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Earning a master's degree in educational administration enhances your earning potential and serves as a pathway to leadership roles in education. As a school administrator, principal, director, or superintendent, you hold a position that can influence lives.
These programs provide instruction in leadership, staff development, and budget oversight. They explore ways to improve students' performance and strengthen teachers' effectiveness. A graduate degree in educational administration also qualifies you for positions in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.
What Is a Master's in Educational Administration?
Schools offer Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (M.Ed.), and Master of Science (MS) in educational administration degrees. All emphasize administration skills and leadership roles. The important aspect is finding the one that matches your career goals.
Programs typically focus on K-12 or higher education and require internships in these settings. Many prepare you for state-specific certifications required for administrative roles or principal licensure.
A master's in educational administration focuses on leadership skills, including management of personnel and school finances. You explore the challenges schools face and the possible solutions. Instruction focuses on legal issues, professional development for teachers, and promoting positive school cultures. Some programs require a thesis.
Common Courses in Master's in Educational Administration Programs
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Research in Educational Leadership -
Supervision of Curriculum and Instruction -
School Finance and Business Affairs -
Critical Issues in Education -
Conflict Management and Community Relations -
School Law
Popular Master's Degrees in Educational Administration Online
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Educational Administration Programs
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We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,465
Out-of-State | $1,465
Credits to Graduate: 39
Seton Hall's online M.A.E in educational leadership, management, and policy includes 13 courses exploring teaching technologies, leadership, evaluation, and curriculum design. Students must attend two weekend on-campus residencies, one before beginning the program and another halfway through.
To gain real-world skills in educational leadership, each learner completes two administrative internships with an advisor's approval. The process requires writing assignments, portfolio development, and critical skills assessment in multicultural competence and collaboration.
Some applicants must submit GRE or MAT scores from the last five years.
#2 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $458
Out-of-State | $458
Credits to Graduate: 30
The M.Ed. in educational leadership from UTRGV offers an accelerated format with seven-week courses for enrollees to complete in 10 months. The program emphasizes inclusivity for multicultural schools through courses exploring the impact of diverse learning, equity, and ethics on the classroom.
Two practicum courses each require 80 hours of field experience to practice instructional leadership and evaluation strategies learned throughout the program. Each graduate can apply for principal certification after completing their degree and gaining at least two years of teaching experience.
#3 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $444
Credits to Graduate: 33
At NMSU, the hybrid MA in educational leadership and administration includes a concentration in preK-12+ licensure for future educational administrators or program directors. Although all coursework is available online, you must attend an orientation and monthly seminars at its campus in Las Cruces, New Mexico. An applicant must have teaching licensure and at least three years of preK-12 teaching experience.
Each enrollee completes an internship across two courses in an administrative role under the supervision of a current administrator to gain leadership experience with issues specifically affecting public schools.
#4 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $408
Out-of-State | $816
Credits to Graduate: 30
The master's in educational administration from TAMUC provides hands-on administration training through a one-semester practicum that enhances principal preparation skills. The program leads directly to an optional 21-credit program for principal certification.
Although the educational administration master's program doesn't require a thesis, students must complete two capstone courses exploring culturally responsive leadership and learning community leadership. Enrollees also discover research-based curriculum design strategies, educational law, and data analysis for improving student outcomes.
#5 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429
Credits to Graduate: 34
The online M.Ed. in instructional leadership at UWA blends educational management strategies with research methods and technologies that improve student and school opportunities. Throughout the program, each enrollee creates a technology portfolio, explores school law, and completes an in-person internship and residency to build actionable skills.
Mentors assist online learners with guidance, networking, and professional development opportunities. Each applicant must complete an interview and portfolio review during the admissions process. Students can transfer up to nine credits into the program to reduce their time commitment.
#6 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $662
Out-of-State | $662
Credits to Graduate: 30
Inclusive of principal licensure, the educational leadership MA from UNC offers a flexible format for current education professionals. A 15-credit core features leadership among classrooms, educators, and communities while incorporating research design and analysis. Students can also choose electives or a P-12 education concentration to complete their program.
Each applicant must submit a resume, goals statement, letters of recommendation, copies of their K-12 licenses, and official transcripts from an accredited school. Regardless of their state of residency, UNC charges the same tuition rate to its online educational leadership MA students.
#7 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Northwestern College
Orange City, IA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $350
Out-of-State | $350
Credits to Graduate: 37
The M.Ed. in educational administration at Northwestern includes Iowa principal certification. The coursework is entirely online, but seven credit hours of field experience must occur in person. Four internships make up this requirement, and students collaborate with leadership coaches throughout the process.
Eight-week courses allow future education leaders to complete the program at a pace that suits their needs. The educational administration degree explores data for school improvement; social, legal, and ethical issues in education; and connecting schools, families, and communities.
#9 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Ottawa University-Ottawa
Ottawa, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499
Credits to Graduate: 36
The online master of arts in school leadership from OU offers pathways to principal licensure for educators in Arizona and Kansas. Two in-person field experiences allow learners to develop strategic, interpersonal, and leadership skills in everyday educational settings. Each enrollee also completes a research project on an approved education-focused topic of their choice.
The program follows an accelerated format with eight-week courses to help learners finish faster. All applicants submit official transcripts, an essay, and a resume.
#10 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $315
Out-of-State | $315
Credits to Graduate: 36
At ULM, the master of education in educational leadership offers all coursework online and includes two in-person field experiences, each requiring 120 hours. Students must pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment to earn credit for the second internship. The program also navigates culture in the classroom, instructional supervision, and law and ethics relating to educational settings.
To apply, each candidate must have a teaching certification with three years of experience. Louisiana applicants must also take the state's certification exam.
Why Get a Master's in Educational Administration Online?
Many students pursuing this degree work as teachers or hold other positions. Earning an online master's in educational administration offers greater flexibility, enabling you to continue working while pursuing a degree that helps you further your career.
If your schedule's jam-packed, consider programs that offer self-paced courses. These allow you to fit the required coursework into your busy life in a way that works best for you. Additionally, most schools let you complete required internships locally.
Online learning can also help you save money. There are no relocation expenses, and many schools don't charge online students out-of-state fees. Just make sure the program meets your state's requirements for licensure.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Educational Administration?
Graduates with a master's in educational administration may pursue numerous career paths. Common administrative roles include school principal or school district superintendent. Most states require principals in the public school system to hold a current teaching license and principal certification. State-issued certifications are not required for administrators at K-12 private schools and postsecondary institutions.
You may also become the director of a specific school program, like special education or athletics. Some pursue leadership roles as the director of curriculum or an academic dean. As an instructional coordinator, you oversee curriculum and audit teachers' performance.
Beyond the school setting, graduates may work as educational directors for nonprofits and as education consultants. In the government arena, you may work as an education policy analyst, shaping the future of educational systems.
| Grade Level | Average Salary (May 2022) | Job Outlook (2022-2032) |
|---|---|---|
| Preschool | $57,610 | -3% |
| K-12 | $106,690 | +1% |
| Postsecondary | $115,180 | +4% |
How Do You Choose an Online Master's in Educational Administration Program?
Choosing a program that aligns with your objectives is critical to your career goals. Important considerations include state licensure requirements, program costs, school accreditation, and the educational format.
Licensure Requirements
Licensure requirements vary by state. Before applying, make sure the program aligns with your career goals and your experience. Some programs require you to have a teaching credential and several years of teaching experience.
If your career goal is to become a principal, superintendent, or administrator in the K-12 public school system, check your state's requirements before choosing a program. For example, according to the Education Commission of the States, at least 38 states require field experience for school leader certification.
Program Cost
According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for full-time graduate students in the 2022-2023 academic year was $11,554. The cost for an online master's in educational administration, however, varies significantly, based on the school and program.
For instance, private universities tend to cost more than public institutions. Additionally, some schools charge out-of-state fees for online students. Generally, tuition rates range from about $15,000-30,000 in total.
Keep in mind you may qualify for school administration scholarships from private parties or the college you attend. For instance, the American Association of School Administrators awards the AASA Educational Administration Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.
Did You Know…
New York offers the highest pay for postsecondary education administrators, with an average wage of $168,370.
Program Length
Online master's in educational administration programs typically require 30-45 credits to graduate. Many full-time students complete these programs in about two years. Some schools offer programs that you can complete in as little as 18 months.
Part-time students may take from 3-5 years, depending on their schedule. According to the NCES, of the 3.2 million graduate students in 2021, 43% attended part time.
Accreditation
Make sure the school you choose is institutionally accredited. An accredited college or university has undergone third-party evaluations, ensuring a quality education. Accreditation is also a requirement to receive federal financial aid.
Additionally, many colleges won't accept transfer credits from unaccredited institutions. Lastly, many states require a master's degree from an accredited institution to qualify for principal licensure.
Specific programs and departments may also earn accreditation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) are the main programmatic accreditors focusing on educator preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's in Educational Administration Programs
If your interest lies in leadership roles in education or educational policy, earning a master's in educational administration is worth it. Most states require principals and school administrators to hold a graduate degree in educational administration or a related field.
Graduates may also see higher-than-average salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $101,320 for elementary, middle, and high school principals as of May 2022.
The admission requirements for an online master's in educational administration program vary by school. Typically, schools require a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 - 3.0.
Some programs require applicants to possess a current teaching certificate and at least three years of teaching experience. Schools may also require GRE test scores, though many have dropped that requirement.
Much of the coursework in these two programs is similar. The master's in educational leadership prepares students for leadership roles that do not require licensure. It's best to thoroughly investigate a school's program to ensure it can lead to your desired career goal.
As an educational administrator, you work with people daily, from students to teachers and the community. This level of interaction requires strong communication skills, patience, and leading by example. Depending on the role, you may need to be good with numbers and budgets, understand curriculum development, and possess good time management.
Next Steps
Page last reviewed September 26, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.