You’ve seen firsthand what strong leadership can do for a school and its staff, and now you’re ready to be that leader. Whether your goal is to become a principal, department head, or district-level changemaker, an online master’s in educational leadership can help you move from influencing a classroom to impacting an entire school. This OMD guide breaks down top programs, curriculum, potential costs, and more.
Author: Blake Huggins, PhD
Expertise: Graduate Ed.Online LearningBusinessEditor: Gwen Resulta
Expertise: EditorialGraduate Ed.Online Learning- Inside Real Programs
An inside look at actual online programs, exploring their structure, curriculum, costs, admission criteria, and more…
Read more - Cost Breakdown
A clear overview of how much my degree might cost and the factors influencing total expenses…
Read more - FAQs
Insightful and guiding answers to common questions prospective students like myself have about earning this degree…
Read more - Career Options
What doors open after graduating with my master’s degree…
Read more - Resources
More resources that dive deeper into specific degree programs, student success, and more…
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
3 Notable Online MEd in Educational Leadership Programs
University of Florida — MEd in Educational Leadership (School Leadership track)
The University of Florida’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is a nationally ranked program that prepares aspiring school leaders through practical, certification-aligned coursework. Designed for working educators, the curriculum covers administrative leadership, instructional supervision, school law, finance, and data-driven decision making. Students benefit from UF’s experienced faculty and gain eligibility for Florida’s Level 1 Educational Leadership certification (required for K-12 assistant principals and principals in Florida) upon graduation. The program emphasizes visionary leadership and community engagement, with a required field experience mentored by practicing school leaders, so graduates are well-prepared to step confidently into new roles.
Duration: ~2 years (flexible pacing)
Mode: Online, with required on-site field internship at your local school
Cost: $549/credit (FL resident); $688/credit (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 upper-division GPA)
- For the certification track, a valid teaching license and at least three years of teaching experience are required by the time of certification recommendation
- Transcripts
- Statement of goals
- 2–3 recommendation letters (one from a supervisor/principal is encouraged)
University of Cincinnati — Online Master’s of Educational Leadership
The University of Cincinnati offers an online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership that equips licensed educators with real-world administrative skills. The program features three concentrations — Principal Leadership, Special Education Leadership, and General Administration & Policy — allowing students to tailor their degree to their career goals. All tracks emphasize leadership theory, organizational management, and community engagement. Principal and Special Education tracks include internships that align with Ohio’s licensure requirements, while the General track suits those not seeking principal certification. UC’s faculty are experienced practitioners, and the program is CAEP-accredited and approved by the Ohio Department of Education. Students also benefit from networking and a University-to-Business (U2B) scholarship program for partner school employees.
Duration: 30 credit hours
Mode: Online (asynchronous); internship requirements for licensure concentrations are completed locally under supervision
Cost: $746/credit (OH resident); $761/credit (non-resident)
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree (minimum 3.0 GPA preferred)
- For Principal licensure concentration, a valid teaching license and two years of teaching experience are recommended (required for eventual Ohio principal certification)
- Transcripts
- Goals statement
- 2 recommendations
Louisiana State University (LSU Online) — Online MEd in Educational Leadership
LSU’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership is an accelerated program designed for experienced educators aiming to become effective school administrators. The comprehensive curriculum (13 courses) covers key areas such as instructional leadership, ethical decision-making, school law, finance, and data-informed school improvement. LSU’s College of Education provides robust support for online students, including a free transcript retrieval service and career resources. Graduates meet the academic requirements for Louisiana Level 1 principal certification, and the program’s CAEP accreditation attests to its high standards.
Duration: 15 months (five 7-week terms)
Mode: Online (asynchronous)
Cost: $459 per credit
Admissions Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (min 3.0 GPA)
- Valid teaching certificate (Louisiana Level 2 or equivalent)
- 2+ years of teaching experience in a certified position
- 3 letters of recommendation — including one from a current or former principal attesting to leadership potential
- Resume
- Personal statement of purpose
Tuition & Fees
Paying for an online MEd in Educational Leadership involves both fixed and variable costs. The primary fixed cost is tuition, usually charged per credit. Some universities charge the same rate for all online students, while others have in-state vs. out-of-state pricing. Fees are the variable costs to watch: online students may pay technology fees, distance learning fees, or practicum fees. Don’t forget to budget for course materials (like textbooks or e-books) and any required travel for internships or campus residencies (many online MEd programs, however, have no campus travel requirements).
The good news is that online delivery can sometimes reduce costs — for instance, you won’t incur relocation or commuting expenses, and you may continue working full-time. Financial aid (loans, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance) can help offset tuition. Always inquire whether your school offers special tuition rates for teachers or partner school districts, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket cost.
| University (Program) | No. of Credits | Cost per Credit | Total Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Florida — Online M.Ed. Educational Leadership | 36 | $687.87 | ~$24,760 |
| University of Cincinnati — M.Ed. Educational Leadership | 30 | $761 | $22,830 |
| Louisiana State University — M.Ed. Educational Leadership | 39 | $459 | $17,901 |
Note: Tuition figures above are based on the latest data. Totals do not include university fees or supplies.
FAQs from Prospective Educational Leadership Students
Q1: Why is accreditation important for an online MEd in Educational Leadership?
A: Accreditation is essential to ensure your degree is respected. Accredited programs undergo rigorous quality reviews, so you can trust the curriculum meets professional standards and licensure requirements. For example, a program accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or approved by a state’s education department assures that you’ll receive current, research-based training and be eligible for administrative certification. Employers and state licensing boards may not recognize a degree from an unaccredited school — so always verify that both the institution and program hold proper accreditation before you enroll.
Q2: Can I work full-time while earning my MEd in Educational Leadership online?
A: Yes — these programs are designed with working educators in mind, so many online MEd students continue teaching or working in schools while studying. Courses are often part-time and flexible. In fact, universities expect you to balance school with other responsibilities, and they structure programs accordingly. You can usually choose an extended timeline if needed.
Q3: What kinds of courses will I take in an Educational Leadership master’s program?
A: You’ll take a blend of leadership and education courses that prepare you for school administration. Common coursework includes: Educational Law and Ethics, School Finance and Budgeting, Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership, School Operations Management, and Data-Driven Decision Making. You will also study organizational theory and community relations — learning how to manage school improvement plans, evaluate teachers, and ensure equity in education. Several programs feature a leadership practicum or internship where you work under a mentor principal to practice skills in the field. By the end of the program, you’ll have a well-rounded grasp of how to run a school or academic program effectively.
Q4: Do I need to be a licensed teacher to apply for this master’s program?
A: The answer depends on the program. Many Educational Leadership MEd programs do prefer or require a teaching background. Because K-12 principal licensure typically requires prior teaching experience, some programs insist applicants have 2+ years of teaching and a teaching license. These programs are training future principals and administrators, so they target current educators. However, not all tracks require it. Some universities offer a non-licensure leadership track open to those outside K-12 teaching. Always check prerequisites: if you lack a teaching certificate, look for programs explicitly stating they accept alternate backgrounds.
Q5: How long does it take to earn an online MEd in Educational Leadership?
A: Most students take about 2 years to finish. For example, a typical online program might be 36 credits with fall, spring, and summer semesters — often allowing completion in roughly 24 months while working. That said, program lengths vary. Some schools offer accelerated formats: LSU’s online M.Ed. can be completed in as few as 15 months with an aggressive course load.
What Can You Do with an MEd in Educational Leadership?
An MEd in Educational Leadership can unlock advanced roles both inside K-12 schools and in broader education settings. Most commonly, graduates move into school or district administration. They become principals or assistant principals, instructional coordinators (curriculum specialists), or district-level program directors. Others pursue roles in higher education administration, or even corporate training and development. Successful education leaders typically share strengths in communication, organization, problem-solving, and mentoring.
Graduates can expect strong employment prospects in the long run, as experienced educational leaders are needed to navigate retirements and lead school improvement initiatives. And the potential salaries reflect the responsibility of these roles — often significantly higher than those of classroom teachers, making the MEd a sound investment for educators aiming to increase their impact and earning potential.
| Career | Projected Growth | Median Pay | Top 10 % Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle & High School Principals | -1% | $103,460 | $163,010 |
| Instructional Coordinators (Curriculum Specialists) | +2% | $74,620 | $109,500 |
| Postsecondary Education Administrators (College/University) | +3% | $102,610 | $209,870 |
| Preschool & Childcare Center Directors | -2% | $54,290 | $94,890 |
| Training & Development Managers (Corporate Sector) | +7% | $125,040 | $220,060 |
Note: “Projected Growth” is the estimated percent change in employment for 2023–2033.
10 Useful Resources for Students
Whether you’re currently enrolled or considering an online Educational Leadership master’s, the following resources can enrich your learning and professional growth:
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD): A premier professional organization for educators. ASCD offers articles, webinars, and the Educational Leadership magazine covering the latest research and strategies in K-12 leadership, curriculum, and instruction.
- NAESP — National Association of Elementary School Principals: NAESP provides research-based resources and community for K-8 school leaders.
- NASSP — National Association of Secondary School Principals: Focused on middle and high school leaders, NASSP publishes valuable content like the Principal Leadership magazine and offers toolkits on topics such as school scheduling, assessment, and student well-being.
- AASA — The School Superintendents Association: AASA is geared toward district-level leaders (superintendents, central office, etc.), but it’s very relevant for aspiring educational leaders too. Their resources (newsletters, white papers, conference sessions) delve into district policy, finance, and systemic leadership — the kind of big-picture thinking that can set you apart.
- Edutopia — Educational Leadership: Funded by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, Edutopia has a fantastic “School Leadership” section featuring short articles and videos by and for educators. Topics range from teacher mentorship and project-based learning implementation to equity and social-emotional learning at the school-wide level.
- Education Week — Leadership: Education Week is a leading news outlet for American education. They often report on new research (like reports on principal training or burnout) and profile award-winning principals and superintendents.
- The Wallace Foundation: The Wallace Foundation has invested heavily in research on school leadership, and their Knowledge Center offers free reports and guides on how principals affect student learning, how to develop effective mentor programs, and ways to redesign principal preparation programs.
- Better Leaders Better Schools Podcast: A weekly podcast (and blog) hosted by veteran principal Daniel Bauer that features expert guests — successful principals, authors, or educational thought leaders — discussing strategies to lead schools effectively.
- Harvard Graduate School of Education: This is an online portal that translates education research into practical advice for educators. For someone pursuing an Ed Leadership MEd, Usable Knowledge offers bite-sized, research-backed articles on issues like family engagement, data use in schools, and teacher retention strategies.
- LinkedIn — “Educational Leadership” Professional Group: LinkedIn hosts numerous groups, and Educational Leadership (and similar groups like School Administrators) are forums where thousands of principals, assistant principals, and aspiring leaders share ideas and articles.
Best Online MEd in Educational Leadership Rankings
We chose the top schools using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Our methodology prioritized affordability, student support services, and online accessibility. All ranked programs are regionally accredited and many hold prestigious CAEP accreditation for educator preparation. In the end, our list highlights online MEd programs that deliver a high-quality, flexible educational leadership degree at a good value, with strong outcomes for graduates. Discover the best schools for students like you and determine the right one for your future.