Ambitious educators, driven by a commitment to improving learning environments and shaping the future of education, may find themselves drawn to a career in educational leadership as principals, superintendents, or administrators. An online master’s in educational leadership can help these individuals develop the expertise required for these critical roles.
Advancing into leadership positions can also increase the earning potential of education professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for principals is $103,460. The agency predicts that there will be approximately 20,200 new job openings per year for principals through 2032.
There are many options available to students who are considering pursuing an online master’s in educational leadership, which is why Intelligent.com compiled this list of the best degree programs for this field. This article also includes insight from Blanca Villagomez, a program coordinator and counselor at UC-Irvine, regarding how to determine which program is the right fit, what to expect from an online master’s in educational leadership, and what the career outlook is like for this field.
What Can I Expect from an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree?
If you’re ready to take the next step in your educational career and make a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities, a master’s in educational leadership may be just what you need to get there. Students can choose from specialties such as school administration, curriculum and instruction, higher education leadership, educational policy, and more. These programs feature robust curriculums that focus on:
- Leadership Skills Development: The primary focus of a master’s in educational leadership program is to equip educators with the necessary leadership skills to manage educational institutions and improve student outcomes effectively. You will learn about leadership theories, decision-making, and management strategies tailored to educational settings.
- Curriculum Development: Many programs cover curriculum design and evaluation, as educational leaders often play a pivotal role in shaping their institutions’ educational content and standards.
- Policy and Administration: To understand educational policy development and administration, you will learn about legal and ethical issues in education, budgeting, and resource management.
- Instructional Improvement: Educational leaders are responsible for fostering instructional improvement. You may learn about methods for evaluating teaching effectiveness, implementing professional development programs, and using data to drive decision-making.
- Practical Experience: Some programs include internships or practicum experiences, allowing you to apply your knowledge to real education settings.
“Online programs generally offer a combination of asynchronous and synchronous modalities so expectations and pacing can vary greatly across courses,” Villagomez says. “With asynchronous courses, interactions with professors and classmates can be limited and may require more effort to stay connected. Meanwhile, synchronous courses can facilitate engagement more easily.”
Villagomez adds, “Despite the different modalities, all online degree programs require a high level of self-motivation, effective time management, and structured independent study.”
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in educational leadership program
- Introduction to Educational Leadership: This course provides an introduction to the history, philosophy, and social aspects of educational leadership while reviewing relevant theories of administration, the historical role of administration in schools, and the political, social, economic, and philosophical frameworks that have informed administration.
- School Community Relations: Explores adapting educational programs to community needs, using community resources in instruction, and planning school-community relations programs.
- Public School Budgeting and Accounting: Introduces the foundation of school finance theory and investigates the concepts and practices of effective budget management.
Legal Perspectives on Education: Provides an overview of the legal framework affecting the organization and administration of public schools, including church-state issues, the rights of students and teachers, conditions of employment, teacher organizations, special education, student discipline, and more.
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Our Methodology
We ranked 256 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online business administration bachelor’s degree programs in the U.S. using 17 data points in the categories of credibility, affordability, student outcomes, student experience and application process.
We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.
We scored schools based on the following metrics.
Student Outcomes:
- Graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Median earnings 10 years after graduation
- Pell Grant recipient graduation rate within eight years of normal time
- Retention rate
- Pell Grant graduation rate vs. overall graduation rate
Affordability:
- Average in-state tuition rate and fees
- Median federal student loan debt
- Student loan default rate
- Percentage of students who take out loans
- Student Experience:
- Student-to-faculty ratio
- Socioeconomic diversity
- Program’s coursework (excluding student orientations, field experiences and labs) is available 100% online
- Proportion of undergraduate students enrolled in at least some distance learning courses
Credibility:
- Fully accredited
- Nonprofit status
Application Process:
- Acceptance rate
- Uses Common App
We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 88% or higher.
Find our full list of methodologies here.
Best 50 Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
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How to Choose the Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree That’s Right for You
Step 1: Choose your area of study
“Early in the college search process, I encourage students to invest time reflecting on their academic interests, career goals, and types of learning environments they thrive in to identify the best programs for them,” Villagomez says. “A graduate program requires an investment of time, money, and energy, so it’s important for students to understand their motivations and needs before selecting a program.”
A key consideration for students interested in educational leadership is what type of degree they want to earn. Options include a Master of Education (M.Ed), a Master of Science in Education (M.S.Ed), or a Master of Arts in Education (MAE).
Students can also focus their studies on a specialization that aligns with their professional goals, such as school administration, curriculum and instruction, or higher education leadership.
When choosing your study area, it’s also essential to assess your learning preferences and lifestyle. Consider whether synchronous or asynchronous learning suits your needs and whether full-time or part-time enrollment aligns with your schedule and commitments. The right program format and scheduling can significantly impact your academic success and overall experience.
Step 2: Research schools and programs
“Researching schools and programs with a strategy can help streamline the process of finding the right program,” Villagomez says. “Students will need to develop a list of their parameters to help them narrow down their school options.”
Villagomez recommends students gather the following information by visiting the school’s website, speaking to an admissions counselor, or attending virtual information sessions:
- Application requirements
- Program curriculum and experiential learning requirements
- Cost of attendance and available financial aid
- Institution’s reputation and ranking
- Types of professional development resources offered
- Types of general support services and niche support areas offered
She also emphasizes the importance of verifying the accreditation status of the schools and programs students are considering. “Verifying the college’s accreditation ensures that the institution has the seal of approval by the U.S. Department of Education,” she says. “With institutional accreditation, colleges and universities are evaluated as a whole and must achieve several standards to receive accreditation. Programmatic accreditations evaluate the quality and legitimacy of the specific degree programs offered at institutions.”
Students should verify that their school is accredited by a recognized regional accrediting agency and that their program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Step 3: Prepare for applications and tests
Submitting applications can be an intimidating — albeit exciting — time. Many graduate programs are competitive, so it’s essential to prepare meticulously. Allocate ample time to write an engaging application, including a standout personal statement that illustrates your enthusiasm and goals. Simultaneously, gather strong letters of recommendation from professors or employers who can attest to your abilities. Since many programs require GRE scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your scores.
Review each program’s specific requirements, deadlines, and prerequisites to ensure a robust application that makes a lasting impression on admissions committees. By preparing diligently, you’ll have a better chance of securing your spot in the program of your choice.
Step 4: Select your program
After your acceptance letters arrive, it’s time to select your program. Consider factors like specialization alignment with your career goals, financial aid opportunities, and program reputation. Revisit details like class sizes, networking opportunities, and internship possibilities.
Ultimately, choosing your program is a personal decision. Select the one that aligns with your academic needs and vision for a successful career in educational leadership.
Step 5: Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Determining how to finance your degree is a critical step in your educational journey, as thorough financial planning can significantly impact your degree’s affordability and the return on your investment.
Seek out scholarships and grants first, as they don’t require repayment and can significantly reduce your financial burden. Individuals who are employed while earning their master’s degree can also inquire if their employer provides tuition assistance benefits to help offset educational costs.
Federal loans can help bridge gaps in funding, but be sure to borrow responsibly to avoid long-term debt. For educators, federal programs like Teacher Loan Forgiveness can provide relief after a certain number of years in the field, while Public Service Loan Forgiveness offers options for those in public education or nonprofit roles.
To be considered for federal student loans and loan forgiveness programs, as well as need-based scholarships and grants, students must apply using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
What Can I Do With an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership?
For aspiring educational administrators, a master’s in educational leadership can open up a wide range of career opportunities, including options like school principal, assistant principal, superintendent, higher education administrator, and more.
Students should note that many states require individuals in these roles to have state-level certification in order to qualify for positions. Earning your master’s in educational leadership online is an excellent way to meet this requirement. Other requirements might include classroom teaching experience, an internship or practicum in a leadership role (often including in a master’s degree curriculum), and successful completion of a licensure exam. When selecting an online master’s in educational leadership program, students should confirm that it meets the requirements of the state in which they plan to work.
A master’s in educational leadership can also build a solid foundation for further study at the doctoral level. Depending on their area of interest, students may pursue a doctorate of education (Ed.D) in areas like curriculum and instruction, educational administration, and higher education.
Career outlook
- Elementary, middle, or high school principal — Oversee school staff and operations at the K-12 level.
- Median annual salary: $103,460
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 1%
- New job openings projected: 20,200 annually
- Postsecondary education administrator — Manage administrative functions for a university, such as admissions or recordkeeping.
- Median annual salary: $99,940
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 4%
- New job openings projected: 15,300 annually
- Instructional coordinator — Develop, implement, and assess the effectiveness of educational materials.
- Median annual salary: $66,490
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 2%
- New job openings projected: 19,200 annually
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Frequently Asked Questions About Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
Should I get a master's in educational leadership degree in person or online?
Deciding whether to pursue your master’s in educational leadership in person or online depends on your specific situation.
“Time is a non-renewable resource,” Villagomez says. “For some students, the flexibility, convenience, and accessibility of online programs provides the only viable opportunity to earn a master’s degree.”
However, online learning may not be for everyone. Students who rely on in-person interaction and hands-on instruction to facilitate learning and accountability may find that an in-person or hybrid program is a better fit.
What are the admissions requirements for an online master's in educational leadership degree?
Admissions requirements for an online master’s in educational leadership degree typically include the following:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA, often around 3.0
- Official Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Resume or CV
- Standardized test scores
While many programs still require GRE or other standardized test scores, some have moved to test-optional policies. Some programs may prefer applicants with teaching experience or require an initial teacher certification.
What is the average cost of an online master's in educational leadership degree?
For the 2021-22 academic year, tuition for graduate degrees averaged $12,596 at public universities and $29,931 at private colleges. Public schools typically offer more affordable tuition than private institutions because they receive funding from the state government, reducing the financial burden for in-state students.
Online students can save money by:
- Opting for a public university
- Pursuing in-state tuition when available
- Exploring grants, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities
- Inquiring about employer tuition reimbursement programs
However, according to Villagomez, online students should budget for some expenses. “Online programs may require additional costs such as reliable internet connection and special technical software required for some classes,” she says.
How long does it take to complete an online master's in educational leadership degree?
The time it will take to complete your master’s in educational leadership will vary depending on the institution you attend and your specific course load. Some programs may offer accelerated options, resulting in faster degree completion but often requiring a more significant time commitment.
| Delivery Format | Enrollment Type | Program Duration |
| Fully Online | Full-Time | 1-2 years |
| Fully Online | Part-Time | 2-3 years |
| Accelerated Online | Full-Time | 1-1.5 years |
How hard is an online master's in educational leadership degree?
The difficulty of an online graduate degree depends on your prior education, experience, and time management skills — but it generally demands a significant commitment due to the combination of complex coursework and the need to balance studies with other obligations. Your success will largely depend on your dedication, organizational skills, and genuine passion for educational leadership.
Is an online master's in educational leadership degree worth it?
A master’s in educational leadership can be worth it for students who want to advance their careers as educational leaders. It provides the unique skill set needed to excel in positions like school principal, district superintendent, or curriculum director, often leading to increased earning potential and more significant influence in education.
From a financial perspective, investing in higher education can also be worth it. The median annual salary for instructional coordinators is $74,620, for postsecondary education administrators, $102,610, and for school principals, $103,460. By comparison, the median annual salary for K-12 teachers is $64,393.
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