Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs

A master’s in educational administration can help you develop critical skills and competencies for managing K-12 and higher education institutions. These programs focus on tools and strategies for executing an organizational vision and improving learning outcomes. Some colleges offer similar programs under other names, like educational leadership or education management.

New challenges continue to emerge in K-12 schools, particularly amid technological advances and changing cultural values. In the social media age, organizational accountability is also more important than ever. Given these factors, education administrators increasingly need advanced training to succeed in contemporary learning environments.

This page profiles the best and cheapest online master’s in education administration programs. Use our guide to research and compare programs as you seek to maximize the returns on your educational investment.

Master’s in educational administration programs build skills in curriculum development, diverse instruction, program management, and ethical leadership for educators looking to take on administrative roles in school settings.

Institutions 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 more academic-focused for professionals pursuing 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.

Common admission requirements for a master’s in educational administration online program include:

However, each school sets specific requirements, so the admissions process varies among programs. For example, some schools offer GMAT or GRE waivers for students with ample teaching experience or high GPAs. Applicants may also need to participate in interviews with admissions counselors for acceptance into some programs.

Courses for an online master’s in educational administration vary among programs, although the core curriculum usually explores educational research, staff supervision, educational law, and school finance management. A thesis or capstone is sometimes required, but these degrees more commonly include field experiences and seminars for learners to receive 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. They may also pertain to specific aspects of education, like special education or principalship.

Graduation requirements for a master’s in educational administration vary among schools. However, in addition to coursework, many programs conclude with capstone projects that allow students to direct their classroom learning into hands-on projects focused on real-world problems in educational administration.

The capstone requirement in educational administration master’s programs typically includes an applied research project or paper. Enrollees may need to present or defend their capstones to faculty.

Some programs also offer or require a practicum, where learners get professional experience through placements in schools working on educational administration issues like academic affairs, budgeting and finance, and DEI efforts.

A master’s in educational administration can help you develop the skills and knowledge to apply for various mid-level and advanced jobs in educational administration. Some potential career paths earn much higher salaries than others in this field.

Jobs with median salaries of over $100,000 a year include K-12 principals, postsecondary education administrators, and facilities managers. One of the lowest-earning career options for graduates with this degree is preschool and childcare center directors, who earn a median annual salary of $54,290 as of May 2023.

The table below highlights popular careers, salaries, and the job outlook for educational administration graduates.

Several administrative roles 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 each educator 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.

The cost of earning a master’s in educational administration varies by program and school. In general, private universities charge much higher tuition than public institutions.

In-state tuition at public schools generally costs much less than out-of-state rates. Prestigious universities often charge a premium over lesser-known institutions.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that graduate students paid an annual average of $20,513 in tuition and fees in the 2021-2022 academic year. This figure adds up to more than $40,000 for the average two-year master’s degree.

Educational administration students can find many ways to help pay for their degrees, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and loans. We describe these financing options in more detail below.

Scholarships and grants can lower the financial burden of paying for a degree, as you can apply them directly to tuition and required fees. Unlike student loans, neither source requires repayment. The following scholarships are available for students seeking online master’s in educational administration degrees:

A master’s in educational administration is a graduate-level degree that can prepare students for administrative and leadership roles in education. These programs typically explore teacher supervision, school operations, and budget management. Enrollees are often education professionals with several years of teaching experience who want to become principals, instructional coordinators, or other administrators.

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.

A master’s in educational administration is typically worth the cost and time commitment. In addition to pursuing a license or certification, a master’s degree is a typical requirement for these positions. May 2023 BLS data indicates that principals earn a median salary of $103,460, indicating a strong return on investment.

An educational administrator oversees many school or district functions, including budgeting, educator training, and program development. They may also handle curriculum development, family-school communications, and policymaking efforts.

Although state requirements for educational administration roles vary, most pathways require teaching experience before becoming an administrator. Many states require master’s degrees for licensure or certification, and master’s degrees in educational administration typically seek applicants with prior teaching experience.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Affordable Colleges Online. Page last reviewed July 10, 2024.