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Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024
Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024
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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.
Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
This list features some of the best online master’s degree programs in educational leadership in the U.S. All are offered at nonprofit, accredited institutions, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each degree program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and student resources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared our picks to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
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.
“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.”
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).
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:
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
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.
