2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership
An online master's in educational leadership is designed to build upon a teacher's classroom experience by exploring administrative and governance skills. Coursework may cover communication strategies for school districts, budgeting for public schools, education law, and developing classroom instruction operations. Generally, students need a teacher's license and practical teaching experience to join one of these programs. Graduate degrees can be expensive, but there are many affordable education leadership master's degrees that allow students to save money on tuition costs.
View our methodology for more details about our list or learn more about OnlineU.
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Online Educational Leadership Master's Degrees You May Be Interested In
#1 Mercy University
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $106,401
- Locations: Dobbs Ferry (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Mercy College (MC) is a private institution that features an online Master of Science in Educational Supervision requiring 30 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately two years for full-time students. The acceptance rate at MC is 86%, and the graduation rate is 52%.
At MC, students use Blackboard as their learning management system, where courses are delivered entirely online and on a flexible timeline. The core curriculum for this program teaches students the skills needed to oversee school operations, develop school staff, and supervise curriculums. Here are examples of required courses: Organizational Dynamics, Legal Aspects of the Administration, and Leadership in Instructional Supervision. Students must also complete a school building internship.
MC also offers a Master of Science in Educational Administration requiring 36 credits. Both degrees prepare students to pursue a School Building Certificate. Career opportunities include assistant principal, executive director, and staff developer.
#2 Touro College
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $105,380
- Locations: New York (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Touro University (TU) is a private institution that offers an online Master of Science in School Leadership. There are two tracks available: School District Leader (36 credits) and School Building Leader (33 credits). Each program can be completed in approximately two years while studying full time. TU accepts 77% of applicants, while 55% of students graduate.
Canvas is the main learning platform used by TU students. All coursework is completed entirely online except for the required internship. This degree uses the latest data technology to improve leadership efficiency alongside the development of organization and communication skills. Among the required credits are classes such as Personnel Functions of a School Leader, Supervision of Instruction, and Technology for School Administrators. Graduates are equipped to pursue certification in the state of New York and gain employment as a school building or district leader.
#3 Bank Street College of Education
- Salary Score: 100
- Median Starting Salary: $104,639
- Locations: New York (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Bank Street College of Education is a private institution with an online Master of Education in Progressive Leadership and Master of Science in Education in Progressive Leadership — each requiring 31 credit hours. Typically, students graduate in approximately two years while studying full time.
All online courses at Bank Street are self-paced and delivered through the Canvas learning management system. Classes are 100% online and taken in a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats. Bank Street does not specify the difference between the MSEd and EdM. However, a typical EdM is broader in scope, while an MSEd focuses on classroom leadership. Both programs look at administrative practice and theory, organizational development, and curriculum instruction. Among the core requirements are Adult Development: Implications for Educational Leadership, Leading Critical Issues in Curriculum and Instruction, and School Change: The Transformational Leader. Additionally, students must complete supervised fieldwork. Graduates may go from classroom teachers to school administrators upon graduation.
#4 Fordham University
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $86,586
- Locations: Bronx (NY)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
Fordham University is a private university offering an online Master of Science in Education - Administration and Supervision - Catholic Educational Leadership, which requires 30 credit hours. Students studying on a full-time schedule generally complete this program in two years. The acceptance rate at Fordham is 58%, and the graduation rate is 80%.
Students at Fordham use the Blackboard learning management system to access their core online courses, which are taught entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. The curriculum for this program uses Catholicism to shape its cohort model which includes group projects, clinical applications, and problem-based simulations. There are required courses such as Clinic for School Administrators, Fundamentals of Educational Supervision, and Professional Development, as well as an internship. Graduates may earn career opportunities as academic directors, curriculum developers, and educational consultants.
#5 UMass Global
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $86,122
- Locations: Multiple Locations
- Accreditation: WSCUC
The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private university offering an online Master of Arts in Education - Educational Leadership. Additional majors are available in Educational Administration and Leadership in Early Childhood Education. Each track requires the completion of 30 credit hours. Students may graduate in approximately two years while studying full time. The acceptance rate at UMass Global is 93%, with 59% of students reaching their degree.
UMass Global students use Blackboard for their remote courses, which students complete 100% online through either self-paced or instructor-led formats. This online master's program explores curriculum design, leadership skills, global education systems, and research project methodologies. Students may choose alternative coursework, depending on their career aspirations. The core requirements include Seminar in Learning Theory, Data-Driven Leadership in Educational Organizations, and Leading Change in Educational Organizations. Graduates may explore roles as education administrators. UMass Global also offers a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration, PAS Credential that uses specialized coursework to prepare students for principal roles.
#6 Concordia University - Irvine
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $85,614
- Locations: Irvine (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Concordia University - Irvine (CUI) is a private institution with an online Master of Arts in Education - Educational Administration requiring 30 credit hours. Students studying full time are likely to complete the degree in approximately 14 to 16 months. CUI accepts 81% of its applicants, while 65% of students graduate with their degrees.
CUI uses Blackboard to deliver their online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees completely online. The core curriculum is designed to develop skills in nurturing, leadership, and decision-making. Students are eligible to earn a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential due to the standards-based coursework. Required classes include Instructional Leadership, Human Resources, and Curriculum Design and Evaluation. Students are also required to complete six administrative practicum credits. Career paths include principals, curriculum developers, and school administrators.
#7 National University
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $84,898
- Locations: La Jolla (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
National University (NU) is a private university with an online Master of Science in Higher Education Administration. This online graduate degree requires 45 quarter units, which full-time students can complete in approximately two years. Students are accepted into NU at a rate of 55%, with 36% of students graduating.
NU students use Blackboard as their primary learning management system, where they can complete courses 100% online and asynchronously. The curriculum for this program teaches education theory at the leadership level with a specific focus on administrative programs and student services. Among the required classes are Community Development in Higher Education, Higher Education Law/Politics, and Managing Finances and Operations. Students are also required to complete a thesis project. Career opportunities may be available as academic administrators, student services coordinators, and admissions coordinators.
#8 California State University - East Bay
- Salary Score: 99
- Median Starting Salary: $84,466
- Locations: Hayward (CA)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
California State University - East Bay (CSU East Bay) is a public university that hosts an online Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Graduation requirements state that students must complete 30 credit hours, which can be done in approximately two years on a full-time schedule. CSU East Bay's acceptance rate is 82%, with 67% of enrolled students graduating.
Online students at CSU East Bay use Blackboard to complete their coursework, which is delivered online in a flexible format. The curriculum features practical and theoretical training in educational leadership as well as a look at issues and skills related to education law, justice, finance, and research. Required courses include Educational Leadership for Equitable Resources, Transforming Professional Learning to Support Equitable Student Outcomes, and Leading for Social Justice and Equity in Urban Schools. Students must also complete a collaborative research project. Graduates may find employment as district superintendents, curriculum specialists, and school board contributors.
#9 University of Alaska Southeast
- Salary Score: 98
- Median Starting Salary: $81,625
- Locations: Juneau (AK)
- Accreditation: NWCCU
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) is a public institution that features an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership requiring 36 credit hours. The completion time for this degree is approximately two years for full-time students. The acceptance rate at UAS is 56%, and the graduation rate is 38%.
At UAS, students use Blackboard as their learning management system, where courses are delivered entirely online through synchronous and asynchronous formats. This is a cohort program designed to prepare students for work in urban and rural school districts in Alaska. Here are a few examples of required courses: Educational Leadership, Educational Research, and Curriculum and Instructional Leadership. Students must also complete a six-credit internship and a research project or portfolio. Graduates often feel prepared to work as school administrators.
#10 Chaminade University of Honolulu
- Salary Score: 95
- Median Starting Salary: $76,071
- Locations: Honolulu (HI)
- Accreditation: WSCUC
Chaminade University of Honolulu (CUH) is a private university that offers an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. This master's degree requires 30 credit hours, which graduate students can complete in 18 months while studying full time. CUH accepts 90% of applicants, while 49% of students graduate with degrees.
Canvas is the main learning platform used by CUH students for their coursework, which is completed 100% online. The degree curriculum explores a range of topics within educational leadership, including evidence-based research, law and ethics, creating a positive school culture, and collaborating with stakeholders. Among the required credits are classes such as Leadership for Educational Administrators, Financial Management for School Administrators, and School Community Relations. Additional credits are required for a capstone project. Graduates of similar programs go on to work as principals, school administrators, and lead teachers.
2023 Best Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership
| Rank | School | Salary Score | Median Starting Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mercy University | $106,401 | ||
| Touro College | 100 | $105,380 | |
| Bank Street College of Education | 100 | $104,639 | |
| Fordham University | 99 | $86,586 | |
| UMass Global | 99 | $86,122 | |
| Concordia University - Irvine | 99 | $85,614 | |
| National University | 99 | $84,898 | |
| California State University - East Bay | 99 | $84,466 | |
| University of Alaska Southeast | 98 | $81,625 | |
| Chaminade University of Honolulu | 95 | $76,071 |
What Is An Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership?
An online masters in educational leadership offers advanced skills development in administration, management, and teaching. Students learn to develop policy, support faculty, create curriculum standards, and oversee operations in educational settings. Additional training is provided in partnership development, data analysis, and education law.
The first step for students pursuing an educational leadership masters is to earn a degree in teaching online or in person. Many programs are designed for licensed professionals who have already started a career in teaching because the coursework often focuses on deepening their existing understanding of organizational processes in school environments.
Whether it's a master's in education, a master's in elementary education, or a master's in teaching, students should ensure their degree comes from an accredited school. This process involves a third-party agency vetting a college's programs, faculty, and overall mission so students can rest assured they are receiving a quality education. All schools featured by OnlineU have been properly accredited.
There are also affordable teaching master's degrees to help advance teaching careers.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership Online?
A master's in educational leadership takes full-time students approximately two years to graduate. Most programs require the completion of 30 to 32 credits, with full-time students taking eight credits per semester to finish in two years. Part-time pathways may also be available, depending on the program's requirements, which can take up to five years to complete.
Specializations
It's common for educational leadership master's degrees to offer specializations, otherwise known as concentrations or tracks. Curricula often feature coursework focused on specific areas of interest or professional roles. For example, there are career-minded specializations in principal leadership, school district leadership, and administration that develop leadership, policy, collaboration, and communication skills. Alternatively, students can pursue specializations in niche teaching areas, such as special education or early childhood education.
Common Courses
Regardless of the specialization, students are still required to take core classes in order to ensure they learn foundational principles, applications, and theories of educational leadership. Students who have already finished their path to becoming a teacher will be familiar with these curricula. The courses below cover advanced training for working professionals seeking leadership positions in this field:
Introduction to Educational Leadership
This course is a core part of every curriculum in this field because it establishes an introduction and foundation for the practices, theories, strategies, and characteristics used in educational leadership positions. School law and federal mandates feature prominently as students learn the rules surrounding education systems. They also learn how education professionals build and manage relationships with their communities.
School Finance
In this course, students learn how to manage finances for elementary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. Coursework explores economic theory, revenue streams, fiscal operations, and financial trends. In addition, students discuss effective and ethical ways of investing public money to improve education.
Curriculum Development
A curriculum development course focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating student learning experiences. From theory to practice, this course looks at all issues related to curriculum design. Students must consider diversity, accountability, and data management as they create personalized curriculums for different education levels.
Educational Technology
Educational technology teaches the tools, applications, facilities, and software that assist teachers and administrators in organizing and implementing academic operations. While much of this course centers on practical uses of technology, students also learn the educational theories that drive the use of these tools.
What Can I Do With a Master's in Educational Leadership?
Several post-graduate options exist for students who finish an online master's in educational leadership. Those who wish to continue their research or become college professors should pursue a doctorate in educational leadership, where coursework builds on the foundational learning experience of a master's with deeper explorations of research methods, education policy, and leadership practice.
There are also educational leadership graduate certificates that are much shorter and provide training for career advancement, many of which require practical training through internships. Career options vary by title and include different levels of responsibilities.
Education Administrators
The role of an education administrator for a college or university is to oversee all operations and services for a school. They assess learning outcomes, manage teachers, update policies, control budgets, and ensure students have the support they need to succeed. This job requires strong analytical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills.
Principals
Elementary, middle, or high school principals are responsible for managing all day-to-day operations. This includes supporting staff, teachers, and students simultaneously by setting schedules, developing standards, evaluating performances, and providing counseling and disciplinary services. They also coordinate with school boards and district administrators to ensure their facilities have sufficient support.
Special Education Teachers
Special education teachers work directly with students who have learning disabilities, such as those who have audio or visual impairments or are on the autism spectrum. They implement curriculums, evaluate behavior and performance, create student reports, and establish classroom policies. Their job requires an understanding of special tools and technologies crucial to their unique students' learning outcomes.
Instructional Coordinators
The primary responsibilities of instructional coordinators revolve around curricula. They create the material, implement it in classrooms, and evaluate its effectiveness. They work with teachers to make sure they have a firm understanding of the material and coordinate with school boards to recommend adjustments to curriculums in their district.
How Much Money Can I Make With a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership?
Educational leadership graduates have salaries ranging from average to well above average, depending on the job responsibilities. Roles within the classroom, such as teachers and instructional coordinators, tend to have median salaries of around $65,000. Principals and administrators boast salaries of approximately $100,000 due to their strong leadership components. Even the most affordable educational leadership master's degrees can provide graduates with a salary in this range.
Applying For a Master's in Education Leadership
It's important to consider all application requirements when deciding how to pick a college, such as holding a relevant bachelor's degree in education. Every school may not explicitly note this, but students are required to have professional teaching experience, which can only be achieved with a teaching degree and license. Applying to college also requires a letter of recommendation from an education administrator.
FAQs About Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership
Are Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership Respected?
Online master's in educational leadership are respected degrees as long as they are accredited. This is particularly important for remote students who aren't able to visit campus to meet their instructors directly. Accredited schools often use the same instructors and curricula regardless of the delivery format. Furthermore, employers treat online degrees the same as those earned in person.
How Many States Require a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership?
According to the International Council of Professors of Educational Leadership (ICPEL), 37 states require candidates to have a master's degree to become principals. The same amount of states require teaching experience, and 38 states require field experience. Master's graduates in 33 states can pursue alternative pathways to principal licensure without practical experience by taking a skills assessment and written test.
What Is an MBA in Educational Leadership?
An online MBA in educational leadership features more business components, such as finance and operations. This coursework is already included in educational leadership majors, but through an MBA, students can understand business principles in the context of a school environment. This path is beneficial for aspiring principals and school administrators.
Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?
An online master's in educational leadership is worth it for those who wish to have a genuine impact in schools of all levels. Students engage in multidisciplinary coursework that ranges from data analysis to curriculum development and communication. Many careers involve similar job responsibilities, but salaries are substantial.
Take a look at some of the pros and cons below:
Benefits
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Leadership roles result in high pay. Principals and education administrators earn median annual salaries of around $100,000.
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Principals show high job satisfaction. A 2021 National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) report showed that 94% of public school principals were generally satisfied with their positions.
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Graduates receive a well-rounded education. Coursework develops skills and training that can be used in industries outside education, such as business and healthcare.
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Education professionals can help students beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities and after-school programs, such as sports leagues and study groups, have a positive impact on individual households and across communities.
Drawbacks
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Job growth rates are lower than in other industries. The most common educational leadership jobs only show up to 3% yearly growth.
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Some veteran principals are less satisfied than they once were. The same report from IES shows that 35% of public school principals have less enthusiasm for their work as time goes on.
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Many factors affect the difficulty of working as a principal. A 2021 survey from the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) shows three main factors that may lead professionals to leave their jobs: heavy workload, state accountability measures, and compliance requirements.
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The learning doesn't stop after a master's degree. Principals and administrators must frequently update their curriculums and learn new technologies based on the advancement of educational materials.
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By OnlineU Staff Writers | 11/1/2023