Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs

Earning a master’s degree in educational administration enhances your earning potential and serves as a pathway to leadership roles in education. As a school administrator, principal, director, or superintendent, you hold a position that can influence lives.

These programs provide instruction in leadership, staff development, and budget oversight. They explore ways to improve students’ performance and strengthen teachers’ effectiveness. A graduate degree in educational administration also qualifies you for positions in government agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Schools offer Master of Arts (MA), Master of Education (M.Ed.), and Master of Science (MS) in educational administration degrees. All emphasize administration skills and leadership roles. The important aspect is finding the one that matches your career goals.

Programs typically focus on K-12 or higher education and require internships in these settings. Many prepare you for state-specific certifications required for administrative roles or principal licensure.

A master’s in educational administration focuses on leadership skills, including management of personnel and school finances. You explore the challenges schools face and the possible solutions. Instruction focuses on legal issues, professional development for teachers, and promoting positive school cultures. Some programs require a thesis.

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Many students pursuing this degree work as teachers or hold other positions. Earning an online master’s in educational administration offers greater flexibility, enabling you to continue working while pursuing a degree that helps you further your career.

If your schedule’s jam-packed, consider programs that offer self-paced courses. These allow you to fit the required coursework into your busy life in a way that works best for you. Additionally, most schools let you complete required internships locally.

Online learning can also help you save money. There are no relocation expenses, and many schools don’t charge online students out-of-state fees. Just make sure the program meets your state’s requirements for licensure.

Graduates with a master’s in educational administration may pursue numerous career paths. Common administrative roles include school principal or school district superintendent. Most states require principals in the public school system to hold a current teaching license and principal certification. State-issued certifications are not required for administrators at K-12 private schools and postsecondary institutions.

You may also become the director of a specific school program, like special education or athletics. Some pursue leadership roles as the director of curriculum or an academic dean. As an instructional coordinator, you oversee curriculum and audit teachers’ performance.

Beyond the school setting, graduates may work as educational directors for nonprofits and as education consultants. In the government arena, you may work as an education policy analyst, shaping the future of educational systems.

Choosing a program that aligns with your objectives is critical to your career goals. Important considerations include state licensure requirements, program costs, school accreditation, and the educational format.

Licensure requirements vary by state. Before applying, make sure the program aligns with your career goals and your experience. Some programs require you to have a teaching credential and several years of teaching experience.

If your career goal is to become a principal, superintendent, or administrator in the K-12 public school system, check your state’s requirements before choosing a program. For example, according to the Education Commission of the States, at least 38 states require field experience for school leader certification.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average cost of tuition and fees for full-time graduate students in the 2022-2023 academic year was $11,554. The cost for an online master’s in educational administration, however, varies significantly, based on the school and program.

For instance, private universities tend to cost more than public institutions. Additionally, some schools charge out-of-state fees for online students. Generally, tuition rates range from about $15,000-30,000 in total.

Keep in mind you may qualify for school administration scholarships from private parties or the college you attend. For instance, the American Association of School Administrators awards the AASA Educational Administration Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.

Online master’s in educational administration programs typically require 30-45 credits to graduate. Many full-time students complete these programs in about two years. Some schools offer programs that you can complete in as little as 18 months.

Part-time students may take from 3-5 years, depending on their schedule. According to the NCES, of the 3.2 million graduate students in 2021, 43% attended part time.

Make sure the school you choose is institutionally accredited. An accredited college or university has undergone third-party evaluations, ensuring a quality education. Accreditation is also a requirement to receive federal financial aid.

Additionally, many colleges won’t accept transfer credits from unaccredited institutions. Lastly, many states require a master’s degree from an accredited institution to qualify for principal licensure.

Specific programs and departments may also earn accreditation. The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) are the main programmatic accreditors focusing on educator preparation.

If your interest lies in leadership roles in education or educational policy, earning a master’s in educational administration is worth it. Most states require principals and school administrators to hold a graduate degree in educational administration or a related field.

Graduates may also see higher-than-average salaries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports a median annual salary of $101,320 for elementary, middle, and high school principals as of May 2022.

The admission requirements for an online master’s in educational administration program vary by school. Typically, schools require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and a minimum overall GPA of 2.75 – 3.0.

Some programs require applicants to possess a current teaching certificate and at least three years of teaching experience. Schools may also require GRE test scores, though many have dropped that requirement.

Much of the coursework in these two programs is similar. The master’s in educational leadership prepares students for leadership roles that do not require licensure. It’s best to thoroughly investigate a school’s program to ensure it can lead to your desired career goal.

As an educational administrator, you work with people daily, from students to teachers and the community. This level of interaction requires strong communication skills, patience, and leading by example. Depending on the role, you may need to be good with numbers and budgets, understand curriculum development, and possess good time management.

Page last reviewed September 26, 2023. All rankings and school descriptions on this page were created and reviewed independently by the ASO Rankings Team.