Is 30 Too Old to Get an Educational Leadership Degree?

Although schools are made possible through the efforts of teachers, educational leaders fill the administrative and management roles to coordinate educators.

Like many college degree programs, popular belief holds that students will start working on their educational leadership degrees right out of high school, but there is no maximum age for college education.

If you're 30, you're not too old to get an educational leadership degree.

Reasons To Earn Your Educational Leadership Degree at 30

Although many people think college should happen when you're younger, there are a few reasons that getting your educational leadership degree at 30 is okay and, in some cases, even better.

More Life Experience

People with educational leadership degrees will be working in schools: either elementary, high school, or secondary school. As a result, the added life experience that comes with being 30 can help separate you from your school days and view your day-to-day responsibilities differently. Many schools also require multiple years of education experience with a degree as an admissions requirement, which will be harder to get the younger you are.

More Career Focus

Students fresh out of high school often have big goals for their education and career, but those plans change once they start to see the reality of college. Older students have experienced more in life and their careers, helping them figure out what they want before starting a degree path.

Financial Aid Opportunities

After you fill out your FAFSA online application forms (which has no age maximum), you can find scholarships and grants you're eligible for. As a student at age 30, there will be different opportunities available for you, especially if you're returning to school to finish a degree. These financial opportunities can reduce the costs associated with schooling, making it as good a time as ever to earn your degree.

What Will I Learn in an Educational Leadership Degree Program?

Despite setting students up for careers around education, the topics covered in educational leadership degree programs won't be the same as an education degree.

As a student in an education leadership degree program, you can expect to take courses that cover:

• leadership
• diversity and inclusion
• theories behind education
• critical thinking
• conflict management

Different programs will refer to these classes by different names, but nearly all educational leadership degree programs will cover similar topics.

What Can I Do with My Educational Leadership Degree?

Educational leadership, whether at the master's or doctoral level, is a graduate program that requires a previously earned, relevant graduate degree or experience. As a result, most people use an educational leadership degree to advance their careers. Some of the career options for graduates of an educational leadership degree program include, but are not limited to the ones listed below.

Principal or Assistant Principal

School principals serve the role of the chief administrator of schools, with help from assistant principals. They serve to create and enforce various school policies, both for students and faculty. Making sure a school's curriculum is compliant with education regulations is one of the top responsibilities of principals, but they are also involved in nearly every aspect of school administration.

School Superintendent

Like a principal, a school superintendent oversees a school system or district. Superintendents also help with more of the 'business' side of a school, including financial responsibilities.

Admissions Director

Admitting students into college is often a detailed process that involves reviewing hundreds if not thousands of applicants and making judgment calls about who is a good fit for a school. The job of admissions director is only expected to grow as more people pursue higher education.

Curriculum Developer

A curriculum developer helps pick the classes that will be taught at a school to make sure that the school is compliant with the requirements of various regulatory and accrediting agencies.

FAQs About Starting an Educational Leadership Degree at 30

Starting an educational leadership degree at 30 can be complicated, but luckily there are answers to many of the most common questions that prospective students have.

Are There Benefits to Starting My Educational Leadership Degree at 30?

There are multiple benefits to starting an educational leadership degree at 30. Because this is a graduate-level degree program, starting later in life can give you more time to earn a degree and relevant experience before starting. 30-year-old students also usually have better time and financial management skills, which make completing a degree program easier, especially if you're working while trying to earn your degree.

Can I Apply Life Experience Credits to Earn My Educational Leadership Degree?

Many schools have programs where relevant educational experience can be applied instead of an undergraduate degree. Some schools require a degree and multiple years of educational experience, but other schools allow the degree to be circumvented by at least 7 years of documented experience.

If you're trying to apply life experience credits toward your educational leadership degree, it's always best to check the requirements of a school or speak with an academic advisor.

Can I Complete My Educational Leadership Degree Online?

There are many online educational leadership bachelor's degrees available. When selecting an online degree program, though, it's important to verify the accreditation status of the school and the program to make sure that your degree will be respected after graduation.

How Late Is Too Late to Become an Educational Leader?

If you have a passion for educational leadership, it's never too late. Teachers who have been educating for decades can advance their careers by becoming principals or assuming other leadership positions, regardless of their age.