Online Master’s Programs in Educational Leadership: Comparing Schools

3 Notable Online MEd in Educational Leadership Programs

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.

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.

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.