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: BusinessOnline LearningGraduate Ed.Editor: Jordan Cosselman
- 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...
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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
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 Admin.
| 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: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.