Educational Leadership: 5 Critical Questions for Grad Students

From district superintendents to individual classroom teachers, education is shaped by strong leadership at every level. Graduate programs in educational leadership are designed to cultivate these leaders, strengthening their ability to guide teams, make informed decisions, and drive meaningful change. The skills developed through educational leadership, however, extend far beyond schools, preparing professionals to lead effectively across a wide range of industries.

Meet Keiser University Graduate School Experts

Keiser University recently sat down with 2 faculty members Dr. Jessica Fuda Daddio, the chair of graduate programs in education, and Dr. Stephanie VanDeventer, one of the Keiser Graduate School’s faculty members in educational leadership, to discuss this degree program and its implications – both in education and for the rest of the community. Here are some leadership questions for students and insights from that discussion.

1. What Is Educational Leadership?

Collin’s Dictionary defines education leadership as the process of enlisting and guiding the talents and energies of teachers, pupils, and parents toward achieving common educational aims., Dr. VanDeventer, when asked to define educational leadership said, “We view educational leadership as that overarching well of knowledge that helps a person to operate in either a teaching or administration capacity – or even business if they want to start something new.” She indicated that this degree could lead to everything from being a better K-12 teacher or administrator to starting an education-related business or leading outside of the realm of education. Both definitions emphasize that educational leadership is a purposeful, goal-oriented discipline that is meant to be collaborative.

An educational leadership degree focuses on the theories of education and leadership. Students learn how to communicate and collaborate, apply knowledge and make a positive difference, whether within education or the community. Problem-solving is also a key component of this degree. In this way, it not only provides a foundation for school leaders but also provides important instruction that can benefit other industries.

According to Dr. VanDeventer education leadership is not limited to the classroom. It is a versatile discipline that applies to any leader looking to make a systemic impact. The primary roles of an educational leader include:

• Instructional Oversight: Improving the quality of teaching and learning by designing effective curriculum and training protocols.
• Organizational Management: Leading teams, managing resources, and ensuring the daily operations of an institution run efficiently.
• Strategic Communication: Facilitating collaboration between staff, stakeholders, and the community to achieve shared goals.
• Policy Implementation: Navigating and applying educational laws, safety standards, and social justice initiatives.

2. What Can I Do with An Advanced Degree in Educational Leadership?

Dr. VanDeventer and Dr. Fuda Daddio agree that a degree in educational leadership has applications beyond just classroom teaching. In fact, Dr. Fuda Daddio notes that professionals from many fields beyond education pursue this degree to strengthen leadership and instructional practices within their own industries. “We see a number of students from nursing who enter the program because they want to improve training, mentorship, and learning structures in healthcare settings,” she explains. “We also work with professionals from business who already bring strong organizational knowledge and want to apply educational leadership principles to their current roles. This program allows them to translate what they learn directly into their field and lead more effectively where they already work.”

Some of the places where you could find work after earning an education leadership master’s degree include:

Traditional School Administration Roles

Assistant Principal

Many students who pursue a graduate degree in educational leadership are interested in administrative roles within schools. Assistant principals often work behind the scenes, supporting daily operations, overseeing staff, and helping ensure that policies, procedures, and instructional priorities are implemented effectively. Because requirements for administrative roles vary by state, students considering this pathway should consult their State Department of Education to understand specific expectations such as licensure, certification exams, or internship requirements.

Principal

The principal serves as the instructional and organizational leader of a school, providing oversight for daily operations while setting the vision for teaching, learning, and school culture. Principals guide major decisions, collaborate with staff, families, and community partners, and work closely with district leadership and school boards to support student success. Individuals interested in pursuing this role should review their state’s requirements for administrative licensure, which may include testing, supervised experience, or additional credentials, as Keiser University’s educational leadership programs do not lead to state licensure or certification.

Superintendent

While principals lead individual schools, superintendents provide leadership at the district level, overseeing multiple schools and guiding system-wide initiatives. Superintendents are responsible for setting strategic direction, supporting principals, and making district-level decisions related to curriculum, policy, and operations. Because requirements for superintendent roles vary by state, individuals interested in this pathway should consult their state department of education regarding licensure, certification exams, and experience or internship requirements, as Keiser University’s educational leadership programs do not provide state licensure or certification.

Higher Education & Specialized Instruction

Administrator

Administrators serve in leadership roles similar to principals or assistant principals but often focus on a specific area within a school or district. In larger institutions, an administrator may oversee a particular department or program, such as fine arts, athletics, or STEM, ensuring alignment with instructional goals, policies, and organizational priorities. These roles require strong leadership, communication, and systems-level thinking to support both staff and students.

Professor

According to Dr. VanDeventer, many students pursue educational leadership because they are interested in teaching at the college or graduate level. Working in higher education requires a strong understanding of leadership, instructional design, and organizational structures, making educational leadership a valuable foundation. While future professors may already possess subject-matter expertise through prior degrees or professional experience, educational leadership training helps prepare them to lead, mentor, and teach effectively in higher education settings.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is necessary for most fields, as certifications require professionals to continue growing their skills. A degree in educational leadership includes a curriculum design component that can provide students with the skills to develop and implement continuing education programs in their own industries. Professionals with this degree can step into roles such as directors of continuing education or professional development coordinators.

Online Education

As online education continues to grow ,the need for educational leaders grows as well. This is one field where people with a master’s degree are going to be in high demand because of their knowledge of how to develop and implement instructional experiences across platforms. The need for educational leaders grows as well. This is one field where people with a master’s degree are going to be in high demand because of their knowledge of how to develop and implement instructional experiences across platforms.

Entrepreneurship in Education

Both Dr. VanDeventer and Dr. Fuda Daddio note that many graduates of Keiser’s educational leadership programs are interested in entrepreneurial pathways within education. Some pursue the creation of new schools or learning organizations, applying leadership principles to build structures that reflect their values and community needs. Dr. VanDeventer shared the example of a student who used educational leadership training to successfully develop a church-affiliated school. Dr. Fuda Daddio also described graduates who applied their training internationally, returning to their home communities in Africa to establish village-based schools aimed at improving access to quality education.

Alternative Careers (Non-Education Industries)

Community Education

Dr. VanDeventer discussed one student who worked with individuals after they got out of prison. “This woman wanted to design instruction for students leaving an incarceration situation and help them break the cycle of recidivism. She wanted the credential in education leadership to start an educational program to serve that population.”

Nonprofit Work

Effective leadership is essential for nonprofit organizations to succeed. Without it, staff, volunteers, and the communities they serve can all be impacted. Public trust is also closely tied to the strength of an organization’s leadership. As a result, the nonprofit sector has a strong need for leaders who understand education, training, and organizational development. Graduates of educational leadership programs often fill these roles by designing volunteer training, developing educational programs for service recipients, and creating systems that support sustainable, mission-driven work.

HR Training

Human resources professionals increasingly rely on high-quality instruction to support employee development, from onboarding and technology training to policy compliance and professional growth. The instructional design, curriculum development, and leadership components of an educational leadership degree can be applied directly in these settings. Graduates may use these skills to plan, implement, and evaluate training programs that support organizational goals and employee success.

3. Do I Have to Be in Education to Become an Educational Leader? No!

A unique benefit of an educational leadership degree is that it fits into many different fields. Any field that trains and grows its employees can benefit from trained educators. Graduates of Keiser’s program can often be seen working in:

• Corporate roles
• Nursing
• Human resources
• Government roles
• Religious organizations
• And more!

This is a versatile degree that can benefit most industries, which is part of what makes it so popular.

4. Which Degree Should I Get in Educational Leadership?

There are multiple degree options for individuals pursuing an educational leadership program, and the right one for you will depend on what education you already have and what your career goals are. The degree options include:

• Master of Science in Educational Leadership:
  This degree is ideal for those with an undergraduate degree in education or another field who want to add an educational leadership component to their repertoire. Teachers interested in superintendent or principal roles often use this degree as a jumping-off point, according to Dr. VanDeventer. It also works well for people who wish to transition into educational roles from a different industry.
• Education Specialist in Educational Leadership:
  The EdS degree is a level between a master’s degree and a doctoral program. It provides a deeper look into educational leadership but is not research-driven. Students who already have a master’s degree can use this to add educational leadership training without the need to get involved in a research project.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership:
  The PhD is the terminal degree possible for educational leadership. It is highly research-based and prepares students for very high levels of leadership within the education field. Students in this program will be at the forefront of research in educational leadership as the world of teaching continues to evolve.
• Doctor of Education – Education Leadership, EdD
  A Doctor of Education (EdD) is a terminal degree in the field of education, that leads, usually, to advanced administrative, leadership, and policy positions. The EdD provides a practitioner-based education to develop the insights and skills needed to pursue career opportunities throughout education and corporate training and leadership at every level.

Why Is Good Educational Leadership Important?

Effective educational leadership is critical not only in schools, but in any field where people are taught, trained, supported, or guided. Leaders who understand how individuals learn, how organizations grow, and how systems change play a vital role in strengthening workplaces, communities, and industries as a whole.

According to Dr. Fuda Daddio, “Without quality educational leaders, we would fail horribly. By going through our program, our hope is to develop meaningful change through the people who lead and shape organizations and communities.” Training in educational leadership equips professionals with transferable skills that extend well beyond traditional classrooms. These include:

Communication

Educational leadership programs place a strong emphasis on clear, effective communication across organizations. Students develop both written and oral communication skills that support collaboration, decision-making, and relationship-building. These skills are essential in virtually every industry, particularly in roles that involve leadership, training, or organizational change.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Educational leadership training prepares professionals to respond thoughtfully to evolving policies, technologies, and cultural expectations. Students learn how to navigate change, collaborate effectively with teams, and adapt leadership approaches to meet shifting needs skills that are critical in today’s fast-paced and constantly changing work environments.

Leadership Styles

Strong educational leadership programs recognize that effective leadership is not one-size-fits-all. Students explore a range of leadership styles and learn how to leverage their own strengths to motivate, support, and guide others. This flexibility allows leaders in education and other fields to build productive teams and foster environments where individuals can succeed.

Broader Perspective

Graduate-level training in educational leadership offers a deeper understanding of how organizations function within communities and society at large. Students engage with complex topics such as policy, equity, and social responsibility, gaining insights that extend beyond a single institution or profession.

Staying Current

Many professionals pursue educational leadership training to remain current in a field that is continuously evolving. Advances in theory, technology, and organizational practice require leaders to engage in ongoing learning. Graduate study helps professionals across roles and industries strengthen their skills and respond effectively to emerging trends.

Advance Your Career in Educational Leadership

Professionals seeking to expand their leadership skills and advance within education may benefit from graduate-level training designed for instructional, administrative, and organizational roles. Keiser University Graduate School offers a range of graduate programs in educational leadership—including the MS, EdS, EdD, or PhD—allowing students to choose a path that aligns with their professional goals. Learn more about these programs through the graduate school or connect with admissions to explore next steps.

Contributing Authors:

Dr. Jessica Fuda Daddio

Dr. Stephanie VanDeventer