Programs in counseling psychology are offered by several institutions. These programs are available through campus and online modes spanning Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees along side certifications and diplomas. However, as per Bureau of Labor Standards, a post graduate degree is required to practice as a counseling psychologist. These programs provide an in-depth understanding human behavior which is the corner stone for any counseling psychologist. Course content covers abnormal and developmental psychology, experimental design, memory and cognition, organizational psychology, physiological psychology, psychological tests and measurement, psychology of learning, social psychology and theories of personality. The profession has licensure requirements that need to be complied.

The job outlook for psychologists overall is robust with an expected growth of 15% through 2016, which is faster than the average of all occupations. Prospects are good with a doctoral degree with Master’s degrees facing keen competition. The median annual earnings of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2006 were $59,440. An established practice usually earns much more.

The field of counseling psychology is well serviced by quality programs offered through University of Phoenix and Strayer University. Following it are CDI College and Argosy University with both institutions offering “best in class” programs. Lastly but not the least is Kaplan University offering host of programs designed with the students’ futures in mind.

These days the role and significance of effective leadership and management in any educational setting cannot be ignored. In fact, with the growth and improvement of education standards the need for proper supervision and administration has gained more meaning. The demand for individuals who can provide instructional leadership as well as manage the day-to-day activities in schools, preschools, colleges and universities has increased. Addressing to meet this ongoing requirement, Educational Administration and Supervision Program is one of the few courses that have gained wide popularity in recent times. 

Over the past few years several online and on-campus degrees from associates, masters to doctorate levels have boomed radically. In addition to this, the number of schools, colleges and the importance of effective management have also increased considerably. Consequently, today many leading schools and universities are demanding for professionals who can largely responsible or manage the overall management of school facilities or may take charge of diverse and unrelated tasks. Addressing to meet this enduring requirement, Educational Administration and Supervision Program is one of the few emerging degrees that have attracted attention among teaching professionals in recent times. 

A degree in educational administration and supervision is usually offered at the masters or doctoral level. It is one of the few programs or degrees that have been designed to train already teaching professionals or those in junior level administration designation within schools or school districts to progress to senior level management and supervisory designations.

The Course Work

The course work in educational administration and supervision program generally range from organizational structure, operation to communication, legal & ethical issues along with the learning of educational policy development. Besides this, the degree specially focus on classes that covers specific subjects like administration theory in school systems, human resource & financial management in schools as well as effective communication. Moreover, the degree also provides the opportunity to have both academic and practical knowledge in relation to public relations, matters in relation to schools, community participation, supervision and working with and through committees and focus groups. Nevertheless, if you are one those who have opted for an online program then classes can be individually molded to meet your needs and may allow you the flexibility to study as per your convenience.

The Scope

Earning an educational administration and supervision degree from an accredited college or university can help you progress your career in the education field or take on the exciting job or responsibilities. In fact, as an educational administration and supervision graduate, you may pursue career as principal, assistant principle, educational consultant, department head or assistants to superintendents of school systems. In addition to this, if you are one of those graduates with doctoral level educational administration programs, you may also be employed to work as government supervisors in educational departments and divisions. You may act as supervisor for managers and support other faculty like coaches, librarians or teachers.

Apart from this, the degree also let you hold or enjoy some of the other key responsibilities such as-

• Coordinate activities within a school or school system
• Handle relations with parents, students-both current and future, employers and the community
• Manage student services like guidance programs or train faculty including teachers and supporting staff
• Select and evaluate standardized tests
• Prepare budgets and supervise athletic programs
• Create and implement disciplinary measures

The Salary Outlook

Looking at the present scenario, many learning institutions are looking to compensate educational administrators with a desirable income. Indeed, it is one of the few career options in education field that let you enjoy great salary. Though the pay scale may vary according to the type of facility you manage. Generally, Preschool and childcare center administrators may earn an average of $35,700 a year whereas college and university school administrators can take salary anywhere between $63,100 and $127,000+ a year.

Today of all the professionals within the education industry, a supervisor in an administrative role is definitely one of the few roles that have the most career boost options along with seeking high position.

Elementary school teachers perform an important job in public and private educational institutions and work with individual students to guide and direct attitudes and practices aimed at success. They teach and facilitate the learning of children ranging in age from four to 12 years in Kindergarten to Grade 6. These days many elementary school teachers work with school administrators and aid in preparing the study plans appropriate to elementary classes and individuals. In general, elementary school teachers:

• Provide a learning environment in which each child can experience growth and develop to potential
• Help students become skilled at appropriate knowledge and attitudes
• Make use of different assessment tools to estimate and communicate student progress

We can say that elementary school teaching is a physically and emotionally demanding occupation that requires a high level of energy. While the profession constantly demands regular interaction, maintaining discipline in a classroom can be a major challenge especially when the class includes children who have behavioral disorders and need proper attention.

Nevertheless, in recent times, the career field of elementary school education in the United States has become highly rewarding and most preferred occupation. Over the past few years, this career option has gained enormous popularity and has become one of the few professions that offer salary that is usually complemented by solid benefits package.

The average salary of an elementary teacher in the United States is at around USD 47,000 p.a. This scale ranges upwards from USD 30,000 p.a. to USD 70,000 p.a. in the upper range. In fact, as per the recent statistics submitted by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean elementary teacher salary in 2008 was $52,240. The positive sign is that it is almost $10,000 more annually than the average full-time worker.

The elementary teacher salaries in the United States vary widely depending on location. The reason is that a teacher salary reflects the cost of living in an area as well as job and school description. Adding to this, the next thing to keep in mind is elementary school teachers even receive over 12 weeks of vacation per year on average. Significantly elementary school teachers who choose to teach at summer school or take up other jobs in the school system during the summer can increase their annual salary.

The future prospects for elementary teachers are good. In next few years many job openings are expected to increase. The ratio of additional jobs has increased for teachers who leave teaching jobs in poor, urban schools after a couple of years. Besides this, the shortage in qualified elementary teachers in subject areas like mathematics, science and bilingual education is also going to increase. Thus, with the increase in job opportunities, more involvement of teachers in school policy, we can expect a big increase in the salary range of elementary school teacher in the United States.

A degree in Educational Administration and Supervision is usually offered at the Masters or Doctoral level. It can be considered as one of the few degrees that provide the opportunity to have both academic and practical knowledge in relation to Public Relations and matters in relation to School Administration.

Apart from all this, as a qualified individual with an Educational Administration degree you can make a career as educational leader in public and private institution or may even enjoy a position such as Principal, mid-level administrator, Assistant Principal, instructional supervisor and School Superintendent. Todays career in Education Administration may have its share of challenges, but it offers tremendous rewards, job satisfaction along with best salary range that can be beyond any comparison to any other profession.

Choosing an Education Administration career does not mean having to live economically. The profession is one of the most demanding professions in the United States and may let you enjoy a decent salary. In fact, as per the recent analysis conducted by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual earnings for elementary and secondary school administrators were at a very comfortable $77,740. The statistics even reflected a salary range of $67,735 paid to assistant elementary principals while an average salary for high school principals may reach up to $92,965. Moreover, preschool and childcare center administrators may earn an average of $35,700 a year. Besides this, as per the recent study conducted by the College and University Professional Association for Human Resources, median annual salaries for selected administrators in higher education are as follows:

Chief Academic Officer – $140,595

Academic Deans:

Business- $135,080

Graduate Programs- $120,120

Art & Sciences- $121,942

Education- $117,400

Occupational Studies/Vocational Education- $83,000

Nevertheless, it is important to note that the salaries of education administrators also depend upon the several other factors, including the location and enrollment level in the school or school district. Enjoying a profession of educational administration also let you enjoy the position accompanied by generous benefit packages. Most of the generous benefits include comprehensive health and pension plans along with four to six weeks of vacation and performance-based bonuses. Moreover, many universities and colleges also offer tuition waivers for employees and their families.

In next few years the employment opportunities for educational administrators are expected grow at an average rate. Tough the opportunities may vary by region of the country, but with the increase in job opportunities and ratio of educational administrators the salary range is definitely expected to boost in next few years in the United States.