By Jennifer W. Eisenberg
You know you are ready to be that principal you wish you had. You know your peers so well–you would be perfect! But for the degree. You just need an advanced degree now, and while the expectations are significant, the rewards are obvious. To apply to any of the following schools with online master's degrees in educational leadership, you will be expected to have a significant level of experience, ability to take graduate study exams, such as the GRE, and you will need to demonstrate that you can communicate in written and spoken form. These programs are primarily online but flexible enough for you to balance your busy schedule and occasionally show up in person.
Among the most crucial abilities you will likely hone will be assessment, evaluation, and data analysis. Perhaps you have noted the growth of the need for human resources. Or you have seen intriguing possibilities in school law. You will be eligible for a greater number of leadership and professional positions if you have the proper training and advising.
If you see yourself more as an organizer of larger organizations, this degree can ready your skills while you remain at a distant location. Most of the following online master's degrees in educational leadership include paths like special education and curricula principal certification, as well as non-certificate options.
US News & World Report Best Online Graduate Education Programs (of 673 schools):
Top 25 – 5 points
Top 100 – 4 points
Top 150 – 3 points
Top 200 – 2 points
Above 200 – 1 point
Student to Faculty Ratio Ranking:
15 and below – 5 points
20 and below – 4 points
25 and below – 3 points
35 and below – 2 points
Above 35 – 1 point
Hourly Tuition Cost:
$400 and below – 5 points
$600 and below – 4 points
$800 and below – 3 points
$1,000 and below – 2 points
Above $1,000 – 1 point
Regional Accreditation: 5 points
NCATE/CAEP Accreditation: 3 points
#30 – DePaul University
Chicago, Illinois
Online MEd in Educational Leadership
The DePaul University master of education in educational leadership online offers eight concentrations: general; Catholic leadership; higher education; physical education; principal license; principal license (Catholic); teacher leader; and teacher leader (Catholic). There are four admit dates per year. The program is 13 courses in length and contains two internship experiences. DePaul University's online MEd in educational leadership can be accomplished in just thirty months and does not require a thesis.
#29 – George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Educational Leadership and Administration Online
George Washington University has an online master of arts in education and human development in educational leadership and administration that, on the accelerated track, can be completed in just two years. The 30 unit long program requires a minimum of one year's teaching experience and utilizes three start dates a year. The George Washington University master of arts in education and human development in educational leadership and administration online asks for applicants to provide a current resume, a statement of purpose, and two professional letters of recommendation with the application packet.
#28 – Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, Utah
Online MS in Educational Leadership
For the Western Governors University master of science in educational leadership online, the school aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards. This 13 course program is completed by the majority of students in less than two years. Western Governors University's online MS in educational leadership asks for a tuition of $3,240 per six month term. We divided this figure by nine (half of a reasonable annual graduate credit load) to arrive at the hourly figure listed above.
#27 – University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
MEd in Educational Leadership Online
- USNWR Online Graduate Education Ranking: not ranked
- NCATE/CAEP Graduate Program Accreditation: Yes
- Regional Accreditation: Yes
- Online Hourly Tuition (out of state, where applicable): $734
- Student to Faculty Ratio: 19:1 Points: 15Website
The University of Florida has slightly looser admission requirements for the highly rated online master of education in educational leadership. The school is looking for those who can supply proof of a 3.0 GPA over the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework, an "acceptable" GPA for any graduate coursework, and submission of a GRE score. There are three entry points into the program during the year. Full time and part time study are both allowed, but most students take two courses per term. The University of Florida MEd in educational leadership online can be completed in about two years.
#26 – Winona State University
Winona, Minnesota
MEd in Leadership Online
The Winona State University online master of education in leadership has a direct to principal licensure track and an alternate track for education professionals wishing to go into leadership in other areas such as educational technology or assessment. The 30 hours of the program are comprised of 12 hours of leadership core and then a number of electives based on the student's track and interests. Winona State University's MEd in leadership online requires a capstone writing experience and a comprehensive exam.
#25 – The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Online MA in Educational Leadership
The University of Alabama master of arts in educational leadership online results in Class A educator status in the State of Alabama. This program spans 30-33 hours of instruction and is offered fully online. Applicants are required to have a State of Alabama Class B teaching certificate as a condition for admission. There are three start dates per year for this program and a GRE or MAT score is also required. The University of Alabama online MA in educational leadership includes coursework in key areas such as human resources development and management of learning organizations.
#24 – Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
MSE in Educational Administration Online
Drexel University's online master of science in education in educational administration degree gives students access to the school's thousands-strong Alumni Network for job hunting and career advancement. The 45-53.5 quarter credit hour program offers four specializations, each approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education: school principal certification; supervisor of special education certification; school principal and supervisor of special education dual certification; and a non-certification track. The Drexel University MSE in educational administration online program is looking for certified teachers with a 3.0 or better GPA to apply.
#23 – University of Nebraska at Kearney
Kearney, Nebraska
Online MAE in Educational Administration – School Principalship PK-7
The University of Nebraska at Kearney's master of arts in education in educational administration – school principalship PK-7 online requires an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75, three written recommendations, a current resume, and an essay as criteria for admission. The school allows ten years from the semester of enrollment for completion of the degree. The online MAE in educational administration – school principalship PK-7 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney is a 36 credit hour program that allows a transfer of up to nine graduate credits from another school.
#22 – Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
MEd in Educational Leadership Online
An accelerated 15-month program, the Louisiana State University online master of education in educational leadership expects incoming students to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, evidence of your potential leadership, multiple detailed letters of support for your application, and evidence you have had at least two excellent years of teaching. Further, you will be expected to have garnered nominations for teacher of the year awards or national board certification. The affordable online MEd in educational leadership at Louisiana State University is 39 hours.
#21 – Seton Hall University
South Orange, New Jersey
Online MA in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy
The Seton Hall University master of arts in educational leadership, management, and policy online requires two weekend long residencies in this cohort based program. One initial orientation residency and another prior to graduation. This two year degree is a 39 instructional hour affair. Seton Hall University's online MA in education leadership, management, and policy is looking for applicants who can provide a current resume or CV, an official MAT or GRE score, three letters of recommendation, and one letter of intent with the admissions packet.
#20 – University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Online MEd in Educational Leadership
At the rate of two courses per semester, the University of North Texas master of education in educational leadership online can be completed in just twelve months. Operating (except for the internship) in 8-10 week terms, this 30 hour degree features five start dates per year. The University of North Texas' online MEd in educational leadership requires applicants to submit a $75 application fee, an explanatory essay, a letter of recommendation, and a resume indicationing some experience in K-12 work is preferred with the application packet.
#19 – Stephen F Austin State University
Nacogdoches, Texas
MEd in Educational Leadership and Principal Certification Online
The online master of education in educational leadership and principal certification at Stephen F Austin State University requires an application through the applytexas.org system website. Applicants should be able to prove a GPA of at least 2.75 on the last 60 hours of their undergraduate coursework and be able to supply the department with a professional profile so the school may determine who will be the best "fit" for the program. Stephen F Austin State University's MEd in educational leadership and principal certification online is a 30 hour program that comes in under $8,000 in tuition fees.
#18 – The University of Texas Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Online MA in Educational Leadership
The University of Texas Permian Basin's master of arts in educational leadership online comes with principal certification or without. The program offers regular admission and conditional admission to those who may not meet all the criteria for regular admission.The online MA in educational leadership offered by the University of Texas Permian Basin also offers superintendent certification for those who have completed the master's and satisfied the requirements for principal certification.
#17 – Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Online MS in Educational Administration
The Emporia State University master of science in educational administration online boasts no GRE requirement for applicants. The 33 credits of this program can be finished in just about a year. Applicants are encouraged to have at least three years of teaching experience before applying to the program. With six start dates a year, Emporia State University's online MS in educational administration is a flexible, accessible degree that can be completed in minimal time for less than $12,000.
#16 – University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
MS in Educational Leadership Studies Online
The University of Kentucky online master of science in educational leadership studies does not require letters of recommendation or a GRE score for application to the program. This 30 credit program aims to create teacher leaders focused on school improvement and fostering a love of lifelong learning. As an applicant to the University of Kentucky MS in educational leadership studies online, students will need an accredited baccalaureate degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and experience as a K-12 teacher is "highly recommended."
#15 – University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Cincinnati, Ohio
Online MEd in Educational Leadership
The 30 unit long master of education in educational leadership online offered by the University of Cincinnati has four concentrations: special education leadership; principal leadership; early childhood leadership; and online learning and leadership. This program can be completed in one year but also has a part time study option. A waiver of the GRE application requirement is available for qualified applicants to the University of Cincinnati online MEd in educational leadership. Other application requirements include: three letters of recommendation; a goals statement; and minimum two years full time teaching experience (not as a substitute or student teacher).
#14 – Fitchburg State University
Fitchburg, Massachusetts
MEd in Educational Leadership and Management Online
Utilizing six 7 week terms per year, the Fitchburg State University online master of education in educational leadership and management is a 33 credit affair that is open to applicants with no teaching license. Available for less than $15,000, there is a $50 application fee, and students should be prepared to offer evidence of a 2.8 or better GPA on previous coursework. Fitchburg State University's MEd in educational leadership and management online does not require a graduate level exam score for entrance.
#13 – Arkansas State University-Main Campus
Jonesboro, Arkansas
MSE in Educational Leadership Online
The Arkansas State University online master of science in education in educational leadership is looking for applicants with at least one year of teaching experience who can provide evidence of a 3.0 or better GPA on previous coursework and a clear background check. The 36 credit program can be completed in just 20 months with proper application of effort and operates on a convenient 7 week term system. Arkansas State University MSE in educational leadership online offers conditional basis for acceptance to the program.
#12 – University of New Mexico-Main Campus
Albuquerque, New Mexico
MA in Educational Leadership Online
The online master of arts in educational leadership at the University of New Mexico requires applicants to submit three letters of recommendation, a letter of intent, an original writing sample, and proof of a 3.0 GPA on an earned undergraduate degree. The 36 hour plan of study involves five required courses and seven electives. The University of New Mexico's MA in educational leadership online does not lead directly to certification. Students will need to verify that this program meets the requirements for certification in their desired state of employment.
#11 – Angelo State University
San Angelo, Texas
Online MEd in Educational Administration
Angelo State University's online master of education in educational administration may be completed with or without principal certification with the State of Texas. The 36 credit program is fully online and offers the option of a superintendent's certification. The Angelo State University MEd in educational administration online allows six years from beginning with the institution for completion of the degree. Application requirements for the program include a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning and an undergrad GPA of at least 2.75. There is no GRE requirement for admission.
#10 – New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, New Mexico
MA in Educational Administration – Focus on PK-12 Administration Online
The New Mexico State University online master of arts in educational administration – focus on PK-12 administration requires a brief introductory campus visit to kick off the program and then meetings once a month during the internship portion of the program. Otherwise, all coursework is online. Requirements for admission include: three years of teaching experience in the PK-12 genre; a current teaching license; and a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. New Mexico State University's MA in educational administration – focus on PK-12 administration online is a 33 credit affair that can be finished in just two years.
#9 – Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online MAE in Educational Administration
The 36 credit hour Ball State University online master of arts in education in educational administration requires a $60 nonrefundable application fee. It takes as few as 18 months to complete this 36 hour degree. Ball State University's MAE in educational administration online requires that students accepted into the program maintain a GPA of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. This completely online degree is set up to provide all the instruction necessary to obtain a principal's license.
#8 – Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
Online MA in Higher Education Administration
Part of the State University of New York system, the Stony Brook University master of arts in higher education administration online is a 36 credit program that can be, with proper application, finished in less than 18 months. The program is 18 hours of core classes and 18 hours of electives, allowing acute tailoring of the degree to the student's particular areas of interest. Stony Brook University's online MA in higher education administration includes an essay, current resume, two letters of recommendation, and a personal statement among the admission requirements. There is no GRE requirement for this program.
#7 – Montclair State University
Montclair, New Jersey
Online MA in Educational Leadership
The Montclair State University fully online master of arts in educational leadership sets expectations of practical format and theoretical excellence. In 36 credit hours, the program covers aspects of school leadership like education law, differentiated supervision, and school finance. Montclair State University has been regularly recognized for the quality of the school's online programs, and the MA in educational leadership has also been individually recognized for excellence. This degree operates on the cohort model, moving the same 20 students through a sequence of 8 week courses at the rate of six courses per year.
#6 – Old Dominion University
Norfolk, Virginia
MSE in Educational Leadership – Admin. & Supervision K-12 Online
Utilizing the cohort method, the Old Dominion University online master of science in education in educational leadership – administration and supervision K-12 is a 30 credit degree that includes 120 hours of internship experience. Since this is a cohort program, all students are expected to move through the program at the same pace via the same sequence of coursework, and finish the program in five semesters. Old Dominion University's MSE in educational leadership – administration and supervision K-12 charges only a nominal out of state tuition fee for online only students.
#5 – Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona
Online MEd in Educational Leadership – Community College/Higher Education
Northern Arizona University proudly displays a master of education in educational leadership – community college/higher education online that takes 30 academic units to complete.The school allows six calendar years from the student's initial semester for completion of the program. But most students in the Northern Arizona University online MEd in educational leadership – community college/higher education manage to graduate in 2-3 years. Admission requirements for this program include a 3.0 GPA on an earned bachelor's degree and complete higher education transcripts.
#4 – Clemson University
Clemson, South Carolina
MEd in Administration and Supervision Online
30 hours in length, the Clemson University online master of education in administration and supervision offers three levels of entry: an MEd with licensure in the Palmetto State; an MEd with preparation for licensure in other states; or a standalone MEd for those not seeking licensure. This program is Fall admit only. Application packets should include a current resume, three letters of reference, and a GRE score within the last five years. Clemson University's MEd in administration and supervision is open to experienced educators looking to take on leadership roles.
#3 – University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, Arkansas
MEd in Educational Leadership Online
Operating on a rolling admissions basis, the University of Arkansas online master of education in educational leadership is a program with three admit dates per year and projects that students can finish in about seven terms, including internship. Part time study is also allowed. This 33 hour long program is involved in studies from school law to ethical leadership. The University of Arkansas MEd in educational leadership online is hoping to reach applicants with three letters of recommendation, a valid teaching license, and proof that one is currently employed as a full time teacher.
#2 – Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw, Georgia
Online MEd in Educational Leadership
Kennesaw State University master of education in educational leadership emphasizes the cohort model featured in most fully online degree programs. Also the school stresses attention to thorough assessment throughout your study and training toward tier 1 or II certification. Before you can graduate, you must do some in-person coaching for performance concentration. To train the next directors and commissioners and other positions of authority, Kennesaw State University's 36-credit online MEd in educational leadership will prepare you for the responsibilities of professional direction in departments of education.
#1 – Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
Online MS in Educational Administration – Building Principal
The 36-credit master of science in educational administration – building principal is available online at Fort Hays State University and features a range of course options from 4 to 8 to 16 week-courses. The school's detailed points-based criteria for acceptance is available to the public. Among the expectations: a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA; 2 letters of reference; proof of teaching licensure; and a current and professional resume. Fort Hays State University's online MS in educational administration – building principal also gives those with master's already the option of taking a recommended core set of 21 course hours.
