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How to Become a School Administrator: Understanding Requirements and the Steps to Career Success

School administrators manage school operations and create learning environments where students have the best chance for success. The typical path to working in education administration includes a mixture of academic degrees, classroom experience, and education credentials. It’s a course worth traveling for those who aspire to a career spent improving the lives of students.

Quick Answer 

To become a school administrator, most professionals need a bachelor’s degree, education-related work experience, a master’s degree in school administration or educational leadership, and any required state credential. In California public schools, many administrative roles require the . 

5 Steps to Become a School Administrator

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

For those interested in becoming a school administrator, the first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in education or teaching. Degrees in fields such as business administration or the social sciences can also prepare graduates for education leadership. Earning a bachelor’s degree typically takes about four years.

2. Earn a Credential to Become a Teacher

Successful school administrators understand how schools work from the classroom to the administrative offices. Many begin their education careers as teachers. Depending on the state, becoming a classroom teacher may require a license, certificate, or other type of credential. In California, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) issues teaching credentials.

Learn how to get a teaching credential in California.

3. Gain Education Experience

The typical path to becoming a school administrator requires spending years in the classroom or in other education-related work before moving into administration. For example, in California, those who want a preliminary must have five years of full-time experience in a public school, non-public school, or private school in California or another state. 

4. Earn a Master’s Degree

A graduate degree helps educators build the leadership, legal, financial, and instructional knowledge needed for school administration. Many earn a master’s in school administration or educational leadership. These programs often cover staff management, budgeting, goal setting, and working with families and communities. Earning a master’s degree typically takes about two years.

5. Apply for Leadership Roles

After completing education and credential requirements, candidates can pursue roles such as assistant principal, principal, program director, dean of students, or district administrator. School leadership is also a long-term professional path. Administrators continue developing their skills in instruction, personnel management, school law, data use, budgeting, and community engagement.

California Requirements: The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

In California, the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential is an important step for educators seeking to serve as administrators. California uses a two-tier structure overseen by the California . The five-year preliminary credential is issued after an individual meets basic requirements. The clear credential comes later, after additional requirements are completed.

California’s requirements for the five-year preliminary credential include holding a valid prerequisite credential or license, completing an approved administrative services preparation pathway or qualifying through the exam pathway, completing five years of full-time experience, and verifying employment in an administrative position. 

The required full-time experience may be teaching, pupil personnel work, librarianship, health services, clinical, rehabilitative services, occupational therapy or physical therapy, or a combination of teaching and school services equal to five years. Substitute or part-time service does not apply.

What Is a School Administrator?

A school administrator manages the academic, operational, and student-support functions of a school. They may work as principals, assistant principals, program directors, department leaders, district administrators, or higher education administrators. Their responsibilities in education administration can include supervising staff, supporting curriculum, managing budgets, communicating with families, and helping set a positive direction for the school community. 

Core Responsibilities and Skills You Need

What does a school administrator do? Their work balances people-focused leadership with complex operational responsibilities. According to the (BLS), common responsibilities include:

• Leading teachers and student-support teams
• Supporting curriculum, instruction, and assessment
• Managing school schedules and resources
• Evaluating staff and coordinating professional development
• Communicating with families and community partners
• Supporting student discipline and safety
• Using data to improve student outcomes
• Understanding school policy and governance
• Building a positive and inclusive school culture

Career Pathways: K-12 vs. Higher Education Administration

Working in school administration means different things in different settings. Some professionals serve as principals at public or private schools, while others focus on leadership at a college or university. The following table outlines some of the differences.

Pathway	Degree Requirement	License Requirement	Work Experience	Salary Outlook
K-12 public school administration	Usually, a master’s degree in school administration, educational leadership, or a related field.	Usually required. In California, many roles require an Administrative Services Credential.	Often, several years of teaching or school service experience.	Elementary, middle, and high school principals had a median annual wage of $104,070 in May 2024 ().
K-12 private school administration	Often, a master’s degree is preferred or required, depending on the school.	State credential requirements may vary by school and role.	Teaching, school leadership, or education-related experience is often valued.	Salary varies widely by school type, location, and role. Median salary nationwide is estimated at $107,022 in June 2026 ().
Higher education administration	A master’s degree is typically needed, though some roles may accept a bachelor’s degree; dean or provost roles may require a doctorate.	Usually, no administrative credential required.	Experience in admissions, student affairs, registrar’s office, academic operations, or a related office is often preferred.	Post-secondary education administrators had a median annual wage of $103,960 in May 2024 ().

 

Common School Administrator Job Opportunities

School administration includes a range of roles across K-12 schools, districts, and colleges. Common job titles include:

• Assistant principal
• Principal
• Dean of students
• Curriculum coordinator
• Instructional leader
• Program director
• District administrator
• Student services administrator
• Admissions administrator
• Registrar
• Academic dean

Career Timelines: How Long Does It Take?

The timeline to become a school administrator depends on prior education and experience. Many educators first earn a bachelor’s degree, then spend several years teaching or working in a school service role before entering a graduate program. In California, the preliminary Administrative Services Credential requires five years of full-time qualifying experience for individuals prepared in the state. A master’s or credential program may add one to two years.

Become a School Administrator With NDNU

ÌÇÐÄÊÓƵ’s (NDNU) Master of Arts (MA) in School Administration prepares educators for leadership roles. The 30-unit program includes coursework in management, finance, human resources, curriculum development, and assessment. NDNU also embeds administrative fieldwork in coursework so candidates can apply what they learn in real school administration settings.

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FAQs

Do you need a master’s degree to be a principal?

Becoming a principal typically requires a master’s degree in a relevant field such as educational leadership or education administration. Furthermore, candidates are generally expected to possess professional experience in teaching or another education-focused role.

Is teaching experience required to become a school administrator?

Teaching experience is commonly required or strongly preferred for K-12 school administration roles. California requires school administrators to have five years of full-time qualifying experience, which may include teaching or certain school service roles. 

Are online or hybrid school administration programs available?

Yes. Many school administration programs have online or hybrid options for working educators. NDNU’s MA in School Administration offers multiple learning modalities, including in-person, hybrid, and fully online courses. 

How much does it cost to earn a master’s degree in school administration?

The total cost of NDNU’s MA in School Administration program is $18,390 before aid. Scholarships and financial aid are available to reduce out-of-pocket costs.