Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs

Make a difference in education without being in the classroom. Explore popular master's in educational leadership online programs, what they cost, and what to expect.
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Updated on November 3, 2023
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www.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.

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The saying goes: Before you can lead, you must grow yourself. With a master's in educational leadership, you have the opportunity to pursue careers as a consultant, corporate trainer, principal, administrator, or instructional designer. Leadership roles provide opportunities for macro-level impact and improved career prospects and higher salaries.

Do you have what it takes to lead? Educators who become leaders often have extensive classroom experience. Explore popular online master's in educational leadership degrees, admission criteria, tuition costs, and potential career outcomes.

Benefits of a Master's in Educational Leadership

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    Pursue education careers beyond the classroom.
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    Enjoy greater job security with the ability to fill school staff roles at all levels.
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    Help your community at a more macro level.
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    Grow your professional network during and after your program.
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    Apply the degree to other industries, like social and community service.

Featured Master's in Educational Leadership Online Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Popular Master's in Educational Leadership Online Programs

We chose to highlight the following schools based on several factors, including top position in organic or paid search results (as of October 2023), relevancy of program offerings, and categorization as a nonprofit. These programs are listed alphabetically by school and not weighed against each other in our methodology.

Popular Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
School Degree Offered Cost per Credit Required Credits Months to Complete GRE Required Licensure Track Option
Eastern Michigan University MA $512 35 18-36 No Yes
Gonzaga University M.Ed. $680 30-42 15-24 No Yes
University of Cincinnati M.Ed. $746 (resident)
$761 (nonresident)
30 24 Optional No
University of North Texas M.Ed. $464 30 12 No Yes
Western Governors University MS $3,975 /term N/A 21 No Yes

Eastern Michigan University (EMU Online)

  • Public university in Michigan
  • MA in educational leadership
  • 35 credits | $512 /credit

EMU Online's CAEP-accredited master's in educational leadership program provides a path to become a licensed building-level principal in Michigan in less than two years. The program builds competencies and practical skills in instructional leadership, human resources in education, principalship, and organization and administration of K-12 schools. It ends with a 14-week internship to gain practical skills.

Visit EMU Online's Program Page . External link

Gonzaga University (GU)

  • Private, nonprofit university in Washington
  • M.Ed. in educational leadership
  • 30-42 credits | $680 /credit

At GU, you can earn your master's in educational leadership with or without principal certification. Asynchronous coursework includes research and data analysis and cultural competence development, while the certification track requires additional seminar and internship credits. The certification program admits only applicants with a valid Washington teaching license and at least three years of experience.

Visit GU's Program Page . External link

University of Cincinnati (UC)

  • Public university in Ohio
  • M.Ed. in educational leadership
  • 30 credits | $746-761 /credit

UC provides an educational leadership master's degree where you can specialize in special education, principalship, or administration and policy. You'll simultaneously participate in an educational leadership course and a principal clinical internship under a field site mentor's supervision.

Visit UC 's Program Page . External link

University of North Texas (UNT)

  • Public university in Texas
  • M.Ed. in educational leadership
  • 30 credits | $464 /credit

UNT's College of Education offers a one-year accelerated master's program in educational leadership for aspiring principals. Each of the 10 required courses is completely online and spans eight weeks, while both practicums last for a whole semester. Subjects in this program encompass school law, instructional leadership, school communications and public relations, and organization change.

Visit UNT's Program Page . External link

Western Governors University (WGU)

  • Private, nonprofit university in Utah
  • MS in educational leadership
  • Competency-based | $3,975 /term

WGU offers a master's in educational leadership that trains teachers to become principals or administrators in under two years. The program includes 13 courses, totaling 39 competency units. You'll study subjects such as systems management and school operations on your own time, and take exams when ready. Two practicums provide experience in a K-12 setting.

Visit WGU's Program Page . External link

Reasons to Get Your Master's in Educational Leadership Online

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    Reduce the cost of college by saving money on transportation and living expenses.
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    Balance work and school with greater flexibility.
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    Have more options for pacing, including accelerated programs, asynchronous courses, and part-time degree tracks that accommodate all schedules.
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    Attend a program outside of your city/state without having to relocate.

What Is a Master's in Educational Leadership?

An online master's in educational leadership equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for administrative or leadership roles. A direct pathway to principal certification is available through many online master's degrees in educational leadership.

You can earn a master of education (M.Ed.), which focuses on field experiences, master of arts (MA) in education that emphasizes liberal arts coursework, or master of science (MS) in education to concentrate on research.

Common Courses in Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs

  • Cultural Competence Development
  • School Law
  • Instructional Leadership
  • Economics of Public Education
  • Human Resources in Education
  • Leadership Foundations and Ethics
  • Curriculum Development and Data Analysis

How long does an online master's in educational leadership take?

Earning a master's in educational leadership online can take as few as 12 months if you study full time at an accelerated pace, or up to 36 months for those who need to take courses part time. On average, you'll take about 30-40 credits, including a capstone and/or practicum to gain leadership experience in an educational setting.

How much does an online master's in educational leadership cost?

An online master's in education costs an average of $8,155 in annual tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition and fees for an online master's in educational leadership program varies by school. Fees also depend on your residency status.

Do Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership Lead to Licensure?

Not every educational leadership master's degree equips students for the same careers. For instance, many lead to a principal or superintendent license or certification. These programs don't typically lead to teaching licensure and often require that you already hold this credential

Non-licensure programs do not lead to or prepare you for a state-issued license or certification but may still allow you to concentrate in curriculum development, policy and advocacy, or special education.

Programs that lead to certification or licensure often require an internship or practicum. Otherwise, you may need to write a thesis or complete a capstone.

Certification Tracks for Popular Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs

EMU Online
  • Principal licensure
GU
  • Principal certification
UC
  • Principal licensure endorsement
UNT
  • Principal certification
WGU
  • Principal licensure

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Educational Leadership Master's Programs?

Independent accrediting agencies, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation, evaluate colleges and universities that opt for the voluntary process.

Institutional accreditation offers credibility that colleges meet academic criteria, which impacts transfer credits and even future employability — some employers are leery of hiring graduates from unaccredited schools. Accreditation also makes schools eligible to receive federal financial aid.

Programmatic accreditation validates that specific programs meet industry standards. Online master's in educational leadership programs that lead to licensure or certification can hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).

Accreditation of Popular Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
School Institutional Accreditation Programmatic Accreditation
EMU Online Higher Learning Commission CAEP
GU Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities none
UC Higher Learning Commission CAEP
UNT Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges none
WGU Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities CAEP

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Program?

Expect to find different admission criteria for each online master's degree in educational leadership. Common prerequisites and required application materials include:

  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college
  • Minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA
  • Application with a fee
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume
  • Official transcripts
  • Personal statement
  • Teaching licensure and 2-3 years of experience (for admin licensure/certification tracks)
  • Sometimes GRE scores

What Can I Do With a Master's in Educational Leadership?

A master's degree in educational leadership can open doors to a variety of administrative careers at the primary through postsecondary level, such as principal or dean. You could also work behind the scenes as a consultant. Education consultants assist administrators and teachers in improving a school's operations and shape important educational tools, like the curriculum.

Note that some careers, namely those in K-12 public schools, may require a state-issued license or certification.

Potential Careers for Master's in Educational Leadership Graduates
Job Median Salary (May 2022) Outlook (2022-2032)
Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal $101,320 +1%
Postsecondary Education Administrator $99,940 +4%
Education Consultant $64,200* unavailable
Instructional Coordinator $66,490 +2%
Training and Development Manager $120,000 +6%
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale
*As of October 2023

Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?

Yes. The advanced degree offers increased job prospects in an industry that has considerable job security. And earning a master's degree in educational leadership can provide a high return on investment and training to seasoned teachers needing to advance into a leadership or administrative position.

The BLS reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers make a median annual pay of $61,620. On the other hand, K-12 principals earn a median annual salary of $101,320.

Depending on your state's requirements, the degree's coursework and practicum may also meet the prerequisites to get credentialed as a superintendent or principal.

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.

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