Find your perfect college degree
If you want to pursue senior and leadership roles in educational administration, you need to pursue a master’s degree. This program will cultivate your leadership and decision-making skills, integral in making critical decisions for curriculum development, disciplinary actions, and even budgeting.
Online master’s degree programs will be as intensive as their on-campus equivalents. These programs will still include comprehensive coursework, internship opportunities, and practical experiences to produce effective school leaders.
Graduates will find many job opportunities within and beyond the field that offer better job stability and higher wages. They can take on administrator responsibilities such as analyzing schools based on legal, economic, and organizational factors, curriculum development, and understanding school finance.
Additional Resources:
- Best Online Master’s in Education Grad Programs
- Best Master’s in Elementary Education Online
- Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Grad School Programs
Overview
Effective educational administrators create enabling environments that allow teachers to facilitate student learning, growth, and development successfully. Master’s degrees in educational administration equip aspiring school leaders with the right abilities to manage and lead educational institutions effectively.
Methodology
Numerous US universities and colleges offer graduate-level online Educational Administration. This gives them flexible learning experiences that allow them to further their credentials without compromising their careers. To make a positive difference in the lives of students and school organizations, this graduate program is an ideal choice!
If you’re on the search for such a program, we have a good place to start for you. We’ve compiled the schools that offer the best online Master’s in Educational Administration programs, each of which was selected with the following characteristics in mind:
- Offers their programs entirely or primarily online, giving students (who are typically working professionals) increased flexibility to balance their coursework with their ongoing professional commitments,
- Features a rigorous and comprehensive coursework that covers various areas crucial to effective practice in various educational leadership roles, including theoretical and practical approaches to management/administrative needs,
- Also prepares students to earn various relevant credentials and certifications, such as those required for roles as school Principals,
- Taught by faculty with extensive expertise as practitioners in the field of Education,
- Offered by well-known leading institutions known for providing quality education in a variety of metrics,
- Holds the relevant accreditation credentials.
Visit our Methodology section for details.
Top Online Master’s in Educational Administration Programs
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master of Science in Educational Administration
Drexel University is a large private research university composed of 19 schools and colleges and is classified one of R1: Doctoral Universities (Very High Research Activity). Drexel University currently has a population of over 37,000 students.
Drexel University offers an online MS in Educational Administration, which prepares students to navigate increasingly complex K-12 schools educational environments effectively.
- The program contains between 45 to 46.5 credit hours and is offered 100% online, using the Blackboard Learn software suite as the program’s main Learning Management System.
- The program is offered with a choice of 5 options depending on students’ specific career goals:
- Educational Administration only
- MS with school principal certification
- MS with school principal certification & special education leadership concentration
- MS with special education leadership concentration
- MS with Pennsylvania administrative certificate, principal K–12 only
- The program also concludes with a research-based capstone course. They can pursue a thesis, a Lesson Study, or a Practitioner Course.
Standout Features:
Drexel University’s MS in Educational Administration is known for its innovation as a performance-based credential, utilizing 21st-century learning tools coupled with a rigorous curriculum and invaluable internship experiences. The program is also designed to address the standards set by the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) program.
Did You Know?
Drexel University’s School of Education is one of the University’s oldest schools, dating back to the university’s original founding in 1891.
Texas A&M International University
Laredo, Texas
Master of Science in Educational Administration
Texas A&M University is among the largest American universities, enrolling over 60,000 students annually and offering nearly 270 undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs.
The TAMU Laredo campus enrolls over 8,500 students annually and comprises five schools and colleges, including a College of Education. The CoE offers an extensive MS in Educational Administration that can be completed online. This program is aimed at preparing students to be effective facilitators of teacher and student success as they occupy key leadership roles.
- This program requires 30 credit hours and takes ten months.
- Courses are delivered in an accelerated format, in 7-week long courses.
- The program’s coursework includes the following: Principalship, Public School Law, and Advanced Problems in Supervision.
- The program requires students to have a Texas Teacher Certificate as well as proof of having at least two years of teaching experience.
Standout Features:
The online MS in Educational Administration program at TAMIU is designed to prepare students to meet and earn the latest principal certification exams, Including the Principal 268 and the Performance Assessment for School Leaders (PASL) Certification Exams.
Did You Know?
Texas A&M International University officially joined the Texas A&M University System in 1989, after existing as the Laredo State University since 1977. It was almost transferred over to the University of Texas System in 1995, the same year it became a four-year university.
Ball State University
Muncie, IN
Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Administration and Supervision
Ball State University is a world-class, research-intensive institution known for its mission to advance knowledge and empower individuals to become leaders. Ball State offers several highly respected programs in various disciplines, including an MA in Educational Administration and Supervision.
The Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision offered by Ball State University can be completely earned online. It prepares students to earn a PK-12 building-level administration and supervision license or principal’s license.
- It is the largest principal preparation program in Indiana.
- This MA features professors with doctorate degrees along with experienced administrators who are among the top practitioners in the state.
- The curriculum is focused on helping students succeed in educational leadership roles in various settings, including schools and communities.
- It incorporates practical learning experiences, requiring completion of an internship.
Standout Feature:
In this online master’s in educational administration and supervision program, students are given the opportunity to explore a wide array of PK-12 experiences. This includes a two-semester internship. The Principal Internship is equivalent to 6 credits.
Students will need to serve at an elementary school and a middle school or high school. They may opt to serve at their workplace or in the nearby second school location. This internship provides students with practical experience essential to their application for the Educational Leadership Constituents Council ELCC standards for principals.
Did You Know?
Ball State University makes it a point to help students afford their college education, administering financial aid resources through different channels. In fact, 4 out of 5 students are qualified for financial aid.
Some of the financial aid options in the university include grants, scholarships, loans, and veterans benefits. Other additional assistance includes fee remissions, tuition discounts, vocational rehabilitation, and aid for student-athletes.
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision
Liberty University, a world-renowned Christian institution, is home to 15 colleges and schools emphasizing classroom theory and practical experience. It offers programs in diverse fields, including counseling, Education, religion, law, aviation, cinematic arts, business, and more. It’s also one of the largest online US universities.
A Master’s in Education Administration and Supervision program is offered at Liberty University to help prospective students pursue leadership roles in countless settings.
- The master’s degree gives students a solid foundation integral to their pursuit of educational careers in PreK-12 school districts, educational support services, local governments, and even religious sectors.
- The online degree program is Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation-accredited, which means it has met the rigorous national standards.
- Students will also study interdisciplinary topics like cultural awareness, financial management, community relations, human development, and more.
Standout Features:
The master’s degree is designed for licensed teachers who seek advanced licensure. Those who successfully earn the program may be able to apply for a license in another state through reciprocity.
Did You Know?
Liberty University is an in-demand online university, especially in the working adult and student veteran communities. Liberty keeps true to its mission of making higher education more accessible to minorities, working adults, and student veterans. Their degree programs charge per credit hour rates below the national average.
University of Michigan Flint
Flint, Michigan
Master of Arts in Educational Administration
The University of Michigan Flint is a public university in the city of Flint, Michigan. It is one of the three universities that belong to the University of Michigan System and was first established back in 1956 as Flint Senior College. It is currently composed of 6 schools and colleges and has a population of over 6,100 students.
The University of Michigan Flint offers an MA in Educational Administration designed to develop effective teacher-leaders and principals within the K-12 educational settings.
- The program consists of 30 credit hours and follows an online synchronous schedule.
- Students can also complete a part-time enrollment basis to balance their coursework with their teaching/administrative careers.
- The program’s courses include Principalship Theory & Practice, Curriculum Development, School Finance & Business Administration, Evaluation of Services & Programs, and more.
- Prospective students are required to have a teaching certificate or proof of having a K-12 teaching/administrative experience.
Standout Features:
Unlike other Educational Administration programs, this one is cohort-based, where students are placed in small cohorts of 20-30 fellow students. This helps create a strong support network of fellow educators and professionals, which can be beneficial to students’ professional and personal development. The program also has approval from the Michigan Department of Education for Principal Certification.
Did You Know?
Upon its establishment in 1956, the University of Michigan Flint included Education among its set of first academic offerings, along with business administration and the liberal arts & sciences.
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos, CA
Master of Arts in Educational Administration
California State University has a long history of producing leaders through quality education. CSU enrolls approximately 450,000 students, approximately 9.2% of which are pursuing graduate degrees.
CSU offers a top-ranked MA in Educational Administration with a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. This 12-month program features faculty members and instructors with years of professional experience as school leaders.
- It bridges theory and practice in training and preparing K-12 school administrators.
- Candidates dedicate one hour of class time and two hours of out-of-class time for each unit of instruction completed.
- Students are trained to take on leadership roles in academic institutions, armed with strong values.
- It mainstreams a curriculum for improving curriculum and instruction and preparing for the CAL Administrator Performance Assessment.
- To get admitted into the program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
Standout Features:
The online master’s in educational administration program is among the authorized programs listed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. This means the program provides students with both educational curriculum and fieldwork.
The program focuses on research while utilizing the theory-to-practice model, which also meets the requirements for the California Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
Did You Know?
California State University San Marcos is home to Extended Learning. The latter serves as the academic outreach arm of the university, making it the state’s premier provider of continuing education and training programs. The university earned its accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ
Master’s in Educational Administration
Grand Canyon University is a known career-focused institution, offering a range of on-campus and online programs across various educational levels. Some of the most popular areas of interest in the university include business, engineering and technology, and Education, among others.
Grand Canyon University is among the higher learning institutions offering online educational administration programs that are also available online. The online master’s in educational administration prepares principal candidates to pursue leadership positions in school administration.
- This online program is ideal for those who are interested in pursuing work in P-12 administration, whether in public, private, or charter schools.
- It combines coursework and practical applications, including a practicum, an internship, and various field experiences.
- It integrates 90 hours of hands-on field experience into its core curriculum.
- Candidates will be required to complete three internships totaling 270 additional hours in real-world settings.
Standout Features:
Offered under the College of Education, this online degree program is an institutionally accredited program with approval from the State of Arizona. It aligns with the standards set by the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders, as led by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.
Did You Know?
Grand Canyon University made numerous efforts to accommodate student communities, including those enrolled in its many online programs. Its efforts include improved digital platforms. This aims to provide outstanding experiences to online students.
Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Master of Science in Educational Administration
Emporia State University has kept its tradition of expertise in the field of Education since 1863. Today, it is composed of 8 schools and colleges, together with one institute, and has a population of over 5,300 students. Emporia extended its reach by offering some of its on-campus programs online; over 50 online degree programs are available.
One of their strengths is the online MS in Educational Administration. This program is designed mainly for employed professionals who want to develop the necessary skills for various leadership positions within the PreK-12 grade levels.
- The program requires 33 credit hours. It can be completed in as quick as 12 months.
- The program’s curriculum covers contemporary theory, methods, and practice, with the end goal of effectively facilitating a healthy organizational culture within the bounds of the PreK-12 grade levels.
- Among the program’s core courses are Supervision & Evaluation, School Leadership Theory, Education Law & Regulations, Supporting Technology Integration for School Leaders, and more.
- It is Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)-accredited.
Standout features of Emporia State University’s Master of Science in Educational Administration Program:
Students can pursue an accelerated MS in Curriculum & Instruction and an MS in Educational Administration. This dual degree program saves students time and money while earning two degrees, with a maximum of 15 credit hours shared between them.
This option suits those who
- lack the minimum teaching experience required for the Educational Administration program,
- are looking to enhance their qualifications, or those aiming to become administrators,
- want to gain expertise in curriculum and instruction.
Candidates will have flexibility in scheduling their coursework, but starting with the Curriculum & Instruction program is recommended before transitioning to Educational Administration
Did You Know?
In the spirit of its dedication to Education, Emporia State University is part of the consortium of organizations that established and continues to administer the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Every year, five outstanding educators from all over the country are honored, and their names are enshrined in the NTHF’s museum located on Emporia State University’s campus.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS
Master’s in Educational Administration
The University of Kansas is a premier research university, housing almost 30,000 students across five campuses. In addition to its physical campuses, KU also has a large and competitive online presence. There are more than 100 academic majors online, including Educational Administration.
The Master’s in Educational Administration program at KU is designed for working professionals. This includes those employed in administrative or leadership positions and those who want to make a career change.
- This curriculum helps students look at issues beyond the scope of a single classroom at the school.
- Students will participate in activities focused on exploring a variety of effective methods aimed at supporting educators, staff members, and students.
- Students can select a student learning track that aligns with their education, career interests, and goals, with choices including Building Leadership and non-licensure track.
Standout Features:
Students enrolled online under the educational administration program will gain access to Jayhawkville, a unique tool that helps them explore leadership in a number of different educational settings. Housing a comprehensive, interactive virtual school district of more than 30 simulated schools, Jayhawkville is a good learning tool that can enhance their knowledge and skills.
Did You Know?
Home to innovative research and constant pursuit of knowledge, the University of Kansas houses 14 academic institutions and offers 400 degree and certificate programs. It is a member of the Association of American Universities.
Its research spending with Kansas companies reached $53.9 million. It has recorded more than 180 invention disclosures. On top of that, the university also boasts 45 active startups that were created from research done at the University of Kansas.
University of Tennessee
Knoxville, Tennessee
Master of Science in Education Administration
The University of Tennessee (UT) is one of the oldest public, land-grant research universities in the United States. As a top research university, UT has ties to various institutions, including the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. UT currently has a population of over 36,000 students.
The University of Tennessee offers a Master of Science in Education Administration, preparing professionals for leadership roles in many educational settings, from K-12 right up to higher education institutions.
- The program contains 30 credit hours in total and includes a required field experience component.
- It offers two concentration areas: Higher Education Administration and K-12 Instructional Leadership. Each concentration area has its own unique set of courses.
- Higher Education Administration:
- Higher Education Administration and Governance
- Educational Law
- Postsecondary Education
- K-12 Instructional Leadership:
- Principalship
- Curriculum Design
- Policy Issues in Educational Law
- Higher Education Administration:
Standout Features:
The program lets students create a more customizable course of study that fits their circumstances and needs. The included field study components serve as an invaluable source of professional experience for students.
UT’s MS in Education Administration is accredited both by CAEP-Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation as well as the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools (SACS).
Did You Know?
Students looking to earn a terminal degree in the field eventually can keep doing so online with the University of Tennessee’s Online Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should students pursue an online Master’s in Educational Administration?
Online master’s degrees in Educational Administration lead to the same career prospects as traditional campus graduates. Their main difference is that the online learning modality has a friendlier and more flexible approach to students with work and other commitments.
Nevertheless, online programs still prepare students for educational leadership roles, such as elementary, middle, and high school principals. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, these positions have an average median annual pay of $103,460.
What are the admission requirements for online Master’s in Educational Administration programs?
Admission requirements vary. However, the most common application materials include:
- a bachelor’s from a regionally accredited institution.
- a minimum GPA requirement
- a few prerequisite courses
- official transcripts
- letters of recommendation
- personal statements
What are the factors to consider when choosing among online Master in Educational Administration programs?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the right online Master’s in Education Administration. The #1 thing to consider is the location of your future employment.
Most educational administration positions require candidates to hold licenses within the state where they apply. You need to make sure the program you choose will satisfy the requirements of the state where you will be working.
They must also consider the accreditation. This includes making sure that the program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, which is the national accrediting agency for master’s degrees in educator preparation.
Summary Points
- Online Master’s in Educational Administration degrees are designed to prepare students to pursue leadership and administrative roles in schools, such as principals, deans, and program directors who craft initiatives and programs for school improvement.
- Online Master’s in Educational Administration programs are typically designed with concentration areas in K-12, middle school, and higher education settings to address the different educational environments.
- Online Master’s in Educational Administration typically cover the theoretical bases of the practice, such as Principalship, as well as a number of key leadership skills and processes, including curriculum design, program evaluation, educational law & policy, financial and human resource management, and more.
- Programs that are intended for K-12 educational environments also typically integrate student preparation toward earning Principal certification.
