Student success relies on strong educational leaders. According to the 2021 study from the Wallace Foundation, leadership ranks second to teaching in influencing student outcomes.
An online master's in educational leadership degree enables experienced teachers — and career switchers from different industries —to pursue leadership positions.
They work in elementary, middle school, high school, and colleges and universities as principals, curriculum developers, and researchers who influence policy change.
Do you have what it takes to become an educational leader? Here we highlight the benefits of an online master's in educational leadership degree, admission requirements, and common career paths after graduation.
Why Get a Master's in Educational Leadership Online
- Schools require principals and other administrators to have at least a master's degree
- Flexible online courses often let you learn at your own pace
- Out-of-state students can enroll in online programs and avoid transportation and other on-campus fees
- Earning a master's degree can put you in a higher pay bracket
- You can meet peers from across the nation and globe in online classrooms
- Becoming an educational leader prepares you to make a change in the public school system that serves some 49.4 million students nationwide as of 2021.
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 Leadership Programs
#1 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
American University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Program Cost: $57,540
Credits to Graduate: 30
American University's (AU) online M.Ed. in education policy and leadership typically requires five semesters. Students spend two hours weekly in live online classes, plus another 6-9 hours completing assignments and other coursework. The classes explore economic inquiry in education, public policy, and organizational change. Learners finish the program with a field-based project where they act as consultants to an educational organization.
AU offers several merit- and need-based scholarships. M.Ed. students can also apply for extra discounts through their affiliation with groups like Urban Teachers, Teach for America, and Communities in Schools.
Percent Online Enrollment
33%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#2 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
Ashland University
- Ashland, OH
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $620
Credits to Graduate: 36
AU offers an M.Ed. in educational leadership that helps prepare learners for administrative licensure in Ohio. The curriculum covers core educational topics like organizational management, crisis management, and human resource management. It also includes four administrative internship classes. M.Ed. graduates can continue their education at AU and prepare for superintendent, CIPD, or building principal licensure.
The AU College of Education offers the school's lowest graduate rates at $620 per credit. Most courses count as one credit, not the standard three or four, lowering the per-class cost.
Percent Online Enrollment
72%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
City University of Seattle
- Seattle, WA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $615
Credits to Graduate: 45
The M.Ed. in educational leadership at CityU explores school finance, academic inquiry, conflict management, and leadership for diverse learners. Students interested in pursuing administrator certification must complete additional courses in leadership for career and technical education with the program director's approval. The program concludes with a year-long internship.
CityU offers several scholarships, particularly for teachers. For example, the Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship supports current and rising educators in teacher preparation or educational leadership programs.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
83%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
#4 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
DePaul University
- Chicago, IL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $695
Credits to Graduate: 48-52
DePaul offers two online educational leader degree options: a master of arts (MA) and a master of education (M.Ed.). Both programs cater to current educators through concentrations in higher education, catholic leadership, and physical education. The M.Ed. program includes additional concentrations to prepare students for Illinois principal licensure or teacher leader endorsements. It also requires a capstone project, while the MA pathway includes a thesis seminar.
Students pursuing either degree can apply for program-specific DePaul Scholarships. Applicants with undergraduate degrees from Catholic institutions may qualify for a 10% tuition discount.
Percent Online Enrollment
99%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#5 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
Fitchburg State University
- Fitchburg, MA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Avg. Cost per Credit: $385
Credits to Graduate: 33
Fitchburg State offers an accelerated format for its online M.Ed. in educational leadership and management, allowing enrollees to start throughout the school year and complete the program in just 12 months. The pay-by-the-course tuition plan also helps with affordability.
The curriculum includes 11 classes, including educational law, school-community partnerships, supervision and feedback, and effective administrative strategies. At the end of the program, learners research current issues in education and prepare final educational technology projects.
Percent Online Enrollment
91%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
New England Commission on Higher Education
What Is a Master's in Educational Leadership?
A master's in educational leadership covers the principles of organizational leadership you need to make change at the school, district, or government level.
In the 2019-2020 academic year, colleges in the United States awarded 18,950 master's in education leadership degrees.
You can pursue a master of education (M.Ed.) with a concentration in educational leadership, or obtain a master of science (MS) or a master of arts (MA) in educational leadership.
All degree options take about two years when you enroll full time, although accelerated programs offer graduation pathways in as little as 15 months.
Curriculum and Coursework
To earn a master's in educational leadership, you need to complete about 30-40 credits. The curriculum builds your leadership competencies and analytic skills. Common courses include educational law, organizational theory, school finance, instructional supervision, and curriculum development. You may also have the chance to specialize in educational technology or higher education.
An M.Ed. degree usually incorporates a culminating experience such as a comprehensive exam and/or internship or independent study. The fieldwork experience provides first-hand experience in a leadership position. If you pursue an MA or MS in educational leadership, you'll likely need to complete a thesis.
Licensure vs. Non-Licensure Programs
If you want to become an elementary, middle school, or high school principal or administrator working within a school system, consider a program that leads to licensure or certification.
Building on your teaching experience, a licensure program focuses on systems management and operations. The program may adhere to national certification standards, but may not meet requirements for every state.
Non-licensure programs emphasize a macro education that trains you to work inside or outside of a school system, advocating for policy change at legislature or district level. You can also pursue careers working in the nonprofit sector.
Admission Requirements for Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs
Because each online master's in educational leadership program asks for different admissions materials, you should start the application process early to make sure you qualify for admittance.
For instance, you may need a teaching license and at least two years of experience if you want to enroll in a program that leads to licensure or certification as a principal or administrator. While requirements differ by school, common criteria include:
- A bachelor's degree, preferably in education or teaching
- Official college transcripts
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 or 3.0
- A resume
- 2-3 letters of recommendation
- A personal statement explaining your professional goals
Price Check
The 1998-established Teacher Loan Forgiveness program provides at least $5,000 in forgiveness with up to $17,500 to educators working in high-need areas such as special education or math.
Career Paths in Educational Leadership
Graduates of online master's in educational leadership programs commonly pursue administrator positions in schools. Within elementary, middle, high schools, and colleges you can work as a principal, school administrator, curriculum director, or special director.
Your potential salary depends on your career choice, your prior experience, and the region where you work.
Principals make amedian annual salary of $101,320, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In most states, you'll need a license to become a principal, a competitive career that will see little employment growth from 2022-2032.
You can also pursue a career as a postsecondary educational administrator who earns a median annual pay of $99,940 (BLS, May 2022). The BLS projects jobs for postsecondary education administrators to increase by 4% from 2022-2032.
Another career path: Instructional coordinator, a career that BLS estimates to grow as fast as other jobs. Instructional coordinators earn a median annual pay of $66,490 (BLS, May 2022)
You can also pursue careers working in government and at nonprofits.
Break down your current financial situation, and receive a college tuition estimate you can afford to pay.
How Much Does a Master's in Educational Leadership Cost?
To get an idea what you'll pay for an online master's in educational leadership degree, look at the national averages for graduate school. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, graduate tuition at public institutions in the 2020-2021 school year cost $8,910-$14,298. At private colleges in 2020-2021, graduate students paid $13,839-$42,910.
Expect to pay more for your degree if you study out of state and the school does not offer in-state tuition discounts for online learners.
Studying part time can hike up the overall cost of your education; part-time classes may be easier on your schedule, but they lengthen your graduation timeline and the duration of time you spend accruing tuition.
Scholarships and Grants
Scholarships and grants, including those listed below, can help you afford an online master's in educational leadership degree.
- Educational Administration Scholarships: The American Association of School Administrators established this scholarship program in 1949 to help future school superintendents. The chair of your graduate school department must recommend you for this scholarship.
- National Education Association Foundation: If you need help to pay for professional development to become an educational leader, consider applying for the NEA Foundation's Learning and Leadership grants. Awards are between $1,500 and $5,000.
- Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in a program that participates in the TEACH Grant can apply to receive up to $4,000 a year. You must agree to work in a high-need teaching area, such as special education or math, for up to four years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Educational Leadership Master's Programs
Is educational administration the same as educational leadership?
No. However, you'll notice that programs for educational administration and educational leadership have nearly identical curriculum. Education administration focuses on operations in education systems, while educational leaders concentrate their efforts to inspire teachers and change.
Is a master's in educational leadership worth it?
It can be. Any success you have in college and in the workforce hinges on what you bring to the table. That said, earning an online master's in education leadership pays more than a bachelor's degree. According to the BLS, master's degree holders make a median weekly salary of $1,660, compared to $1,430 for bachelor's degree-holders (BLS, May 2023).
How long does an online master's degree in educational leadership take?
Generally, you'll need to spend about two years earning an online master's in education leadership degree, if you can study on a full-time basis. Studying part time takes about 3-4 years. Accelerated programs can offer a pathway to graduation in about 11-14 months, depending on your prior college credit.
What qualities make a good educational leader?
Educational leaders should have a background in teaching so that they understand the dynamics of an inclusive classroom and needs of teachers and learners. Leaders in academics also need good public speaking skills and the ability to collaborate with others to achieve long-term goals.
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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