In addition to teachers, there are many important educational professionals who help make schools run. Educational administrators are among them.
Educational administrators work in schools serving all grade levels, from preschool to postsecondary, overseeing teaching strategies, developing curricula, managing educational programs, and supporting school and community partnerships. According to Education Week, school management positions comprise about 4% of the education workforce.
Many people seeking a career in educational administration pursue an online master's in the subject. This degree prepares current teachers for a strong leadership role in education settings through research, case studies, and field experience.
Explore this degree guide to learn whether a master's in educational administration online is right for you.
Why Get a Master's in Educational Administration Online
- Develop Leadership Skills - An online master's in educational administration develops the necessary skills to lead schools and educator teams, including human resources management, policymaking, and program administration.
- Navigate Diversity - School administrators work with diverse populations in educational settings and communities. This degree incorporates strategies for bringing together, leading, and assisting multifaceted teams.
- Complete Work Flexibly - Completing a master's in educational administration online with asynchronous coursework gives you the flexibility to work around your current schedule.
- Increase Salary - According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2022 salary information, school principals earned about $40,000 more per year than teachers as of May 2022.
Popular Online Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Educational Administration Degrees
#1 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Drexel University
- Philadelphia, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,079
Out-of-State | $1,079
Credits to Graduate: 45-46.5
Drexel University's online master's in educational administration prepares students to pursue careers in educational leadership, specifically those who plan to work in K-12 public school settings.
Students can choose from four tracks. The non-certification track leads to a master's degree but no professional certifications. Enrollees can earn certifications by completing tracks in special education leadership, principal certification, or a dual certification of the two tracks.
For the 2023-24 academic year, Drexel University has set tuition for the program at $1,079 per credit for all learners, regardless of location. This reduction makes for a 25% savings off the school's standard rate.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
George Washington University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,110
Out-of-State | $1,110
Credits to Graduate: 30
George Washington University's (GW) master of arts in educational leadership and administration has received endorsement from The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education as a "program of distinction."
The curriculum covers applied topics in quantitative education research, student assessment, curriculum development, and social justice. Coursework gives students the academic background required to obtain principal or administrator licensure. However, it does not lead directly to licensure itself.
GW offers a favorable affordability profile compared to other private institutions. At 2023-24 tuition rates, learners can complete this accelerated program for just over $33,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
25%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Weatherford, OK
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Academic Year:
In-State | $7,530
Out-of-State | $14,202
Credits to Graduate: 33
Students in the education administration graduate program at Southwestern Oklahoma State University can benefit from relatively affordable tuition rates. Learners who qualify for in-state rates pay a total of just $15,060 for the program, which equates to approximately $456 per credit.
The program is built around an intensive core, which features coursework in curriculum development, community relations, research methods, and administrative theory. It culminates in a rewarding capstone experience, which prompts students to apply their synthesized learning.
Students may complete coursework 100% online or opt for a hybrid model. Graduates can obtain a school-endorsed recommendation for education certification.
Percent Online Enrollment
85%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#4 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Tarleton State University
- Stephenville, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $509
Out-of-State | $775
Credits to Graduate: 30-33
Texas-based Tarleton State University features a master of education program in educational administration delivered entirely online, in small classes. Learners can complete the program in approximately 18 months. The standard 30-credit program leads to a standalone master of education degree, while a 33-credit option confers the degree plus certification.
Tarleton State University has priced the program competitively. In-state degree-seekers can complete the entire degree with certification for less than $17,000.
Percent Online Enrollment
100%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#5 Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Texas A & M University-Commerce
- Commerce, TX
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit:
In-State | $407
Out-of-State | $815
Credits to Graduate: 30
Texas A&M University-Commerce features a master of education in educational administration program leading to graduation in as little as one year. Students engage with a curriculum focused on financial and organizational management, student performance, and educational leadership.
Graduates qualify for principal certification. As an additional option, qualified learners with existing master's degrees can enroll in a 21-hour, certification-only program leading to principal credentials.
The program also offers comparably affordable tuition. In-state learners pay just $3,669 per nine-credit block, while out-of-state students pay $7,341.
Percent Online Enrollment
89%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
What Is a Master's in Educational Administration?
Designed for educators who want to take on an administrative role in school settings, a master's in educational administration builds skills in curriculum development, diverse instruction, program management, and ethical leadership.
Schools typically award master of arts (MA), master of science (MS), or master of education (M.Ed.) degrees in educational administration. MA and MS degrees are typically more academic-focused for professionals seeking a path in educational research or curriculum development. In contrast, an M.Ed. incorporates instructional strategies and practical leadership skills that help graduates transition directly into advanced roles.
Many master's in educational administration programs prepare students for principal licensure in their state.
Courses and Specializations
Courses for an online master's in educational administration vary between programs, although the core curriculum usually explores educational research, staff supervision, educational law, and school finance management. Although a thesis is sometimes required, these degrees more often include field experiences and seminars for learners to get practical experience.
Some educational administration programs offer specializations, tailoring the courses to a student's goals and interests. Usually, specializations focus on a particular grade level, like K-12 or higher education, or a specific aspect of education, like special education or principalship.
Field Experience
Field experience is an essential component of many master's in educational administration programs, allowing students to apply their skills to real-world educational settings. These degrees usually require more than one field experience exploring curriculum and staff development, leadership strategies, and educational administrative duties.
Students pursuing an online degree should consider whether they can complete an in-person field experience, as learners are typically placed in nearby schools.
Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Educational Administration Programs
Common admission requirements for a master's in educational administration online program include:
- Official undergraduate transcripts with a minimum GPA of 3.0
- Resume
- Valid teaching credentials
- Professional recommendation
- Official test scores, like GMAT or GRE, or from an admissions test
However, each school sets its own requirements, so the admissions process can vary significantly between programs. For example, some schools offer GMAT or GRE waivers for students with ample teaching experience or high GPAs. Students may also need to participate in an interview with an admissions counselor for acceptance into some programs.
Price Check
Joining a professional organization for educational administrators could reduce what you pay for your degree. For example, the Association of American Educators partners with schools to lower tuition rates for members.
Career Paths in Educational Administration
A master's in educational administration can lead to numerous rewarding careers in schools and academic settings.
One of the most common roles for educational administration graduates is school principal. The BLS reports these professionals earned a median salary of $101,320 in 2022 and projects 1% job growth from 2022-2032. Graduates can also go on to become instructional coordinators, who earned a median of $66,490 in 2022, or postsecondary administrators, who made $99,940.
An educational administration degree can also lead to advising roles. For instance, an education consultant assists students and their families in coordinating academics, enrolling in educational programs, and planning for future educational paths. Payscale reports that education consultants earned an average salary of $64,210 in September 2023.
Some careers in educational administration take professionals out of schools and into higher-level oversight positions. For example, a superintendent oversees and manages the budgets and operations of an entire school district. According to August 2023 data from Payscale, superintendents earn an average of $139,550 per year.
Certification and Licensure
Several roles at the administration level require state licensure or certification, including public school principals and superintendents, although the requirements vary by state. Most states, including Iowa, New Jersey, and Vermont, require educators to have a master's degree before becoming eligible for a principal license. Additionally, superintendents typically need a few years of experience at the principal or supervisory level to earn state-approved certification.
Other school-based positions, like instructional coordinator and education consultant, may also require a state-issued teacher or administrator license. Check with your state's Department of Education to determine the licensing requirements for your chosen career path.
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How Much Does a Master's in Educational Administration Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average graduate degree cost $19,749 in tuition and fees during the 2020-2021 school year. A typical two-year master's degree costs over $40,000. Additionally, private schools charged higher tuition, on average, than public schools.
Tuition for in-state students is generally lower than tuition for out-of-state students. However, some schools provide a special tuition rate for online students, which could make an online master's in educational administration more affordable for distance learners.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants can decrease how much you pay out of pocket for your degree, as you can apply them directly to tuition and required fees. Unlike student loans, neither one has to be paid back. The following scholarships are available for students seeking a master's in educational administration online:
- AASA’s Educational Administration Scholarships: The AASA provides seven annual $2,500 scholarships to educational administration graduate students who are recommended by their school's education department. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, two letters of endorsement, and three essay responses.
- Education Pioneers Summer Fellowship: Education Pioneers offers a 10-week summer fellowship with a $7,200 stipend to graduate students pursuing leadership roles in education. The fellowship features mentorship, networking, and in-person learning experiences.
- Jeanne S. Chall Research Fellowship: This $5,000 grant from the International Literacy Association (ILA) is awarded to a doctoral or graduate student completing research in child or adult literacy. Applicants must be ILA members.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master's Degrees in Educational Administration
How long does an online master's in educational administration take?
An online master's degree typically takes about two years to complete with a full-time schedule. However, some schools offer accelerated degree formats, allowing students to finish their degrees in 1-1.5 years.
Is a master's in educational administration worth it?
A master's in educational administration is typically worth the cost and time commitment for current educators interested in stepping into administrative roles in educational settings. In addition to pursuing a license or certification, a master's degree is a typical requirement for these positions.
Also, many potential careers for educational administration graduates offer attractive salaries. For example, school principals earn a median salary of $101,320.
What are the duties of an educational administrator?
An educational administrator oversees and manages many school or district functions, including budgeting, educator training, and program development. They may also head curriculum development, family-school cooperative efforts, and policymaking.
Can you become an administrator without being a teacher?
Although state requirements for educational administration roles vary, most pathways require teaching experience prior to becoming an administrator. Many states require a master's degree for licensure or certification, and master's degrees in educational administration typically seek applicants with prior teaching experience.
Page last reviewed September 26, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ACO Rankings Team.
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