If you’re ready to move from the classroom into a leadership role, an online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration can help you take that next step. Designed for working professionals, these programs focus on school leadership, policy, and operations — while offering the flexibility to continue working full-time. Explore top online programs, learn about licensure pathways, and compare costs with this guide.
Author: James Mielke
Expertise: Business AdministrationOnline LearningGraduate EducationEditor: Jordan Cosselman
- Which Student Are You?
Which Type of Educational Administration Program Do You Need?
Read more - Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - Salary/Pay
Education Administration Salary Potential with a Master's Degree
Read more - Top Schools
A list of the best schools currently offering the best online and hybrid master’s programs in the state...
Read more
Which Type of Educational Administration Program Do You Need?
Thinking about becoming a principal, dean, or district administrator? Educational administration programs are built differently depending on which of those jobs you’re aiming for, and some require licensure exams while others don’t. Guess the format wrong and the timeline, and the bill, both stretch out further than you planned. Try the tool below to narrow down your options.
Pick the Educational Administration Student Type That’s Like You
The Career Starter
You’re an early-career, already-licensed teacher who wants to start building toward school leadership well before you’re ready to apply for a principal role.
Educational administration programs assume you already hold a teaching license and add the school-law, finance, and supervision coursework your state requires for an administrative credential. Starting early lets you meet the classroom-experience requirement most states set for principal licensure while you’re still building your teaching career.
The Career Changer
You’re moving from full-time classroom teaching into school administration and want a program built around that transition rather than a first-time teaching license.
Because this program assumes an existing teaching license, it focuses entirely on administrative licensure requirements — school law, personnel management, budgeting — rather than re-teaching classroom basics. A supervised practicum under a working principal gives you real leadership experience most states require before you can sit for the licensure exam.
The Promotion Seeker
You’re an experienced teacher who wants to become an assistant principal or principal and needs the administrative license your state requires to do it.
This is the core purpose of an educational administration degree: preparing you for your state’s administrative licensure exam and the supervised internship most states require before you can be hired as a principal or assistant principal. A hybrid format fits around your current full-time teaching schedule.
The Working Balancer
You’re currently an assistant principal, dean, or teacher-leader working full-time and want to finish your degree without stepping back from that role.
A fully online, part-time program with evening classes fits the long, unpredictable hours that come with a school leadership role, letting you keep working while you complete requirements. Many districts also tie administrative pay scales directly to a completed degree and license.
The Central Office Leader
You’re thinking beyond a single school building and want to eventually move into district-level leadership or the superintendency.
Most states require a separate superintendent’s license beyond a principal credential, so confirm a program actually offers that add-on rather than stopping at building-level administration. Coursework in district finance and policy also reflects the broader scope of a central-office role compared to running a single school.
The Private School Admin
You want to lead a private or independent school, where state administrative licensure typically isn’t required but strong leadership training still is.
Because most private and independent schools don’t require state administrative licensure, a non-licensure leadership track can save you time and tuition while still covering budgeting, governance, and personnel management. A fully online format works well since independent school hiring timelines and requirements vary widely by school rather than by state licensure calendar.
Popular Online MEd in Educational Administration Programs
Below are three accredited U.S. universities offering reputable online or hybrid MEd programs in educational administration. Each summary highlights program format, length, cost, admissions basics, and outcomes.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University’s online MEd in Educational Leadership (Principalship) is designed for certified teachers preparing for K–12 principal and administrator roles. Students complete leadership projects and a supervised internship with a mentor principal, gaining hands-on experience in school leadership.
Graduates meet the academic requirements for principal licensure in Arizona and may be eligible for licensure in other states with additional coordination.
Program Overview:
- Credits: 36 (accelerated, half-semester courses)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Online, with local internship for licensure
- Cost: $676 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Minimum 3.0 GPA in last 60 credits
- Valid teaching license
- 2+ years of teaching experience
- Current school employment (for internship placement)
- Résumé
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (including one from a principal)
- No GRE required
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University’s MEd in Educational Administration is geared toward aspiring K–12 principals and emphasizes leadership, school law, finance, and community engagement. The curriculum is framed through GCU’s values-based, Christian worldview.
A major component is the 300-hour internship, completed across three courses, which satisfies most state field experience requirements for principal licensure. Graduates meet Arizona’s requirements for a Standard Principal Certificate and are prepared for licensure exams.
Program Overview:
- Credits: 36
- Duration: 1.5 – 2 years (flexible pacing)
- Mode: Online or evening courses + in-person internship
- Cost: $605 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (competitive GPA)
- Teaching license (for licensure track)
- Verification of 2+ years of teaching experience
- Current teaching position (for internship access)
- Official transcripts
- Application
- No GRE required
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) offers an accelerated online MEd in Educational Leadership that includes coursework aligned with Texas principal certification. Courses run in seven-week terms, allowing motivated students to finish quickly.
The program emphasizes culturally responsive leadership, preparing administrators to serve diverse school communities. While coursework is fully online, students complete two practicum courses for field experience. Graduates are eligible to sit for the Texas Principal Exam (TExES).
Program Overview:
- Credits: 30
- Duration: 10 months to 1.5 years
- Mode: Online, with local practicum placements
- Cost: $458.33 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 2.75 GPA)
- Texas teaching certificate
- 2+ years of teaching experience
- Official transcripts
- Resume
- Personal statement
- Short video presentation
- Background check
- No GRE required
Frequently Asked Questions from Future MEd Students
Are online MEd in Educational Administration programs accredited and respected?
Yes, online MEd programs in educational administration are respected when they are properly accredited. You should look for universities with regional accreditation and education programs accredited by organizations such as CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation).
Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets quality standards and that your degree is recognized by employers and state licensure boards. Employers generally view accredited online degrees as equivalent to on-campus degrees.
Will an online MEd in Educational Administration lead to principal licensure?
Yes, many online MEd programs are designed to meet academic requirements for principal licensure. Most K–12 administration programs align coursework with state certification standards.
However, licensure typically requires additional steps, including:
- Holding a valid teaching license
- Completing a required internship or practicum
- Passing a state licensing exam
Programs often specify which states they align with, and some offer guidance for out-of-state students. Always verify licensure eligibility with your state department of education.
How long does it take to complete an online MEd in Educational Administration?
Most online MEd programs take between one and three years to complete. Program length depends on total credits, pacing, and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.
Accelerated formats may allow completion in 10–12 months, while working professionals often finish in 18–24 months by taking two courses per term. Internship sequencing can also affect total time to completion.
Do I need teaching experience or a teaching license to enroll?
Yes, most K–12 educational administration programs require teaching experience and a valid license. These programs are designed for future principals and instructional leaders, so prior classroom experience is typically required.
Applicants without a teaching background may need to pursue teacher certification first or consider higher education administration programs, which often have different requirements.
Do online MEd in Educational Administration programs require the GRE?
No, many online MEd programs do not require the GRE. Admissions decisions typically focus on GPA, professional experience, and application materials.
All three programs highlighted above waive the GRE requirement. While a small number of research-focused programs may still request test scores, the overall trend in education graduate programs is to eliminate standardized testing barriers.
Cost and Financial Aid: What to Expect
The cost of an online MEd in Educational Administration varies by institution and credit requirements.
Key factors include:
- Public vs. private university pricing
- Number of credits required (typically 30–36)
- Flat online tuition vs. residency-based rates
Online students often save on housing and commuting and may qualify for employer tuition assistance. Accredited programs are also eligible for federal financial aid, scholarships, and education-specific grants.
| School | Credits | Cost per Credit | Est. Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 36 | $676 | $24,336 |
| Grand Canyon University | 36 | $605 | $21,780 |
| UT Rio Grande Valley | 30 | $458 | $13,750 |
Note: Always check with the university for the most up-to-date tuition rates and fees (online programs may have tech fees or other costs.
Education Administration Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in educational administration prepares you for leadership roles running schools, academic departments, and educational programs at the K-12 and postsecondary levels. Graduates work as principals, assistant superintendents, academic deans, and program directors — managing staff, budgets, policy compliance, and institutional strategy. The degree is typically required for principal licensure and leadership roles in higher education.
Postsecondary education administrators — including those managing academic departments and student services — tend to earn stronger salaries than K-12 counterparts, particularly at research universities and large institutions. Leadership experience and institutional size both influence compensation.
Check the salary table below to explore postsecondary education administrator earnings by state, and gauge the financial landscape for education leadership careers.
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $104,590 | $144,370 | $215,620 |
| Alabama | $100,030 | $132,170 | $211,370 |
| Alaska | $103,080 | $133,190 | $155,670 |
| Arizona | $103,280 | $142,060 | $213,610 |
| Arkansas | $78,240 | $118,520 | $166,240 |
| California | $125,460 | $169,550 | $216,480 |
| Colorado | $118,440 | $171,380 | $239,370 |
| Connecticut | $123,190 | $169,560 | $220,570 |
| Delaware | $128,570 | $175,240 | $331,850 |
| District of Columbia | $107,390 | $172,300 | $246,220 |
| Florida | $83,840 | $104,780 | $153,610 |
| Georgia | $110,200 | $161,550 | $230,780 |
| Hawaii | $81,020 | $102,250 | $133,560 |
| Idaho | $101,200 | $128,670 | $169,370 |
| Illinois | $99,770 | $128,420 | $172,540 |
| Indiana | $98,000 | $139,940 | $213,580 |
| Iowa | $89,320 | $129,320 | $174,270 |
| Kansas | $110,020 | $152,520 | $227,000 |
| Kentucky | $114,310 | $167,080 | $230,220 |
| Louisiana | $98,840 | $139,060 | $214,270 |
| Maine | $88,180 | $127,150 | $178,200 |
| Maryland | $118,550 | $166,910 | $228,880 |
| Massachusetts | $128,970 | $171,900 | $228,410 |
| Michigan | $108,500 | $167,290 | $236,640 |
| Minnesota | $104,740 | $134,500 | $176,270 |
| Mississippi | $86,590 | $132,170 | $219,180 |
| Missouri | $104,560 | $156,650 | $213,740 |
| Montana | $102,980 | $137,470 | $174,190 |
| Nebraska | $96,030 | $133,660 | $215,130 |
| Nevada | $88,810 | $133,800 | $176,730 |
| New Hampshire | $104,190 | $155,860 | $213,310 |
| New Jersey | $131,570 | $169,760 | $224,550 |
| New Mexico | $109,480 | $141,230 | $178,830 |
| New York | $139,640 | $183,360 | $278,010 |
| North Carolina | $101,060 | $135,660 | $185,140 |
| North Dakota | $101,600 | $143,540 | $233,160 |
| Ohio | $87,370 | $127,880 | $177,930 |
| Oklahoma | $105,830 | $141,670 | $231,490 |
| Oregon | $120,110 | $174,630 | $229,730 |
| Pennsylvania | $103,740 | $142,160 | $209,530 |
| Rhode Island | $106,520 | $173,020 | $216,270 |
| South Carolina | $95,570 | $130,530 | $177,740 |
| South Dakota | $126,160 | $175,780 | $228,660 |
| Tennessee | $100,850 | $167,170 | $224,710 |
| Texas | $104,390 | $137,660 | $215,450 |
| Utah | $100,420 | $140,910 | $218,010 |
| Vermont | $104,450 | $142,050 | $226,460 |
| Virginia | $120,840 | $172,480 | $234,300 |
| Washington | $127,630 | $167,850 | $220,610 |
| West Virginia | $84,660 | $129,510 | $198,330 |
| Wisconsin | $124,960 | $162,320 | $198,850 |
| Wyoming | $127,960 | $137,810 | $174,170 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
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