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Author: James Mielke

James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to higher education topics, his research and writing cover food history, cooking, dining, and golf. He regularly contributes to multiple higher education-focused sites. James holds a history degree from Belmont University and has written for publications including Eaten Magazine, Food Republic, The Midwesterner, Golfweek, and the Courier-Journal. He began freelancing full-time after his line-cooking experience ended due to COVID-19. James is also an unapologetic fan of the Grateful Dead.
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Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Best Online Educational Administration Master’s Programs: Explore Schools

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.

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: James Mielke

James Mielke is a freelance writer currently based in Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to higher education topics, his research and writing cover food history, cooking, dining, and golf. He regularly contributes to multiple higher education-focused sites. James holds a history degree from Belmont University and has written for publications including Eaten Magazine, Food Republic, The Midwesterner, Golfweek, and the Courier-Journal. He began freelancing full-time after his line-cooking experience ended due to COVID-19. James is also an unapologetic fan of the Grateful Dead.
Check Expertise: BusinessOnline LearningGraduate Ed.
BusinessOnline LearningGraduate Ed.

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.
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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

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.

SchoolCreditsCost per CreditEst. Total Tuition
Arizona State University36$676​$24,336
Grand Canyon University36$605​$21,780
UT Rio Grande Valley30$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.


What Can You Do With an MEd in Educational Administration?

An MEd in Educational Administration prepares you for leadership roles that influence school operations, policy, and student outcomes.

K-12 School Principal or Assistant Principal

Principals oversee school operations, manage staff, and lead instructional improvement. A master’s degree in educational administration is typically required.

  • Median salary: $103,460
  • Outlook: While overall growth is modest, retirements create ~20,800 openings per year

Postsecondary Education Administrator

Roles include admissions director, academic dean, registrar, or student services administrator at colleges and universities.

  • Median salary: $102,610
  • Growth: ~3% (2023–2033)

Many entry- and mid-level roles require only a master’s degree plus relevant experience.

Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist)

Instructional coordinators develop curricula, train teachers, and analyze student performance data to improve instruction.

  • Median salary: $74,620
  • Work settings: School districts, education agencies, nonprofits

This role is ideal for educators who want system-level impact without moving into building administration.


Today’s Best Online MEd in Educational Administration Programs

1
Private · NWCCU
Private · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
4

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL
Public · SACSCOC
Private · NECHE
7

Campbellsville University

Campbellsville, KY
Private · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
10

Lamar University

Beaumont, TX
Public · SACSCOC
11

Purdue University Global

West Lafayette, IN
Public · HLC
Public · HLC
13
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · HLC
17

National University

San Diego, CA
Private · WSCUC
Public · WSCUC
Public · HLC
20
Public · SACSCOC
21

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO
Private · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
Public · SACSCOC
24
Private · HLC