require specific state administrator licenses, many positions in private or non-profit education value the specialized leadership training this degree provides.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in a variety of administrative environments, including:

• Public, Private, and Charter Schools
• Adult Literacy and Continuing Education Centers
• Community Colleges and Technical Institutes
• Government Departments of Education (State and Federal)
• Educational Management Organizations (EMOs)
• Correctional Facilities (Education departments)
• Non-profit organizations focused on school reform and advocacy
• International Schools and Overseas Educational Programs

These environments require leaders who can navigate bureaucracy while keeping the focus on student success.

How Much Can You Earn?

Educational administration is generally the highest-paying career path within the education field due to the level of responsibility and the year-round nature of the work.

• School Principals and Directors typically earn between $95,000 and $130,000, depending on the size of the school and the location.
• Charter School Network Leaders can earn between $110,000 and $160,000+.
• Adult Education Administrators often earn between $70,000 and $95,000.
• State Education Coordinators typically see salaries ranging from $80,000 to $110,000.

In many cases, administrators also receive comprehensive benefit packages, including performance-based bonuses and robust retirement plans.

Is This Degree Hard?

The academic coursework for this degree is rigorous, involving a great deal of reading in law, finance, and organizational theory. However, the true "difficulty" of the field is the high-pressure nature of the job. Administrators must make difficult decisions that affect the lives of hundreds of students and staff members, often under the scrutiny of the public and the media.

Success in this program requires a high level of emotional resilience, strong conflict-resolution skills, and the ability to multitask effectively.

Degree Levels and Learning Formats

Because this is a leadership field, most programs are found at the graduate level:

• Master’s degrees (M.Ed. or M.A.) are the most common entry point for those seeking administrative roles.
• Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degrees are advanced professional degrees often used for specific licensure or superintendent certification.
• Doctoral degrees (Ed.D. or Ph.D.) are for those seeking top-tier leadership roles or university teaching positions.

Many of these programs are designed for working educators and are offered in fully online, hybrid, or weekend formats, often including a "practicum" or internship where you shadow a current administrator.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a good fit if you:

• Enjoy organizing people, schedules, and systems
• Are a strong communicator who can handle difficult conversations with grace
• Want to have a larger impact on education than you can in a single classroom
• Are interested in the legal, financial, and political side of schools
• Are comfortable being a decision-maker and taking responsibility for outcomes
• Enjoy mentoring and coaching other adults

It is the perfect path for the "visionary" who wants to build and lead the schools of tomorrow.

How to Prepare in High School

If you think you might want to lead an educational organization one day, you can start preparing now by:

• Taking on leadership roles in student government, sports teams, or clubs
• Taking classes in Business, Law, or Speech/Communication
• Volunteering to organize community events or school fundraisers
• Working as a camp counselor or youth group leader to practice managing groups
• Asking your own school's principal or office staff about the "business" side of running a school

You do not need to be a teacher first to start learning about leadership. Strong interpersonal skills, an interest in organizational management, and a commitment to serving your community are the most important foundations for an administrative career.