Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs 2023
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- A master's in educational administration is a go-to choice to become a school leader.
- National data shows that the degree is less expensive than all other master's degrees.
- The degree may also lead to jobs with high-earning potential, such as principal and administrator.
- An online master's in education administration is considered the most accessible option.
The calling to be a principal is more important than ever. Research from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) shows that 4 in 10 principals may leave their profession in the next three years.
While this data is unfortunate, it also presents an opportunity. The next generation of school leaders has a chance to step up and make a difference for students and staff.
Getting a master's in educational administration is one of the most straightforward paths to pursue an administrative track. You'll learn everything you need to know about being a school leader, maintaining school operations, and implementing policies that contribute to student growth and success.
Is an Online Master's in Educational Administration Right for Me?
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What the Degree Is About: You'll learn tools, strategies, and solutions to make a difference for students and staff in your school, district, and community.
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How Long It Takes: A master's degree usually takes between 2-4 years to finish. The timeline is shorter if you're a full-time student and longer if you enroll as a part-time student.
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Career Path: You'll be most qualified for administrative roles, such as principal and postsecondary administrator. But your skill set can also apply to areas such as human resources and facilities management.
Educational Administration Master's Programs You Should Consider
Educational Administration Program Concentrations
- Educational Leadership
- Higher Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Teaching English Language Learners (ELL)
- School Counseling
Best Online Master's in Educational Administration
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Campbellsville University
Campbellsville, KY - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $310
Out of State | $310
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CU incorporates a broad liberal arts curriculum and Christian principles into its academic programs. The school's online master's in educational administration prepares you for P-12 principal jobs. Required courses include school finance, school law, and a school principal internship. You can graduate from CU's master's in educational administration program in about two years.
For admission eligibility, you must hold a minimum 3.0 GPA from your last completed degree. You'll also need at least three years of classroom teaching experience.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $415
Out of State | $415
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Liberty's educational administration master's follows the university's Christian doctrine. You can earn advanced licensure as a P-12 principal or school administrator in as few as 1.5 years. The program requires a two-part practicum and internship to satisfy field experience credits.
You may transfer up to 50% of the total credits necessary to complete Liberty's M.Ed program. Admission requires a bachelor's degree with a minimum 2.5 GPA and a current state-issued teaching license. You'll also need at least three years of teaching experience, one year of which must precede the internship.
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $705
Out of State | $705
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Seton Hall's online MA or Ed.S. in education, leadership, management, and policy requires two in-person residencies at the university's New Jersey campus. The online master's in educational administration spans six semesters. It culminates with an administrative internship, research seminar, and comprehensive exam.
To apply, you must hold an accredited bachelor's degree in educational administration or a related field. You must also have a minimum 3.0 GPA and relevant work experience. Seton Hall accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year.
Ashland University
Ashland, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $600
Out of State | $600
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AU's online M.Ed. in educational leadership can lead to licensure for P-12 principals and administrators. Courses explore instructional leadership, organizational behavior in education, and legal issues in educational leadership.
AU's educational administration master's culminates in a field practicum and a capstone project. The program follows a competency-based curriculum that includes seven-week online courses. Upon graduation, you may qualify to take the Ohio Assessment for Educators Educational Leadership Exam.
City University of Seattle
Seattle, WA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $595
Out of State | $595
Credits to Graduate
45
School Information
School Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
CityU's M.Ed. in educational leadership leads to education administrator certification. You'll explore topics including school finance and operations, school law, and HR management in education. The educational administration master's also features a year-long mentored internship.
To apply to the M.Ed in educational leadership, you may hold an accredited bachelor's degree in any subject. You can choose to complete the degree fully online or through hybrid study. The program requires you to participate in a series of reflective seminars.
New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Hybrid | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $444
Out of State | $444
Credits to Graduate
33
School Information
School Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
NMSU's MA in educational administration prepares you for licensed preK-12 leadership positions, including school principal or administrative director. Courses cover topics such as public school law, special educational administration, and principalship. The program requires a two-part internship in a public school setting.
In addition to doing online coursework, you must attend monthly face-to-face meetings at NMSU's Las Cruces campus during your internship. The master's in educational administration combines synchronous and asynchronous classes online.
Texas A & M University-Commerce
Commerce, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $758
Out of State | $1,166
Credits to Graduate
30
School Information
School Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
TAMUC's online educational administration degree can prepare you to become school principals, superintendents, and administrators. TAMUC offers an M.Ed. in educational administration and a standalone principal certification program for students who already hold a master's degree.
The online master's in educational administration features a semester-long practicum experience. You can complete the program in 1-1.5 years online. TAMUC does not require a thesis to complete the M.Ed. program.
Fresno Pacific University
Fresno, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $705
Out of State | $705
Credits to Graduate
37
School Information
School Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission
FPU's online master's in educational administration prepares you for the California Administrator Performance Assessment Certification Exam. Courses include digital leadership in schools, organizational management in support of student learning, and values in schools and society.
Program requirements include a field experience and a thesis component. You can complete the program in six semesters, or two years. FPU offers entry into the online master's in educational administration in the fall, spring, or summer semester.
Caldwell University
Caldwell, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $742
Out of State | $742
Credits to Graduate
36
School Information
School Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Caldwell University's online master's in educational administration suits aspiring certified public school principals and supervisors in New Jersey. In the program, you must complete a state-mandated 300-hour internship in educational administration.
For admission, you must hold an undergraduate degree or master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA. You must also have at least three years of teaching experience in New Jersey and a current New Jersey teaching or school certification. The master's in educational administration program offers accelerated seven- and eight-week courses online.
Concordia University-Irvine
Irvine, CA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $650
Out of State | $650
Credits to Graduate
30
School Information
School Accreditation | WASC Senior College and University Commission
CUI's online master's in educational administration incorporates Christian principles and values. The program teaches human resources, the legal and political aspects of education, and instructional and transformational leadership. You must complete a 100-hour mentored practicum experience.
The 14-month online MA in educational administration follows a cohort learning model. Admission requires you to hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, at least a 2.75 GPA, and a valid California teaching credential.
Why Should I Get a Master's in Educational Administration?
Educational administration is a great choice if you want to make a significant impact on students. You'll be responsible for hundreds of students rather than a single classroom.
It's also one of the highest-paying education degrees you can get. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), you'll qualify for jobs like principal and administrator that pay more than $90,000 per year as of May 2021.
Benefits of a Master's in Educational Administration
- Qualify for jobs with high-earning potential
- Learn a diverse skill set that applies beyond the education industry
- Stepping stone to a doctoral degree and career advancement
- Potential to have a worthwhile career that impacts future generations
- Personal satisfaction with supporting students and staff
Reasons to Get Your Master's in Educational Administration Online
- Flexible class schedule
- Balance work and school
- Time saved by not commuting
- Learn from convenient locations, such as home
- Adaptable for neurodivergent learning styles
How Much Does a Master's in Educational Administration Cost?
Costs vary by school and program, but national data shows a master's in education costs about $6,000 per year on average. It also tends to be less expensive than all other master's degrees. Ultimately, the cost of your degree should be offset by what you can get in return for your investment.
Median Annual Tuition Cost of a Master's Degree
Master's in Education
$6,123
Master's (All Degrees)
$8,230
Read More: How Much Does an Online College Cost?
Read More: Scholarships for Education Majors
How Long Does an Online Master's in Educational Administration Take?
You can finish a master's in educational administration in about two years if you're a full-time student. But the timeline varies otherwise.
Some accelerated programs allow you to finish in under two years, though the course load is much heavier. Part-time students, who take fewer courses over a longer period, tend to finish in 3-4 years.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
Required Course Credits*
45 credit hours
*Varies depending on your school/program/course load
What Are the Admission Requirements for Educational Administration Programs?
When you submit your application to online educational administration programs, you'll likely also need to have:
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A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution -
At least a 3.0 GPA -
Personal goal statement -
Resume -
Letters of recommendation -
Teaching experience
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's in Educational Administration
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's Degree in Educational Administration?
Since your skills will be most appropriate for working with students and faculty, you may get administrative jobs as a principal or administrator in K-12 and postsecondary schools.
But it's a broad enough degree that can also apply to other fields. Education administrators can work in human resources, facilities management, and even public relations — all of which could benefit from your degree's experience and knowledge.
| Job Title | Median Pay |
|---|---|
| Principal | $98,420 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $96,910 |
| Administrative Services and Facilities Manager | $99,290 |
| Human Resources Manager | $126,230 |
| Public Relations and Fundraising Manager | $119,860 |
Read More: Advance Your Career With One of These 6 Highest-Paying Master's in Education Jobs
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Education? Discover Similar Degree Programs.
Beyond the Master's Degree: Ph.D. Programs to Consider
- Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)
- Doctorate in Educational Leadership
- Doctorate in Higher Education
- Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Educational Administration
Is a Master's in Educational Administration Worth It?
Yes. You need a master's degree to qualify for jobs as a principal or administrator in K-12 and postsecondary schools. You can also use a master's as a stepping stone to doctoral degrees, which leads to higher-level careers. You could become a school district superintendent, academic dean, and school provost with a doctorate in education.
What Classes Will I Take in an Online Master's in Educational Administration Program?
Educational administration programs help mold you into a leader who can guide students, manage staff, and maintain school operations. Classes include leadership fundamentals, curriculum development, human resources management, and personnel administration. You'll likely finish your degree with an internship, practicum, and field experience.
Are Educational Administration Graduates in Demand?
Yes. The education industry needs more principals and postsecondary administrators with education administration degrees. The BLS projects both jobs will grow as fast as average from 2021-2031. A survey by the NASSP also found that 4 out of 10 principals expect to leave their roles in the next three years, further increasing demand.
What Is the Difference Between Educational Management and Educational Administration?
Educational management assumes the responsibility of making educational institutions run smoothly. Educational administration determines policies, practices, and theories related to the success and growth of students.
