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MS in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education Career Outlook

If you hope to inspire and make a transformational impact on the future generation, a Master's in Pre-K to 12 Education may provide the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make a difference and reach your potential in various educational roles. The field of educational leadership is an area of growth, and earning a degree as a Master's in Pre-K to 12 Eeducation can provide students with access to a variety of careers that direct positive change within a school or district. Individuals interested in this field may already possess classroom experience, while others may be looking to change careers or move directly from school into an educational leadership position. Read on to learn more about an MS in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education and career advancement opportunities.

What is a Master of Science in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education?

A Masters of Science in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education provides knowledge, skills, and support needed to make a difference and reach your potential in a variety of positions such as administrators, principals, deans, teachers, teachers on special assignment, counselors, district and/or county coordinators, and instructional coaches. As a graduate, you will be prepared to increase your earning potential, drive organizational change, and help make a lasting difference for students and educational institutions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that positions within education — will grow 8% over the next decade. Other management-level careers in education boast even higher projected career growth. 

Careers in educational leadership are suitable for determined, aspirational individuals who enjoy working with many different people and making high-level decisions about academic policies. Educational leaders should also enjoy problem-solving, innovative thinking, and finding solutions.

Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership with many career options in positions such as administrators, principals, deans, teachers, teachers on special assignments, counselors, district and/or county coordinators, instructional coaches, and other related roles. 

Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal

School principals oversee the effective management of daily learning activities as well as hiring, coordinating curriculums, and ensuring the best learning environment for faculty and students. Elementary, middle and high school principals benefit from a graduate degree in leadership and learning as they prepare to lead in any educational setting. Most principals need many years of teaching experience, so moving from the classroom into administration is not uncommon. Because they interact with students, colleagues, and parents, great versatile interpersonal skills are also necessary. 

Assistant Principal

Assistant principals assist principals with their duties, with many similarities and overlaps within the two. Some assistant principals may also handle teaching specific subjects. They may also help with student safety, counseling, and coordinating maintenance tasks. 

District Administrator

District administrators oversee programs, curriculums, and other services for the entire school district. In addition, they ensure compliance, safety regulations, and training of staff members. 

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional coordinators oversee standards of teaching as well as curriculums. They create educational materials and assess their efficiency. Other duties include analyzing test data, reviewing textbook materials, and training teachers.

School and Career Counselor

Another possible career path from an organizational leadership degree is being a school or career counselor. In this role, you provide mentorship and guidance to students who are choosing a career or program and assist them in developing their social skills. 

Get your Master of Science in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Earn your Master of Science in Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education at Pepperdine University's School of Education and Psychology. Designed for individuals who wish to advance their skills and career in Pre K-12 education, our MS in Leadership cohort-based program provides the knowledge, skills, and support needed to make a difference and reach your potential in various educational roles. Our program's unique format allows students to participate in a cohort model while choosing between online or in-classroom options every term designed to build upon leadership skills, support, and lifelong relationships with colleagues. Graduates of this program are prepared for leadership with many career options in positions such as administrators, principals, deans, teachers, teachers on special assignments, counselors, district and/or county coordinators, instructional coaches, and other related roles.

Graduates of the MS in Leadership in Pre-K to 12 Education program will be expected to achieve the following objectives:

  • Develop and practice clear, persuasive, and data-supported narratives that advance initiatives and present them using advanced transmedia
  • Develop and deliver learning experiences by integrating and applying learning theory and tools of technology and assessing the outcomes of those efforts
  • Integrate personal, organizational, and societal values into leadership initiatives and advance them throughout organizations
  • Cultivate a safe and productive learning and working environment and influence social, cultural, political, and legal contexts affecting education
  • Shape a collaborative culture of teaching and learning focused on student and professional learning, growth, and continuous improvement


In this 32-unit MS program, you will experience curriculum is focused on preparing K-12 leaders with well-rounded and unique courses in topics such as leadership, critical thinking, communication, virtual learning, transmedia, program design, policy management, values, learning culture, a capstone integration experience and many others. Steeped in Christian heritage with a strong community of excellence, Pepperdine University provides students with the chance to study on and off campus to best suit their individual lifestyles. Learn more about our admissions and curriculum by visiting our website. For prospective students, attend one of our informational sessions to learn more about Pepperdine's MS in Leadership Pre-K to 12 Education program today.