Educational Administration Master’s Programs Online: Finding a School

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 covers the program format, length, cost, admissions basics, and outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions from Future MEd Students

Are online MEd in Educational Administration programs accredited and respected?

Yes — as long as you choose a properly accredited program. Look for schools with regional accreditation and education programs accredited by bodies like CAEP (Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation). Accreditation ensures the curriculum meets quality standards and that your degree will be recognized by employers and state licensure boards. Employers today generally respect online degrees from accredited institutions just as much as on-campus ones.

Will an online MEd in Educational Administration lead to principal licensure?

It can — most online MEd programs focused on K-12 administration are designed to fulfill academic requirements for a principal or administrator license. However, licensure also involves other steps: states often require candidates to hold a teaching license, have a certain number of years of teaching experience, and pass a licensing exam (like the School Leaders Licensure Assessment or a state-specific principal exam). When researching programs, check if the curriculum includes any required internships or practicums and aligns with your state’s certification rules. Many programs (like those highlighted above) explicitly state that they lead to principal certification in specific states, or they offer guidance for out-of-state students. Always verify with your state’s education department to be sure your online degree will meet local licensure needs.

How long does it take to complete an online MEd in Educational Administration?

Typically 1-3 years. Many programs are around 30-36 credits. If you study full-time (and especially in an accelerated format), you might finish in as little as 10-12 months (as seen with UTRGV’s 10-month track). Working professionals often go part-time, taking 18-24 months to graduate by doing ~2 courses per semester. 

The beauty of online programs compared to other modes of learning is flexibility — you can often adjust your course load. Keep in mind any internship requirements; these can add time if they must be done in sequence. Overall, plan on about 2 years for most online MEd students, but know that some speed through faster while others take a bit longer to accommodate life’s demands.

Do I need teaching experience or a teaching license to enroll in an MEd in Educational Administration?

For K-12 educational administration programs, the answer is usually yes. Since these degrees often aim to produce school principals or instructional supervisors, most require applicants to have taught for a few years and to hold a teaching certification. This is because the coursework and internships assume familiarity with school settings and build on practical teaching insight. If you’re a career-changer without a teaching background, you might need to obtain a teaching credential first or look for programs in higher education administration, which may not require K-12 teaching experience. Some programs also offer conditional admission if you have other relevant experience, but be prepared that principal licensure generally will require a teaching background in most states.

Do online MEd in Educational Administration programs require the GRE?

Often no, the GRE is not required. Many education master’s programs have moved away from requiring GRE scores, especially for experienced educators. Instead, they focus on your undergraduate GPA, professional experience, and application materials. All three programs we highlighted, for instance, do not require GRE scores for admission. If taking standardized tests is a concern, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of online master’s programs with no GRE requirement. That said, a few competitive or research-oriented MEd programs might still ask for GRE scores, so always check the specific admissions requirements of each school. Generally, though, the trend in education is to waive the GRE, making the application process a bit easier for busy professionals.

Cost and Financial Aid: What to Expect for an Online MEd

The cost of an online MEd in Educational Administration can vary widely. Public universities often offer lower per-credit rates for in-state students, while private institutions might charge higher tuition. The good news is many online programs charge a flat rate regardless of residency, which can make a normally pricey out-of-state program more affordable. Additionally, the number of credits required will determine your total tuition — shorter programs may cost less overall.

Studying online can save you money on relocation, campus housing, or commuting. Some employers even offer tuition assistance if your degree will benefit your role — it’s worth checking with your HR department. Online MEd students are typically eligible for the same federal financial aid (loans, grants) as on-campus students, as long as the school is accredited. Scholarships are also available specifically for education majors and graduate students — from university-funded awards to scholarships from organizations like teacher associations. 

Below is a quick look at three example programs and their costs to illustrate differences. We compare the number of credits, tuition per credit, and approximate total tuition:

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?

Earning an MEd in Educational Administration opens the door to a variety of leadership careers in education. With this degree, you’re prepared to take on roles that influence educational policy, improve schools, and impact student success from the top down. Below, we highlight three promising careers for MEd in Educational Administration graduates, including salary and outlook information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

K-12 School Principal or Assistant Principal

As a school principal (or assistant principal), you’ll manage school operations, hire and evaluate staff, oversee the budget, and champion academic initiatives. A master’s in educational administration is typically required. According to the BLS, elementary and secondary school principals earn a median annual salary of about $103,460. While the BLS projects a slight decline in the number of principal jobs (-1% from 2023 to 2033), retirements and turnover will create an average of 20,800 openings each year in this role, meaning steady opportunities for new graduates.

Postsecondary Education Administrator (Academic Dean, Admissions Director, etc.)

This broad category includes roles like admissions director, student services dean, academic program manager, or registrar at colleges and universities. In these positions, you’ll work to improve college operations and student experiences. While some higher ed admins pursue doctorates, many entry and mid-level roles only require a master’s degree (and sometimes prior experience in the area). Postsecondary education administrators have a median annual salary around $102,610 (as of May 2023) with the field growing at about 3% from 2023 to 2033. 

Instructional Coordinator (Curriculum Specialist)

Instructional coordinators — often known as curriculum specialists or curriculum directors — are professionals who develop and oversee school curricula and teaching standards. This role helps shape what and how students learn across a district or school system. Instructional coordinators train teachers, select textbooks and educational materials, analyze student achievement data, and implement new instructional strategies. The median salary for instructional coordinators is about $74,620 per year.

Ranking the Top Online MEd Programs

We chose the best online MEd in Educational Administration programs after careful consideration of several key factors that matter to students. In our ranking, we looked at affordability, academic quality and accreditation, online flexibility, and the availability of student support services. We also factored in program outcomes, like certification pass rates and career placement, when information was available. Take a look to see which schools made their way onto our list as the top choices for future MEd students like you.