One of the best ways to advance your career in education is by earning an online Master’s in Educational Leadership. By pursuing this type of degree, students will gain valuable insight and knowledge needed to advance their careers into a variety of leadership roles such as principal, dean, superintendent, and much more. These types of roles often require that applicants have earned some type of higher-level of education in leadership. While earning a master’s degree may seem expensive and time-consuming, choosing to earn a Master’s in Educational Leadership online can save both time and money.
To help students find the best online Master’s in Educational Leadership programs, we gathered the top programs and ranked them below. These programs have been selected based on their tuition price, the length of the program, and the overall quality of the program.
Featured Programs
Note that tuition rates listed below are based on cost per credit, and individual programs may have additional fees.
#1. Valdosta State University
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Valdosta, Georgia
Valdosta State University offers students an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree. This online Master of Education Leadership degree is focused on students who wish to learn what it takes to move into an administrative or leadership position within an educational organization. Students will learn vital skills such as staff development, program evaluation, scheduling, and much more. They will also focus on what it takes to properly create and implement a school improvement plan. Courses in this program include Technology Leadership for School Improvement, Curriculum, Instruction & Technology Integration, and much more. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this degree.
Tuition: $8,790
Score: 100
#2. University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Monroe, Louisiana
Students at the University of Louisiana at Monroe can enroll in the school’s online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree. Designed to be completed in as little as fifteen months, this program is also available entirely online. Students in this program will learn the skills needed to be a force for change within a school or educational organization. They will learn the various administrative processes that school leaders must know, as well as the interpersonal and management skills needed for their success. This program of study has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. A total of 36 credits are required for the completion of this degree.
Tuition: $10,800
Score: 99
#3. University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Online Master of Education in Rural & Urban School Leadership
Little Rock, Arkansas
The Online Master of Education in Rural & Urban School Leadership degree is offered to students entirely online by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This online Master of Education Leadership degree is designed to teach students the fundamentals of what it takes to be a successful leader of an educational organization. This particular degree program has students focus on the needs and issues that affect rural and urban schools. These particular learning environments have their own unique problems, and this degree is perfect for those who would like to help remedy them. Students must earn a total of 30 credit hours to graduate from this online education master’s.
Tuition: $11,490
Score: 98.5
#4. University of Sioux Falls
Online Master of Education in Educational Administration / Adult & Higher Education
Sioux Falls, Idaho
The University of Sioux Falls currently offers an Online Master of Education in Educational Administration / Adult & Higher Education degree. This Master of Educational Leadership online degree prepares students with the knowledge and insight needed to work as administrators or in leadership positions at a school or other educational facility. Students in this program of study will specialize in the issues and needs of higher education institutes. By completing this degree, students will be ready for roles within colleges, technical schools, and other higher education institutions. To finish this degree, students must earn a total of 33 credits.
Tuition: $11,550
Score: 98
#5. University of Cincinnati
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Cincinnati, Ohio
Students can enroll in an Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree that is offered by the University of Cincinnati. Offered entirely online, this Master in Educational Leadership is designed to develop the skills and competencies needed to help students further their career within academia. They will learn how to be a force for change within their educational communities. They will also study to prepare for the licensure exams needed to become principals or other leaders in education. Those who complete this program are prepared for careers as principals, superintendents, deans, and much more. A total of 30 credits are required to complete this online education master’s.
Tuition: $11,940
Score: 97.5
#6. Wayne State College
Online Master of Science in Education / School Administration
Wayne, Nebraska
Wayne State College offers its students an Online Master of Science in Education / School Administration degree. Through the process of completing this program, students will be introduced to the various skills needed to manage a school. They will also study school law, finances, supervision and instruction, and much more. Students can choose to gain specializations in particular student age groups including PK-12, PK-8, 7-12, as well as Athletic Administration. These specializations allow students to hone their studies towards the particular role they want. Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation, this degree requires a total of 36 credit hours to complete.
Tuition: $12,996
Score: 97
#7. University of Arkansas
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Offered through the University of Arkansas’ U of A Online platform, this Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree can be finished entirely online. Students in this program of study will work towards developing the leadership skills needed to work in administrative roles in elementary and secondary schools. This education master’s also helps students to prepare for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment. The University of Arkansas currently estimates that this program can be completed in about two years. This program has been accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and requires a total of 33 credit hours for its completion.
Tuition: $13,860
Score: 96.5
#8. University of Massachusetts-Lowell
Online Master of Education in Educational Administration
Lowell, Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell offers this Online Master of Education in Educational Administration degree to students through its UMass Online platform. Throughout the ten courses in this curriculum, students will broaden their understanding and knowledge of the skills needed to provide quality leadership to educational institutions. Courses in this program of study include Principles of Supervision, Leading the Professional Learning Community, The Inclusive School, and much more. This program of study has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. To complete this degree, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours.
Tuition: $14,100
Score: 96
#9. University of Mississippi
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Oxford, Mississippi
Students at the University of Mississippi can enroll in an Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. This online Master of Educational Leadership degree is geared towards students who want to take the next step in their career in education. Through this program of study, students will work towards gaining the knowledge and understanding needed to step into leadership roles within educational institutions. To help with this program, students will be assigned access to an Instructional Leader Mentor who will help coach them through the completion of this degree program. A total of 30 credit hours are needed to earn this degree.
Tuition: $14,250
Score: 95.5
#10. University of South Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Educational Administration / Pre-K-12 Principal
Vermillion, South Dakota
At the University of South Dakota, students can choose to enroll in an Online Master of Arts in Educational Administration / Pre-K-12 Principal degree. Offered entirely online, this particular degree program is designed to help students who want to move beyond teaching positions and enter into roles on the administrative side of education. This particular degree program prepares students with the information needed to succeed in positions as principal of Pre-K through high school institutions. Those who complete this program are able to apply for principal licensure. A total of 32 credits are required to complete this education master’s online.
Tuition: $14,400
Score: 95
#11. University of West Alabama
Online Master of Education in Instructional Leadership
Livingston, Alabama
This Online Master of Education in Instructional Leadership degree is offered to students entirely online by the University of West Alabama. In this program of study, students will learn how to oversee academic programs and academic institutions. Designed to be completed in as little as one year, the courses in this program are eight weeks in length. The University of West Alabama also has received accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. A total of 34 credit hours are needed to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $14,586
Score: 94.5
#12. Western Governors University
Online Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Salt Lake City, Utah
Offered through Western Governors University’s online platform, this Online Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree can be completed entirely online. Students who enroll in this program will develop their skills in governance, finance, leadership, and strategic planning. They will work to understand how to apply these skills within the environment of an educational institution. This program will help students understand how to implement curriculum standards, oversee teaching staff, and much more. A total of thirteen courses are needed to complete this program, amounting to 36 credits.
Tuition: $14,740
Score: 94
#13. Liberty University
Online Master of Education / Administration & Supervision
Lynchburg, Virginia
One of the many online programs offered by Liberty University, this Online Master of Education / Administration & Supervision degree is designed to be finished entirely online. Created to help those who wanted to take the next step in their careers as academic professionals, this degree program works to teach students the various leadership and management skills needed to step into the role of an administrator or leader within an educational facility. Liberty University has designed this program so that it can be completed in about 1.5 years’ time. Students are also able to transfer credits into this program. To complete this online leadership degree, students must earn a total of 36 credits.
Tuition: $14,940
Score: 93.5
#14. University of Idaho
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Moscow, Idaho
This Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree is offered to students by the University of Idaho. Able to be completed entirely online, this online Master of Educational Leadership degree teaches students the important skills needed to work with educational institutions in order to propel them into the future. Through this curriculum, students will learn how to manage a teaching staff, implement school policy, and much more. This program is also designed so that it can be continued on into the doctoral program. To complete this education master’s online, the University of Idaho requires that students earn a total of 30 credit hours.
Tuition: $15,600
Score: 93
#15. University of Iowa
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Iowa City, Iowa
The University of Iowa offers students this Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree entirely online. Designed for students who want to advance their career in education into administrative and leadership roles, this program of study provides students with the experience and knowledge to succeed in that goal. Courses in this program of study include Foundations of School Administration, School and Community Relationships, Legal Aspects of School Personnel, and much more. Students can also choose to seek licensure after the completion of this degree program. The University of Iowa requires a total of 36 credits for the completion of this program of study.
Tuition: $16,200
Score: 92.5
#16. Upper Iowa University
Online Master of Education in Higher Education
Fayette, Iowa
Students at Upper Iowa University are able to enroll in an Online Master of Education in Higher Education degree. This online Master of Education Leadership degree is geared towards students who are planning a career working in leadership positions in higher education. Courses in this program of study include Strategic Decision Making in Higher Education, Student Affairs Practice in Higher Education, and Ethical and Legal Issues for the Administrator. By working through this curriculum, students will be prepared to lead institutions of higher education. A total of 36 credits are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $16,740
Score: 92
#17. Wayland Baptist University
Online Master of Education Leadership
Plainview, Texas
Offered entirely online, this Online Master of Education is offered by Wayland Baptist University. Wayland Baptist University offers this online master’s to students in five different concentrations: Educational Administration, Higher Education Administration, Instructional Leadership, Instructional Technology, and Special Education. These different concentrations allow students to gain the specific skills and insights for whatever their career path in education may be. This program has been designed to be completed in as little as 18 months. A total of 36 credit hours are needed to graduate from this program of study.
Tuition: $16,740
Score: 91.5
#18. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Online Master of Education in Educational Administration & Leadership
Champaign, Illinois
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers students an Online Master of Education in Educational Administration & Leadership degree. This online Master of Education Leadership degree is perfect for students who want to advance their career in academic leadership. Through this program, students will study education policy and leadership development. They will learn how to assess a school’s various programs and policies and implement ways to improve the quality of the school through changes to these systems. This program can be completed entirely online. Students must earn a total of 36 credits to complete this education master’s online.
Tuition: $17,028
Score: 91
#19. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Winona, Minnesota
This online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree is offered to students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Through this program of study, students will learn how to provide educational leadership to a variety of academic organizations. They will learn how to better facilitate learning communities while assessing the changing needs of an educational organization. By completing this program, students will be prepared for administrative and leadership roles in educational organizations. Offered entirely online, students can complete this program in less than two years. A total of 33 credits are required for the completion of this degree program.
Tuition: $17,655
Score: 90.5
#20. Saint Leo University
Online Master of Education / Educational Leadership
St. Leo, Florida
Part of Saint Leo University’s online degree offerings, this Online Master of Education / Education Leadership degree is able to be completed entirely online. Through the pursuit of this master’s online in education, students will cover topics such as instructional leadership, managing learning environments, decision-making strategies, leadership ethics, and much more. Those who have completed this degree program have gone on to have careers as college department chairs, deans of students, instructional coordinators, and much more. Students can also choose to gain licensing while pursuing this degree. Saint Leo University requires students to earn a total of 36 credits to complete this degree.
Tuition: $17,820
Score: 90
#21. West Virginia University
Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration
Morgantown, West Virginia
Students at West Virginia University are able to enroll in the Online Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration degree. This online Master of Educational Leadership degree is designed for students who wish to advance their career in higher education. By completing this program of study, students will gain the knowledge and insight needed to enter into administrative, executive, and other leadership roles within institutions of higher education. West Virginia University has received accreditation for this particular program from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. To complete this program, students must earn a total of 30 credit hours.
Tuition: $17,820
Score: 89.5
#22. Colorado Christian University
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Lakewood, Colorado
Colorado Christian University currently offers students an Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree. This online leadership master’s is designed to be a comprehensive program with the express goal of preparing students for leadership roles in educational organizations. Students will work to develop their leadership skills while studying the various systems that are at play within an educational organization. Colorado Christian University has designed this program to be friendly to those who are currently working professionals. Able to be completed in as little as 24 months, this program has received accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete this degree.
Tuition: $18,720
Score: 89
#23. Concordia University – Portland
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Portland, Oregon
This Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership is offered by Concordia University – Portland. Based on the same program they offer on-campus, this online education master’s is designed to help current working professionals in education advance their careers. Students who wish to enter into leadership roles in educational organizations should consider this degree as it helps them to develop the skills and knowledge needed to apply for these positions. Offered entirely online, this program of study leverages Concordia University’s online education platform to allow for a quality education experience. To complete this program of study, students must earn a total of 30 credits.
Tuition: $18,920
Score: 88.5
#24. Grand Canyon University
Online Master of Education in Educational Administration
Phoenix, Arizona
Grand Canyon University offers students an Online Master of Education in Educational Administration degree. This Master of Educational Leadership degree online will prepare students to work in a variety of leadership roles within educational organizations. This particular program is geared towards providing students with the skills needed to work as leaders of pre-school through high school institutions. Students will deepen their understanding of education law, school finance, school cultures, curriculum development, and more through the pursuit of this degree program. Courses in this online master’s are six weeks in length. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $19,080
Score: 88
#25. University of Dayton
Online Master of Science in Education / Leadership for Educational Systems
Dayton, Ohio
This Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership degree is offered by the University of Dayton. Students in this program of study will get an education that prepares them to work as administrators and leaders within educational organizations. Throughout the course of this program, students will cover topics including supervision, professional development, instructional leadership, curriculum instruction, school law, and far more. They will also work to develop their own personal leadership skills. Once completed with this program, students can also choose to pursue principal licensure. A total of 36 credits are required to complete this program of study.
Tuition: $19,350
Score: 87.5
#26. University of Georgia
Online Master of Education in Learning, Leadership & Organization Development
Athens, Georgia
Students at the University of Georgia are able to enroll in the school’s Online Master of Education in Learning, Leadership & Organizational Development degree. This degree is offered to students entirely online and is designed to teach students the skills necessary to effectively lead educational organizations. Through the pursuit of this program, students will gain deeper insight into concepts including change management, adult learning, team development, talent management, and much more. This program has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. To complete this program, a total of 33 credits are needed.
Tuition: $20,757
Score: 87
#27. University of Central Florida
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Orlando, Florida
This Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership degree is offered to students by the University of Central Florida. This program of study is designed to be completed entirely online. Through the pursuit of this program, students will learn the skills needed to enter into administrative and leadership roles within educational organizations. Students in this program can choose from two different concentrations: the Higher Education/Student Personnel track, and the College Teaching and Leadership track. These different tracks allow students to customize their education. To complete this online Master of Educational Leadership degree, students must earn a total of 30 credits.
Tuition: $20,820
Score: 86.5
#28. University of Kansas
Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Administration
Lawrence, Kansas
The University of Kansas offers students an Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Administration degree. This online Master of Educational Leadership degree is designed for students who wish to pursue administrative or leadership roles within educational organizations. This program includes twelve different courses that are each eight weeks in length. Students are able to complete this program of study in as little as two years. The University of Central Florida has designed this program so that it can be completed asynchronously. Having received accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, this program requires a total of 36 credits for its completion.
Tuition: $21,060
Score: 86
#29. University of South Carolina-Columbia
Online Master of Education in Educational Administration
Columbia, South Carolina
Through the completion of this Online Master of Education in Educational Administration degree, students will be prepared for a variety of leadership roles in education. Offered entirely online by the University of South Carolina, students in this program will learn how to create an environment in which students can thrive. They will also learn how to evaluate the variety of factors including cultural, political, and social that affect the day-to-day operations of an educational institution. Students in this program are able to choose from a variety of different courses that allow them to specialize in different aspects of educational leadership. A total of 36 credits are needed to earn this degree.
Tuition: $22,273
Score: 85.5
#30. Virginia Commonwealth University
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership
Richmond, Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University offers students an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree. This online Master of Educational Leadership degree will prepare students for the skills needed to step into roles as school administrators and leaders. This program is offered in two different concentrations. The only concentration available to students online is the Administration and Supervision concentration. This program of study is designed to be completed in as few as 16 months. After completing this plan of study, students will have completed a degree based upon rigorous field-related research in leadership in education. A total of 33 credits are required to complete this online education leadership master’s.
Tuition: $24,450
Score: 85
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