Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2023
Writer
Editor
Writer & Reviewer
Share this Article
- With a master’s in educational leadership, you can work as a school administrator, such as a principal or dean.
- Educational leadership degrees take anywhere from 2-4 years to complete and may include internships.
- A master's in educational leadership offers good job prospects, high salaries, and the chance for career advancement.
Working with children is great. But increasing your pay, job options, responsibilities, and still shaping what goes on in the classroom? Well, that might be even better. So, consider becoming an education leader.
But what does being an educational leader mean? It means working in kindergarten, elementary, and secondary schools. It means managing curriculums, creating policies, and thinking innovatively to improve student outcomes. It means doing what you love every day — and making more money while you're doing it.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Ready to take the leap and lead the next generation of youngsters? Check out our top online educational leadership degrees, and follow these steps:
- Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you.
- Check out the top-ranked online master's in educational leadership programs, as well as our sponsored programs.
- Request more information from schools you're interested in to find the best fit for you.
Why Should You Get a Master's in Educational Leadership?
Teachers and administrators are currently in short supply. So schools must find ways to fill the gaps in their administrative support.
The good news? This makes it a good time to move into this industry. You'll have a wide range of location options and a good deal of job stability.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Educational Leadership Degree
- A master’s degree in educational leadership allows you to work in schools without being in a classroom.
- Being qualified to fill roles at all levels of school staff provides greater job security.
- While learning about curriculums and professional development, you can help your community at a more macro level.
- You can network during your program and build a network of support after graduation.
- Even if you decide not to go into education, the degree is useful in other industries, like social and community service.
Featured Educational Leadership Programs
Master's in Educational Leadership Programs You Should Consider
Reasons for Getting Your Master's in Educational Leadership Online
- You can reduce the cost of college by saving money on transportation and living expenses.
- Online programs are more flexible so you can balance work and classes.
- There are more options for pacing, including accelerated programs, asynchronous courses, and part-time degree tracks that accommodate all schedules.
- You don’t have to relocate if a program you want to attend isn’t local.
Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We want to help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.
Our rankings are grounded in a few guiding principles and use the latest statistical data available from trusted sources. Read our ranking methodology. We hope our approach helps you find the school that is best for you.
Seton Hall University
South Orange, NJ - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $1,397
Out of State | $1,397
Credits to Graduate
39
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Middle States Commission on Higher Education Accreditation
Seton Hall's graduate degree in education leadership, management, and policy gives you options. You can pursue a master of arts or a more advanced education specialist degree in this topic. Keep in mind: To qualify for the education specialist degree, you need a master of arts degree.
While Seton Hall's educational leadership coursework takes place entirely online, the program does require two on-campus residency visits. The application requires three recommendation letters and a letter of intent that explains why you want to complete this program.
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, TX - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $458
Out of State | $458
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
UTRGV's master of education in educational leadership offers a well-rounded curriculum. Through UTRGV's program, you'll learn about the importance of equity and how to lead in diverse sociocultural settings.
The coursework also covers practical aspects of a school administrator's job, like how to balance a budget. Lastly, you'll put your knowledge to the test through two practicums.
If you want to apply to this UTRGV program, you'll need to submit your official transcripts and have at least a 3.0 GPA.
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
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Through CityU's master of education in education leadership, you can qualify for administrator certification. The courses provide an overview of historical and current education perspectives. In CityU's educational leadership program, you'll hone your conflict management skills and learn how to provide positive guidance to instructors.
If you want to apply to this program, you must fill out a series of admissions questions and submit contact information for three references.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $372
Out of State | $1,027
Credits to Graduate
#N/A
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you know exactly what niche administration topic you want to learn about, consider attending FAU. The online master's in educational leadership at FAU offers two concentrations. If you want to pursue a career in college administration, you can pursue the higher education leadership concentration. If you'd rather work with educators teaching young kids, choose the K-12 leadership concentration.
To apply to FAU's graduate programs, you must fill out an online application and turn in your official transcripts.
University of West Alabama
Livingston, AL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $429
Out of State | $429
Credits to Graduate
34
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
If you're looking for an educational leadership program that provides one-on-one feedback, attending UWA might work well for you. This school pairs all of its online master's in instructional leadership students with a mentor. The courses highlight topics like educational statistics, multicultural leadership, and educational technology.
UWA still accepts students without a teaching degree, but you must meet other requirements. For starters, you need at least a 2.75 GPA. You will also need to pass a basic skills assessment test and the PRAXIS II exam.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
Browse programs Discover matches Request info
University of Northern Colorado
Greeley, CO - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $589
Out of State | $1,168
Credits to Graduate
30
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
Completing UNC's program allows you to work as an educational leader for schools that teach any age. UNC's educational leadership program also prepares you for various careers in this field, such as assistant principal or superintendent.
To qualify for admission, you need a valid teaching license. UNC also accepts applicants with a special service provider license, like a school counselor license.
DePaul University
Chicago, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $668
Out of State | $668
Credits to Graduate
60 quarter hours
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
DePaul's educational leadership master's degree allows you to focus your studies on your personal interests. With multiple concentrations to choose from, Depaul's program prepares you for various educational leadership jobs. Some of these concentrations include Catholic leadership, higher education, and principal licensure.
If you want to apply, you need to submit a copy of your state teaching license, resume, transcripts, and recommendation letters.
Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, MA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $385
Out of State | $385
Credits to Graduate
33
Program Information
Program Accreditation | New England Commission of Higher Education
If you're looking for a non-licensure program that you can finish quickly, consider Fitchburg State. This program's master of education in educational leadership and management prepares you to start working as a department chair, curriculum leader, or academic coach.
If you want to apply, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with at least a 2.8 GPA. You must also turn in a resume that details your professional experience.
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, LA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $315
Out of State | $315
Credits to Graduate
36
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
ULM's master of education in educational leadership prepares you to lead a school or an entire district. The master of education program at ULM teaches you how to hold students and instructors accountable to produce the best learning outcomes. You can wrap up this program in as few as 15 months.
To apply, you must send your official transcripts for your bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited school. You also need a teaching certificate and at least three years of teaching experience.
Baldwin Wallace University
Berea, OH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
100% Online | Self-Paced Classes
Avg. Cost per Credit
In State | $565
Out of State | $565
Credits to Graduate
42
Program Information
Program Accreditation | Higher Learning Commission
BW's master of arts in education with an emphasis in school leadership focuses on designing, developing, and reforming curriculum. This online master's in educational leadership allows you to enroll part time and still finish within two years. Plus, if you're pursuing the principal licensure program, you can choose between three concentrations.
When you apply to this program, BW will consider your relevant work and teaching experience with children and young adults. You also need a valid teaching certificate or license.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Cost?
Average Annual Cost of a Master's Degree
Public Institution | 2019-2020
$12,394
Private Institution | 2019-2020
$26,621
While earning a graduate degree comes with a hefty price tag, there are ways to make the degree more affordable and ensure you're getting the most out of your investment.
You can consider grants, work-study programs, or scholarships to help get the most out of your time and money.
Pro Tip
Check out this list of scholarships for education majors!
Read More: How to Find Scholarships for College Students: Top 12 Resources
How Long Does an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Take?
These programs comprise 30-40 credits and take about two years to complete. But part-time options can take around three years. Plus, an accelerated program may allow you to graduate in as little as 18 months.
Average Length of Time*
2 years
Required Course Credits*
30-40 credits credits
Concentrations for Your Educational Leadership Degree
In addition to core coursework, many programs provide concentrations so you can focus your knowledge and skills in a particular area. Concentrations vary by program, but common options include:
- Principal Licensure
- Higher Education Administration
- Curriculum Development
- School Leadership
- Policy and Advocacy
Keep in mind: If you choose the principal licensure path, you may need to participate in a principalship internship or practicum to complete required hours. Other programs may require you to write a full-length thesis or conduct field research.
What Jobs Can You Get With a Master's in Educational Leadership Degree?
So what can you do with an educational leadership degree? Quite a bit. There are administrative jobs, including principals and post-secondary administrators.
And there are other positions, like education consultants, who work behind the scenes. They assist administrators and teachers in improving the school's operations and shape important educational tools, like the curriculum.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2021) |
|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal | $98,420 |
| Educational Consultant | $69,000* |
| Instructional Coordinator | $63,740 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators | $96,910 |
| Training and Development Managers | $120,130 |
Read More: The Best Jobs for Former Teachers
Read More: Advance Your Career With One of These 6 Highest-Paying Master's in Education Jobs
Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?
The short answer? Yes.
The education industry is constantly growing. And while different jobs grow at different rates, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that administration jobs will grow at a rate of 5% between 2021-2031.
The pay isn't too bad either. According to the BLS, school principals made a median annual salary of $98,000 in May 2021. If you're an educator looking to increase your pay, a master's in educational leadership is a good place to start.
Bonus: You'll also get the satisfaction of knowing that you can make a difference for the students in your community.
Still Looking for the Right Fit in Education? Discover Similar Degree Programs
Everything Else You Need to Know About a Master's in Educational Leadership
What can you do with a master's in educational leadership?
With a master’s degree in educational leadership, you can work as a principal, superintendent, curriculum designer, and many other administrative roles within a school.
But your degree will also apply to other areas outside of education. Leadership skills are useful everywhere, including nonprofits, employee development jobs, or any other job that involves managing large people-centered organizations.
Is educational leadership in demand?
Yes, educational leadership is in demand. The BLS projects that jobs for school principals will grow by 5% from 2021-2031, while postsecondary education administrator jobs are projected to grow by 7%.
As schools learn more about how to educate and accommodate students, they need the proper infrastructure to implement new instructional modes and methods.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a master's in educational leadership?
According to the BLS, the top three highest-paying positions in the field include: training and development manager ($120,130), K-12 principal ($98,000), and post-secondary administrator ($96,000).
