An Online Master’s of Educational Administration combines the knowledge and skills of an educator with strategies and principles needed for positions of leadership that extend to entire schools and systems. Individuals who pursue Educational Administration want to affect positive change in the educational system on a larger scale. In an online Master’s of Educational Administration students gain the skills, understanding, and networking connections required to become principals, vice principals, superintendents, and more.
The current Educational context is greatly affected by the current and likely continuing Covid-19 pandemic. Educational Administrators will need to be able to recognize and deal with the complexities of Self-Care and social distancing. They will need to be able to make personnel and curricular adjustments that accommodate the needs and concerns of students who will be taking part in school activities, whether from home, at school, or in some hybrid model.
These professionals have excellent job security and benefits and can work in any range of educational environments. Many of the degrees below provide education in working with K-12 school systems and post-secondary education.
quick links
- Top 20 Online Master’s of Educational Administration Degree Programs
- UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA
- LAMAR UNIVERSITY
- ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY
- CHADRON STATE COLLEGE
- WAYNE STATE COLLEGE
- NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
- WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
- GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
- COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
- LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
- UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
- UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
- STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
- FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
- GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 20 Online Master’s of Educational Administration Degree Programs
METHODOLOGY: The researcher/writers and editors of OnlineSchoolsCenter.com utilize strict criteria and only the most highly respected resources when selecting the online colleges and universities for their rankings. The standards set forth for the Top 20 Online Master’s of Educational Administration Degree Programs of 2020-2021 include the following:
- Offered through an online or hybrid classwork format;
- An online graduate degree in Educational Administration, Educational Leadership, or another such equivalent major;
- Coursework with strong and exciting topics in educational administration that approach modern issues in the profession;
- Retention rates no lower than 50% (retention rates are an excellent indicator of student satisfaction);
- An online platform and program website that is intuitive and easy-to-use and provides an excellent foundation for distance education in the field of Educational Administration;
- Excellent professors who are seasoned professionals in the field of Educational Administration and who bring various levels of expertise to the online classroom;
- Provides essential financial aid opportunities;
- Displays notability among journalistic, academic resources, and positive reviews.
For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.
UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA
ONLINE EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION MASTER’S DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The University of Houston-Victoria is one of the only online schools on this ranking to provide multiple concentration options in educational administration, all of which can be found below. Graduate students have several options to choose from that take them into either school and educational system leadership, or into the public and private sectors. There is always a great need for professional educators who are skilled in organizational leadership outside of academic departments. Many UH-Victoria grads choose to continue their careers in corporations, businesses, non-profits, or government agencies. The curriculum is designed for students who already have an education in the discipline as well as professional experience. There are several graduate certificate options that can also be completed online for students who prefer a program that involves less time and devotion.
Campus Location: Victoria, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- Principalship
- Superintendency
- Non-Public Administration
- Organizational Leadership
Acceptance Rate: 48.8%
Retention Rate: 56%
Graduation Rate: 58.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON-VICTORIA’S ONLINE EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION MASTER’S DEGREE
LAMAR UNIVERSITY
M.ED. IN ADMINISTRATION DISTANCE LEARNING DEGREE PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
Lamar University’s online Master of Education – Administration program is built and designed for service-oriented individuals who are passionate about education. The curriculum includes preparation inefficient organization, implementation, and design of student achievement programs, and building community support as a superintendent or principal. Graduates are ready to take on challenging positions that require sharpened skills in organizational leadership and the management of operations within an entire scholastic organization. Lamar University provides an incredibly affordable online educational administration graduate degree with a tuition rate of approximately $235 per credit hour, which is vastly less expensive than most other online schools in the country. This degree also includes a certification.
Campus Location: Beaumont, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Coursework Sample:
- Fundamentals of Leadership
- School Community Relationship
- The Principalship
Acceptance Rate: 81.7%
Retention Rate: 64%
Graduation Rate: 31.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LAMAR UNIVERSITY’S M.ED. – ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION MASTER’S DEGREE ONLINE
Program Standouts:
Angelo State University’s M.Ed. in Educational Administration online is a comprehensive approach to the profession. It prepares students to work in all varieties of environments, including PK-12, public and private institutions of higher education, government agencies, corporations, health care industries, and private institutions. It is an accelerated online educational administration degree that takes place over five eight-week terms. Graduates have impressive arrays of invaluable networking connections, which are an enormous help when re-entering the industry. ASU alumni go on to implement organizational structure from entire systems down to individual schools and classrooms, all while engaging in highly competent operations management.
Campus Location: San Angelo, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Tests and Measurements
- Structure and Organization of the School System
- Personnel and Fiscal Management
Acceptance Rate: 73.6%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 37%
LEARN MORE ABOUT ANGELO STATE UNIVERSITY’S EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP MASTER’S DEGREE
CHADRON STATE COLLEGE
ONLINE MA IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
This online graduate degree program in Educational Administration at Chadron State College builds upon the knowledge and experience of qualified professionals or those with a teaching certificate. There are advanced topics in research, curriculum design, assessment, supervision, counseling, and administration. Students have two focus areas from which to choose, and each takes them down two distinct pathways of the profession. The Elementary/Secondary Principal concentration provides a focus on the skills necessary for leadership in grades PK-12. Online graduate students have the additional option of choosing a grade range in this specialization, as well. The Special Education Supervisor focus area gives teaching professionals all of the strengths required to supervise the educational development of learners with special needs. It also includes topics in early childhood education, giving them even a more sharpened edge in the professional community.
Campus Location: Chadron, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- Elementary/Secondary Principal (Grades PK-8, 7-12, PK-12)
- Special Education Supervisor (Birth-Grade 12
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%
Graduation Rate: 41.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT CHADRON STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
WAYNE STATE COLLEGE
ONLINE MASTER’S IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Wayne State College is well-known for its excellence in graduate-level online instruction in School Administration and has been established as one of the top five in the country. This program accepts all applicants and yet sacrifices nothing in terms of quality of either instruction or content for its master’s students. The focus of the online degree program is to prepare students for positions such as principal, assistant principal, or director. The coursework delves deeply into crucial aspects of the discipline, including finances, facility management, school law, supervision of instruction, and organization. Graduates are capable of making vastly positive improvements in any educational environment, non-profit or for-profit organization, or government agency.
Campus Location: Wayne, NE
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
- Nebraska Department of Education
Coursework Sample:
- Current Issues and Trends in Education
- Principal as an Instructional Leader
- School Law: Constitutional Aspects and Cases
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 47.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WAYNE STATE COLLEGE’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION
NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
DISTANCE LEARNING MASTERS DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
There are two opportunities to gain an online graduate degree in educational administration from New Mexico State University, which include a Master of Arts in Educational Administration and a Master of Arts and Licensure Program in Educational Administration. The former has an emphasis on Higher Education, and the latter has PK-12 Educational Administration. The curriculum for both degrees includes a combination of coursework and field experiences that create a well-balanced educational experience at NMSU. The programs can be taken either fully online or in a hybrid format, depending on how individual learners prefer to study. There are also certificate programs and doctoral degrees available at this online school for graduates who want to enhance their knowledge and skills even further.
Campus Location: Las Cruces, NM
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Management of Educational Change
- Higher Education Finance and Funding
- Management of Student Services
Acceptance Rate: 63.8%
Retention Rate: 74%
Graduation Rate: 41.7%
LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’s DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
ONLINE MA IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
The West Virginia University Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration prepares online graduate students for policy roles, faculty positions, and research opportunities in educational leadership. The program can be fully personalized to reflect all the goals of individual students. They can attain precisely what they need through their graduate education. The various course choices provide an excellent avenue through which students can specialize their degree to follow their own pursuits. Through the guidance of expert faculty members, students explore the intricacies of higher education institutions and how to adapt to different schools, align with their educational environment, and bring in positive changes of their own. Students can complete this online educational administration master’s either part-time or full-time. It can be finished in as few as two years or can take up to eight.
Campus Location: Morgantown, WV
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Special Topics (Quantitative Data Management Education)
- Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
- College Student Development
Acceptance Rate: 71.9%
Retention Rate: 80%
Graduation Rate: 55.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY’S MASTER OF ARTS IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
ONLINE M.ED. IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Program Standouts:
The curriculum in Georgia Southern University’s online Master of Education in Higher Education Administration is broken down into three core coursework requirements: Professional Education, Higher Education Administration, and Specialized Content. The last section is where students get to individualize their curriculum to pursue their own goals or explore new areas of the discipline. The thirty-six-credit hour degree can be completed in either full-time or part-time formats, and all classes are delivered asynchronously. This type of schedule gives online learners a lot more flexibility. Graduates have gone on to work in policy analysis, alumni relations, government and community relations, financial aid, admissions, enrollment management, and much more—some even work in consulting firms that are geared toward higher education.
Campus Location: Statesboro, GA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Foundations of Student Affairs in Higher Education
- Learning Theories and Applications
- Instructional Design
Acceptance Rate: 68.3%
Retention Rate: 79%
Graduation Rate: 49.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE M.ED. IN HIGHER EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING
MA IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION ONLINE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The University of Wyoming is well-known for its generosity and flexibility in helping students afford an excellent online master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. It has been in the top five schools on multiple rankings of the best colleges and universities for students who are accepting loans. The curriculum can be taken entirely at a distance or in a blended coursework format of both online and on-campus classes. UW offers a long list of online masters degrees in education, and students can rely on a solid platform of excellent instructors as well as fabulous resources, such as the Educational Opportunity Centers or the Exploratory Studies Center. Students at this online school work very closely with their professors through challenging projects that vastly enhance their understanding of the discipline.
Campus Location: Laramie, WY
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Community College Leadership
- Higher Education Systems
- Noncredit Education Systems
Acceptance Rate: 96.8%
Retention Rate: 78%
Graduation Rate: 54.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF WYOMING’S MA IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION ONLINE DEGREE
COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY
ME DEGREE IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
Program Standouts:
This program gives an online Master of Educational Administration students the ability to fill leadership roles with a biblical perspective. Some of the essential topics in the Columbia International University curriculum include leadership theory, financial principles, and school law. It is a thirty-credit degree that is extendable up to four years for individuals who require more flexibility. The coursework is intended for Christian educators who will go on to create healthy, nurturing learning spaces that include foundations in biblical principles. The teaching staff represents educators with decades of experience in their areas of education expertise, and from them, students gain invaluable information to improve their teaching techniques.
Campus Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Curriculum Development and Instruction
- Supervision of Instruction
- History and Philosophy of Education
Acceptance Rate: 28.3%
Retention Rate: 73%
Graduation Rate: 61.6%
LEARN MORE ABOUT COLUMBIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
ONLINE MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
In the University of Kansas online master’s in Educational Administration, there are two tracks through which students can earn their degree, and these are either the Building Leadership Track or the Non-Licensure Track. The former has a focus on enhancing the management and administrative skills necessary to fill positions of leadership such as principal or superintendent. The latter is intended for professionals who are seeking further information, training, and knowledge to make a positive impact on their current careers. This is an accelerated Educational Administration program with courses that take place over shortened eight-week terms. The degree can be completed in as little as 24 months.
Campus Location: Lawrence, KS
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Principalship
- Data-Driven Leadership
- Understanding Research in Education
Acceptance Rate: 93.4%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 60.9%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS’ ONLINE MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION
LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
MASTER IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION DISTANCE LEARNING DEGREE
Program Standouts:
Louisiana State University’s online Master of Education in Educational Leadership is an accelerated graduate degree that can be completed in fifteen months. Each of the thirteen courses (39 credit hours) takes place over seven weeks. It is also an affordable online program with a tuition rate for graduate students of about $459 per credit hour. LSU faculty members in the College of Human Sciences and Education are nationally recognized for their achievements in the instruction of educational administration, and students gain hands-on experience with these outstanding professionals. There are exciting topics that cover all areas of the educational spectrum, as well as others in the administration of school personnel, educational leadership, and applying research in education.
Campus Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Understanding and Applying Research in Education
- Advanced School Improvement/Action Research
- Best Practices of Principal Leadership I, II, III, & IV
Acceptance Rate: 73.9%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate: 67.2%
LEARN MORE ABOUT LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINSITRATION
UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL
ONLINE ME DEGREE IN EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
The University of Massachusetts Systems is a fabulous provider of online programs, and the UMass Lowell campus provides a Master’s Degree in Education Administration that is one of the most affordable in the nation. Graduate students at this online school have a tuition rate of $470 per credit hour in a thirty credit degree. The curriculum is specially designed for expert professionals who are seeking to further expand their knowledge with an enhanced degree in leadership and administration. The coursework is focused on the management of K-12 school systems, and there are ten exciting classes. Students learn from faculty members who are professionals in their various fields and who are practicing professionals that bring real-world expertise to the virtual classroom.
Campus Location: Lowell, MA
Accreditation:
- New England Commission of Higher Education
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Leading the Professional Learning Community
- Managing Resources and Finances
- School Policy and Law
Acceptance Rate: 68.8%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 55.5%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS LOWELL’S ONLINE MASTER OF EDUCATION IN EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE
Program Standouts:
The University of Tennessee supplies distance education students with an online Educational Administration Master of Science that is excellent preparation for licensure as a school administrator. There is also a non-licensure alternative curriculum for students who are only seeking a more expansive education, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Educational Administration for those who are interested in a shorter, more flexible program. The licensure curriculum is constantly kept up-to-date to reflect the standards of the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium. It is a thirty-six-hour curriculum that combines online coursework with on-the-job internship opportunities that approach real-world problems within school systems across the entire country.
Campus Location: Knoxville, TN
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
Coursework Sample:
- National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
- Policy Issues in Educational Law, K-12
- Curriculum for School Leaders
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 69%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE’S EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA
ONLINE M.ED. IN EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
Program Standouts:
The University of South Carolina is deeply committed to the transformation of students from low-level managers and administrators in the educational system into instructional leaders, teacher leaders, and principal leaders. The coursework helps students engage with the surrounding community in their school districts to create a vastly more extensive support base for all students and student activities at schools. The program is outstanding preparation for licensure of all kinds as it relates to educational administration. This is an accelerated online degree program in which courses are completed over eight-week terms. There is a special tuition rate for certified teachers in South Carolina of $515 per credit hour, and all other active students pay $572.25 per credit hour.
Campus Location: Columbia, SC
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400 - Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Coursework Sample:
- School Leadership
- School Personnel Administration
- School Finance and Business Management
Acceptance Rate: 72.3%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 73.4%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA’S M.ED. IN EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM
STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY
ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAM IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
Program Standouts:
Stony Brook University offers both an online Master of Arts and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration. The master’s degree is a thirty-six-credit program that builds upon the academic experience gained in a previous degree. There is a huge number of elective courses that can be used to specialize in the curriculum, and the general coursework has a strong focus on leadership theory and diversity. The program combines competencies and foundations from the American College Personnel Association and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators and emphasizes theory and practice equally. Students at Stony Brook learn to shape the industry to reflect modern needs in educational environments.
Campus Location: Stony Brook, New York
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Foundations of Higher Education Administration
- Diversity and Higher Education
- Technology in Higher Education
Acceptance Rate: 42.2%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 68%
LEARN MORE ABOUT STONY BROOK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN HIGHER EDUCATION ADMINISTRATION
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Program Standouts:
This unique program from Fordham University is intended for Christian educational professionals who want to broaden their horizons with the many invaluable benefits of a master’s degree in their area of expertise. Through a Catholic-centered lens, the degree develops “globally-minded, technologically-sophisticated, empathetic leaders,” who directly engage in mission-focused learning improvement. The curriculum as a whole is concentrated on group projects, action research, problem-based simulations, and critical reflections, and all students engage in challenging internship opportunities that put into practice the theories learned in the classroom.
Campus Location: Bronx, NY
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission of Higher Education
Coursework Sample:
- Fundamentals of Educational Administration and Management
- Clinic for School Administrators
- Critical Issues in Catholic and Nonpublic Education
Acceptance Rate: 46.4%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 80.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT FORDHAM UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S DEGREE IN CHRISTIAN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
ONLINE MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION: PK-12 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
Program Standouts:
The online Master in Educational Administration at Texas A&M University includes an exciting coursework specialization in PK-12 Educational Leadership. The program was designed in a collaborative effort with expert administrators and highly-experienced professors. Students engage in coursework that refines the skills necessary to build safe and nurturing school environments, as well as those to effectively communicate with students and their parents. The curriculum provides the required training to sit for principal certification examinations, and graduates go on to manage programs in pre-kindergarten to high school. Texas A&M University is a fabulous online school that has a long history of success in distance education.
Campus Location: College Station, TX
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Coursework Sample:
- Administration of Special Populations and Special Programs
- Public School Laws
- Developing School-Community Partnerships
Acceptance Rate: 70.5%
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 78.8%
LEARN MORE ABOUT TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION: PK-12 EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP
GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION ONLINE DEGREE
Program Standouts:
George Washington University is one of the finest institutions of higher education throughout the entire country and the world and offers an exciting online option for the Masters of Educational Leadership and Administration. Students in this program learn to establish thriving learning cultures that inspire both teacher and learner. There is a focus put on the improvement of student learning and achievement in diverse educational communities at the local, state, and federal levels. GWU also strongly encourages teamwork and collaborative learning, and students engage in invaluable, real-world projects that
Campus Location: Washington, D.C.
Accreditation:
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Coursework Sample:
- Supervision of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
- Foundations of K12 Educational Leadership
- School Law and Policy
Acceptance Rate: 41%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 83%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY’S MASTER’S IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION ONLINE
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
ONLINE ME Degree in POLICY, ORGANIZATION, AND LEADERSHIP
Program Standouts:
This is a unique and exciting online Educational Administration program that encourages graduate students and faculty members to work together and collaborate in addressing critical issues in the industry today. The College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign emphasizes an interdisciplinary understanding of education policy. It is a highly affordable online school with a graduate tuition rate of $482 per credit hour, which is vastly less expensive than many other institutions of higher education. There are five exciting opportunities for specialization, each of which provides distinctive learning experiences for online students.
Campus Location: Champaign, IL
Accreditation:
- Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400
Concentration Options:
- Diversity and Equity in Education
- Education Administration and Leadership
- Global Studies in Education
- Human Resource Development
- Learning Design and Leadership
Acceptance Rate: 61.5%
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 85.1%
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN’S ONLINE MASTER IN EDUCATION POLICY, ORGANIZATION, AND LEADERSHIP
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will earning an online Master’s degree in Educational Administration boost my career?
True educators are special people who desire to put forth their best efforts in educating our children and young adults in the ways of the world. Typically beginning with the basics and then transitioning into life skills and knowledge needed to pursue a career of their own, teachers work tirelessly to make sure their students succeed. Often, they are not concerned with the amount of money in their paycheck, but selflessly are focused on providing services geared toward the idea of teaching, learning and giving back to their community. Teachers are true heroes and deserve to be compensated accordingly.
However, if you are interested in earning more money and broadening your field of expertise, advanced positions, as with most occupations, bring higher salaries and more responsibility. As most begin their career with a teaching degree, earning an online Master of Educational Administration degree can afford you more opportunities for advancement, a higher salary, and additional ways to further your quest to provide others with the education and life skills they deserve.
To qualify for an advanced position, most often, teachers with at least some experience earn their online master’s degree while they continue to teach. Online programs are available; however, some on-campus, hands-on, or internship experience is usually required.
What can you do with an online Master of Educational Administration degree?
There are many positions to consider with your Master of Educational Administration degree in hand. First, you may want to consider which level of education you would like to seek advancement in. Several options include the elementary and secondary level, at the post-secondary or college level, or as a superintendent over an entire school system.
Next, in what capacity would you like to serve? Is your history in elementary education? Are you most comfortable working with young adults in college? Or perhaps, you have experience teaching high school teens. Whichever age group you would prefer, there will be administrative positions available, as the BLS predicts a 4-7% job growth increase between the years of 2018 and 2028.
So, what positions are available with an impressive degree like a Master of Educational Administration? Let’s explore. Perhaps the most popular career choice with this degree is that of the School Principal or Assistant Principal. You may also consider a career as a College Dean or University Registrar. In addition, the School Superintendent job usually requires a master’s degree, along with several years of experience.
Other job titles include Instructional Coordinator, Special Education Teacher, School Career Counselor, Educational Consultant or Director, or Curriculum Content Writer or Developer. Just be sure to choose a career that inspires you, as well as fits your personality and career aspirations!
How does a Master of Teaching (MAT) degree differ from a Master of Education (ME) degree? Which one do I need for a career in Educational Administration?
As with most degrees, you will want to consider your end goal when you choose the proper degree that is right for your needs. Also, before signing onto a master’s degree program, you will want to check out your state’s mandates for administrative positions, for they vary per each state’s requirements.
While the Master of Art in Teaching (MAT) degree and the Master of Education (ME) degrees are similar, they meet different needs in terms of their curriculum and desired end goals. Typically, the MAT degree is geared to those who are training to be a teacher or for those who are currently teaching and would like to continue to do so in the classroom, but with more intense instruction and expertise. In addition, with your MAT degree, you may choose to focus primarily on a particular subject or specialization.
The advanced ME degree earner most likely has several years of teaching experience under their belt and would like to qualify for administrative positions within the field of education. In addition, the ME degree program may provide you with the area of concentration in which you desire, such as Curriculum and Instruction, Policies and Procedures, Literacy and Digital Learning, or perhaps School Leadership. Through the ME degree program, you will learn the tools needed to either continue your career in the classroom or as an advocate for higher learning practices at the local or state level, as each educational system requires hands-on experience and knowledgeable input to help it run smoothly and efficiently.
Whether you wish to stay focused on your students within the classroom experience or utilize your degree through a broader sense in the field of administration, earning your online Master of Educational degree will help you in all areas. As teachers, counselors, and educational administrators are the backbone of the educational system, how could you go wrong with acquiring the best education possible to ensure your positive impact on today’s youth and your community? Good luck!