A master’s in educational administration degree mixes the skills and knowledge of an educator with principles and techniques required for leadership roles that expand to all schools and systems. Upon completing this degree, students will understand how to oversee school operations as superintendents, principals, vice principals, human resources managers, and administrators.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for K-12 principals is $101,320. And at the postsecondary level, administrators earn an average salary of $99,940 per year.
Tuition costs for an online master’s in educational administration vary. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average graduate tuition is $12,596 at public colleges and $28,017 at private institutions. This degree typically requires a minimum of 30 credits and can be completed in 1-2 years, depending on the pace of study.
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The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.
- Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
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- Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources
How we rank schools
Our list features the best online Educational Administration degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:
Academic Quality:
- Admission rate versus enrollment rate
- Retention rate of students who return after year one
- Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
- Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions
Graduation Rate
- Overall graduation rate
- Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
- Student-to-faculty ratio
Cost and ROI
- In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
- Required credits to graduate
- Earning potential after graduation
- Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options
Student Resources
- Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
- On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries
Read more about our ranking methodology.
The Top 53 Master’s in Education Administration Programs
intelligent score 99.90
Award
Rankings
#1 USNews
School Information
East Lansing, MI
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 76%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$933
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
517-355-1855
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 99.80
Award
Rankings
#4 USNews
School Information
Charlottesville, VA
Graduation Rate: 94%
Admission Rate: 23%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$629
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
434-924-3728
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 97.17
Award
Rankings
#1 The Best Schools
#5 USNews
School Information
Tallahassee, FL
Graduation Rate: 80%
Admission Rate: 32%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $446
Out-of-State: $1,075
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
850-644-6885
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 95.81
Award
Rankings
#7 USNews
School Information
Athens, GA
Graduation Rate: 85%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $417
Out-of-State: $1,082
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
706-542-3000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 95.65
Award
Rankings
#12 Online Master's Degrees
#17 USNews
School Information
Tuscaloosa, AL
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 80%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$440
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-467-0227
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 95.52
Award
Rankings
#1 Online Master's Degrees
School Information
River Forest, IL
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 79%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$505
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
708-771-8300
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 95.49
Award
Rankings
#2 Online Master's Degrees
School Information
Livonia, MI
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$980
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
734-432-5300
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 95.43
Award
Rankings
#9 Online Master's Degrees
#18 Center for Online Education
School Information
Longmeadow, MA
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$560
accreditation
New England Commission Of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-782-7284
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 93.77
Award
Rankings
#3 Online Master's Degrees
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 53%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$752
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-981-9801
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 92.78
Award
Rankings
#5 Online Master's Degrees
School Information
Saint Louis, MO
Graduation Rate: 51%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$599
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
314-392-2327
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 92.71
Award
Rankings
School Information
Dekalb, IL
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 71%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$534
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
815-753-1465
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 92.68
Award
Rankings
School Information
Stephenville, TX
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Rate: 58%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $509
Out-of-State: $775
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
254-968-9000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30-33
intelligent score 92.30
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lubbock, TX
Graduation Rate: 62%
Admission Rate: 70%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $50
Out-of-State: $460
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
806-742-2377
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 91.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Victoria, TX
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 82%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $390
Out-of-State: $800
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
361-570-4848
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 91.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Stony Brook, NY
Graduation Rate: 75%
Admission Rate: 49%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $471
Out-of-State: $1,020
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
631-632-7050
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 91.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
Mount Pleasant, MI
Graduation Rate: 61%
Admission Rate: 69%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $758
Out-of-State: $957
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
989-774-4000
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 91.03
Award
Rankings
School Information
Lynchburg, VA
Graduation Rate: 36%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$415 - $615
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-424-9595
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 90.77
Award
Rankings
School Information
Philadelphia, PA
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
46
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,111
accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-237-3935
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
46
intelligent score 90.70
Award
Rankings
School Information
Huntsville, TX
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 93%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$413
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
936-294-1971
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 90.41
Award
Rankings
School Information
Tahlequah, OK
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$278
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
918-894-5939
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 90.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Danville, VA
Graduation Rate: 47%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$530
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-946-8147
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
31
intelligent score 89.84
Award
Rankings
School Information
Ames, IA
Graduation Rate: 74%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $639
Out-of-State: $1,617
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
515-294-3916
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 88.59
Award
Rankings
School Information
Washington, DC
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Rate: 43%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$1,000
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
202-994-9283
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 88.28
Award
Rankings
School Information
Louisville, KY
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 65%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$830
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-871-8635
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 88.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Houston, TX
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 63%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$386 - $489
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
713-743-2255
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 88.01
Award
Rankings
School Information
Ashland, OH
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Rate: 74%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$690
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
419-289-4142
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 87.39
Award
Rankings
School Information
Statesboro, GA
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$277
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
912-478-1447
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 86.63
Award
Rankings
School Information
Magnolia, AR
Graduation Rate: 45%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$402
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
870-235-4150
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 86.18
Award
Rankings
School Information
Jackson, MS
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 89%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $483
Out-of-State: $1,983
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
601-979-2121
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
39
intelligent score 84.33
Award
Rankings
School Information
San Diego, CA
Graduation Rate: 38%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$442
accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-355-6288
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 84.04
Award
Rankings
School Information
Laredo, TX
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 48%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$367
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
844-872-8712
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 83.21
Award
Rankings
School Information
Manchester, NH
Graduation Rate: 35%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$637
accreditation
New England Commission of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-668-1249
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 81.97
Award
Rankings
School Information
Henniker, NH
Graduation Rate: 28%
Admission Rate: 100%
Urbanicity: Rural
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$480
accreditation
New England Commission Of Higher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
603-428-2252
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
40
intelligent score 81.67
Award
Rankings
School Information
Miami, FL
Graduation Rate: 69%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$587
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
855-670-5775
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 80.47
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbia, SC
Graduation Rate: 76%
Admission Rate: 64%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$515
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
803-777-6732
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 79.87
Award
Rankings
School Information
Chicago, IL
Graduation Rate: 60%
Admission Rate: 68%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$580
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
773-244-6200
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 79.07
Award
Rankings
School Information
Central, SC
Graduation Rate: 58%
Admission Rate: 51%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Small
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$470
accreditation
National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
864-644-5550
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 76.05
Award
Rankings
School Information
Emporia, KS
Graduation Rate: 50%
Admission Rate: 96%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$332
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
800-721-2248
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 75.83
Award
Rankings
School Information
Norman, OK
Graduation Rate: 68%
Admission Rate: 73%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Large
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$700
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
405-325-2252
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
36
intelligent score 75.01
Award
Rankings
School Information
Las Cruces, NM
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 78%
Urbanicity: Suburban
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$444
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
575-646-3121
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 74.99
Award
Rankings
School Information
Beaumont, TX
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Rate: 84%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$733
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
409-880-7011
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 72.94
Award
Rankings
School Information
Weatherford, OK
Graduation Rate: 46%
Admission Rate: 77%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $249
Non-Resident: $285
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
580-774-3782
Delivery Format
Online, On-Campus
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
33
intelligent score 72.35
Award
Rankings
School Information
Commerce, TX
Graduation Rate: 54%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $758
Non-Resident: $1,166
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
903-886-5520
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 71.13
Award
Rankings
School Information
Hattiesburg, MS
Graduation Rate: 53%
Admission Rate: 99%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
$556
accreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
601-266-5137
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
34
intelligent score 71.10
Award
Rankings
School Information
Brookings, SD
Graduation Rate: 55%
Admission Rate: 86%
Urbanicity: Town
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
Resident: $340
Non-Resident: $654
accreditation
Higher Learning Commission
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
605-688-4181
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
intelligent score 70.58
Award
Rankings
School Information
Columbus, GA
Graduation Rate: 44%
Admission Rate: 88%
Urbanicity: City
School Size: Medium
Award
Delivery Format
Online
Programs
Required Credits to Graduate
30
Department
Estimated Cost per Credit
In-State: $301
Out-of-State: $817
accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
more program informationEmail:
[email protected]
Phone:
706-507-8800
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How to Choose an Online Master’s in Educational Administration Program
Choose your area of study
Decide what type of administrative role you would like to pursue. Is your interest in elementary, secondary, or higher education? Are you drawn to a specific area of education, such as curriculum development or special education? Many programs allow you to select a concentration and specialize in one of these areas.
Consider also the different types of degrees available in this field. Some common master’s degrees in educational administration include Master of Education (MEd), Master of Arts (MA), and Master of Science (MS). Each type of degree takes a different practical and theoretical approach to curriculum design and hands-on learning.
Clarifying your career goals and personal interests will help you focus your search on programs that meet your specific criteria.
Research schools and programs
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your master’s in educational administration program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Council on the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP). This programmatic accrediting organization has particularly high standards for education-related programs.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Some of the essential questions students should ask during the research phase include:
- How do online students interact with classmates and faculty?
- Who are the faculty, and what are their qualifications?
- What support services are available to online students?
- Is teaching experience required to enter the program?
- What type of internship, practicum, or field experience is required?
- Are scholarships available?
- What are the program’s core courses?
- Are tutors accessible to online students?
Prepare for tests and applications
Each program varies in its application requirements and processes. Before submitting an application, always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Standard requirements for a master’s in educational administration are an accredited bachelor’s degree in education or a related field, a 3.0 grade point average, and applicable work experience.
In general, students applying to an online master’s in educational administration will have to submit the following:
- Completed application and fees
- Official transcripts from previous colleges
- An updated resume or record of employment history
- Letter(s) of recommendation from academic and professional references
- A personal statement or statement of purpose outlining your interest in the field, achievements, and career goals
Some schools require GRE scores, so if you need to take this standardized test, prepare and sit for the exam while researching schools.
Select your program
There are various ways to decide which programs to apply to. Conducting thorough research will help students eliminate some schools that don’t meet their needs in terms of schedule, cost, or curriculum. Some students submit multiple applications to boost their odds of acceptance, while others target a single program based on their interests and needs. Whatever path you choose, remember that most schools charge application fees, which can add up quickly if you’re applying to many schools.
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Are you only interested in 100% online programs, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a few in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Start by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for need-based aid like federal student loans, grants, work-study, and institutional scholarships. You can also research merit-based scholarships and grants from your school as well as external resources like professional development organizations, non-profits, community and religious groups, and more.
Students who will be working while enrolled in an online master’s in educational administration program should check if their employer offers tuition assistance benefits. Veterans and active military service members should find out if the school offers military discounts and accepts GI Bill benefits.
Any questions about financial aid, student loans, and tuition should be directed to the school’s financial aid office.
What Can You Expect from an Online Master’s in Educational Administration Program?
The number of credits needed for a master’s in educational administration typically ranges from 30 to 45. In addition to coursework, these programs usually require some form of on-site field experience, such as an internship or practicum.
An online master’s in educational administration typically includes coursework and experience in the following areas:
- Principalship. Examining how principals set the tone at a school through teacher and staff interaction is central.
- Role of the curriculum and instruction leader. Making difficult decisions and the concept of leadership affecting the school environment are addressed.
- School policy and law. How schools work through legal challenges and gain an extensive background in educational policies are researched.
- Diversity in schools. Students learn how administrators need to be culturally aware to maintain an inclusive environment.
- Planning, school improvement, and technology. Lessons constitute integrating classroom technology inside a budget, plus acquiring critical thinking and negotiation skills.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online master’s in educational administration degree program
- Education Research. Students explore present research in education and a variety of research methods.
- Educational Administration. This course helps develop students’ leadership styles and philosophies.
- Promoting School Improvement. Students learn how to create and implement school improvement plans alongside data analysis to encourage effective learning environments.
- Instructional Design. In this course, students learn about developing new materials, teacher training, and the assessment of curricular effectiveness.
What Can You Do With an Online Master’s in Educational Administration?
Career outlook
A master’s degree in educational administration opens the door to a wide range of career paths within the field of education. Graduates can pursue leadership roles such as school principal, assistant principal, or superintendent of schools, overseeing entire school districts and shaping education policies. Others may become curriculum coordinators, focusing on curriculum development and alignment with educational standards.
Here are some of the career paths open to those with this academic credential:
- 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
Online Master’s in Educational Administration Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online master’s in educational administration degree program?
The first step is confirming the requirements and application processes by talking to the school’s admissions office. If you’re applying to multiple schools, create a spreadsheet or checklist to keep track of deadlines.
Most schools use an online application portal where students can submit their application and supporting documents. Ensuring you have digital versions of all the required information, such as college transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and work experience, will help streamline the application process.
Talk with a school admissions counselor to verify you have everything the school needs successfully submitted or mailed in by the submission deadlines.
How much does an online master’s in educational administration degree cost?
There are many factors that determine the ultimate cost of an online master’s in educational administration. For the most accurate information on how much a program costs, speak to a financial aid counselor. Consider all financial support you may receive, including income from a full- or part-time job, scholarships, grants, and loans.
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the average tuition for graduate programs is $12,596 at public universities and $28,017 at private schools. Public universities usually charge a higher tuition rate to out-of-state students than in-state students.
How long does it take to earn an online master’s in educational administration degree?
The time to earn an online master’s degree in educational administration is contingent on the school and the student’s pace. Most programs take about two years to complete, but students might finish in 18 months if they can earn 12 to 15 credits each semester. Part-time students may need three or more years to earn their degree.
Is an online master's in educational administration worth it?
A master’s degree in educational administration provides the knowledge and skills for leadership roles as well as the opportunity to contribute positively to the field of education, shape educational policies, and make a lasting impact on students and institutions. It is a valuable investment in a rewarding and influential career. Individuals with this degree often earn competitive salaries as well.
Earning a degree online opens the door to advanced education for those who do not live near local educational institutions or need more flexibility than an on-campus program can provide. Many online programs offer self-paced or asynchronous learning, allowing you to complete assignments and exams when it’s most convenient for you.
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