Key Takeaways:
- The University of Florida and the University of Missouri top the list for online master’s programs in educational leadership.
- Programs focus on preparing leaders for roles as principals, administrators, and policy influencers in education.
- Courses emphasize practical skills like curriculum management, school law, and data-driven leadership for diverse educational settings.
An online master’s in educational leadership equips educators for leadership roles such as principals, administrators, and superintendents, offering higher earning potential and career advancement. With a master’s in educational leadership, you can specialize in areas like curriculum development, school law, or educational policy, expanding your job opportunities.
For instance, while middle school teachers earn a median salary of $55,860, principals make a median of $90,410, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. To ensure a strong return on your investment, it’s crucial to find an educational leadership degree program that aligns with your career goals and meets state licensure requirements. Check out your state’s teacher licensure requirements here.
Featured Programs
Ranking Methodology
Awards and Recognition (Related to Educational Leadership)
• National Level – 2 points
• Regional Level – 1 point
20-Year Net ROI
• Above 500,000 – 5 points
• Above 400,000 – 4 points
• Above 300,000 – 3 points
• Above 200,000 – 2 points
Customization Options
• Content Customizations (e.g. Concentrations and Specializations) – 1 point
• Format Customizations (e.g. Hybrid, Synchronous, etc.) – 1 point
Innovative Programs and/or Teaching Methods in Educational Leadership – 1 point
Internship Opportunities in Educational Leadership – 1 point
Scholarship Opportunities in Educational Leadership – 1 point
Related Student Organizations and Societies – 1 point
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
Best Value Colleges for an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
In this ranking, we explore the 30 top-value online master’s in educational leadership programs. Our editors scoured the web for schools offering this degree in a virtual format and compiled an initial pool of 73 colleges and universities.
From there, we consulted PayScale.com to identify the 30 schools with the highest 20-year return on investment. Finally, we used information from each program’s website to apply the methodology above. In cases of a tie, the school with the lower tuition received the higher ranking.
#30 – Wright State University
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership—Teacher Leader
Dayton, Ohio
Website
Points: 3
Wright State University offers a 30-credit hour online master’s in educational leadership program designed to be completed within 20 months. The program can be completed entirely online and includes course topics such as Student Assessment, Curriculum Analysis, Leadership for School Improvement, and Instructional Leadership & Change.
This particular master’s of educational leadership online program is ideal for those teachers who want to remain in the classroom while taking on school leadership roles such as teacher leader, mentor, or curriculum facilitator.
Tuition & Fees: $12,788
#29 – Montclair State University
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Montclair, New Jersey
Website
Points: 3
Montclair State University offers a fully online master’s in educational leadership degree program designed to be completed in just 2 years on a part-time basis. The curriculum is primarily a prescribed one and includes course titles such as Effective Leadership in a Diverse Society, Ethical Leadership and Decision-Making, Leading Curriculum Change for Student Achievement, and Education Law.
A fast-track option is available, enabling students to complete this master’s of educational leadership online in just 14 months, but some campus visits may be required.
Tuition & Fees: $11,590
#28 – Florida State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration
Tallahassee, Florida
Points: 3
Florida State University offers a 36-credit hour online master’s in educational leadership featuring an experiential learning component. Specific course titles include Resource Management for Educational Leadership, Data Driven School Improvement, Instructional Leadership, and Applications of Policy.
Prior to graduation, students must also complete a capstone project, which includes a Leadership Development Plan, a reflection paper discussing the mentoring initiative and field experiences as well as a Conceptual Connections essay.
Students must have two years of full-time experience in a K-12 setting in order to be eligible for this online master’s educational leadership program.
Tuition & Fees: $11,543
#27 – Kennesaw State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Kennesaw, Georgia
Website
Points: 3
Kennesaw State University offers an online master’s in educational leadership with two available concentrations: Leadership in Urban Schools and Leading Independent and Charter Schools.
The 36-credit hour program is comprised of core courses such as Leading Curriculum and Assessment, Leading 21st Century Teaching and Learning, and Data Analysis School Leaders, as well as concentration courses like Financial Management and Leadership and Institutional Advancement and Governance.
A bachelor’s degree and two years of teaching experience are required for admission into this online master’s educational leadership degree.
Tuition & Fees: $6,740
#26 – Arkansas State University
Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
Jonesboro, Arkansas
Website
Points: 3
Arkansas State University offers an online master’s in educational leadership that allows students to specialize in elementary, middle, or secondary school curriculum.
The comprehensive 36-credit hour program can be completed in as few as 20 months and includes course topics such as Philosophies of Education, School and Community Relations, Planning and Resource Allocation, and Theories of Instruction.
A capstone course must also be completed prior to graduation from this online master’s educational leadership program.
Tuition & Fees: $5,810
#25 – Azusa Pacific University
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Azusa, California
Website
Points: 4
Azusa Pacific University offers an interactive online master’s in educational leadership program that can be completed in as few as 18-20 months. In addition to earning their degrees, enrolled students also have the opportunity to add a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.
Some specialty course titles include School Improvement Leadership, Organizational & Systems Leadership, and Community Leadership. An electronic portfolio must also be submitted prior to graduation from this online master’s educational leadership program.
Tuition & Fees: $12,409
#24 – Old Dominion University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership: Admin. & Supervision K-12
Norfolk, Virginia
Website
Points: 4
The online master’s in educational leadership from Old Dominion University is offered through its Department of Educational Foundations & Leadership. The 30-credit hour program is comprised of 24 credit hours of coursework as well as six credit hours of clinical experience.
Enrolled students will study topics such as Leadership for School Improvement, Data Analysis and Decision-Making, and Strategic Human Resource and Fiscal Development. Online master’s educational leadership students must also complete 120 internship hours prior to graduation.
Tuition & Fees: $11,136
#23 – University of Northern Colorado
Online Master in Educational Leadership
Greeley, Colorado
Points: 4
The University of Northern Colorado offers an online master’s in educational leadership program with three available concentration areas: P-12 education, higher education, and student affairs leadership. Additionally, students have the option of customizing individual programs by selecting electives aligned with their career goals.
Course titles comprising this master’s of educational leadership online program include Leadership Development Through Inquiry, Shaping Organizations: Management and Leadership in Education, and Understanding People: Professional Development and Educational Leadership.
Tuition & Fees: $10,809
#22 – Saint Joseph’s College of Maine
Online Master of Educational Leadership
Standish, Maine
Website
Points: 4
Saint Joseph’s College of Maine offers an online master’s in educational leadership offering with four distinct concentrations: public K-12 schools, Catholic schools, healthcare education, and adult training. There is no residency requirement for the program, and monthly start dates allow students to begin coursework as soon as their schedules allow.
Some of the course titles comprising this master’s of educational leadership program include Research Design in Education, Supervision and Evaluation of Educational Personnel, Federal and State Civil Rights and Education Law, and Organizational Theory and Planning.
Tuition & Fees: $8,626
#21 – San Diego State University
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership
San Diego, California
Website
Points: 4
The online master’s in educational leadership offering from San Diego State University is technically an MA in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership and a specialty in PreK-12.
The 15-month program follows a cohort model and includes course titles such as Curriculum Design and Management, Principles of Educational Administration, Professional Learning & Growth Leadership, and Visionary Leadership.
Since the curriculum focuses heavily on technology, this master’s of educational leadership online program is ideal for those teachers who want to take on educational technology leadership roles in their schools.
Tuition & Fees: $8,242
#20 – California State University—Northridge
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Northridge, California
Website
Points: 4
California State University—Northridge offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree program from the College of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. This program also prepares eligible students for the Tier I Credential from the California State Credentials Office.
Course titles comprising the curriculum for this master’s of educational leadership online program include Contemporary Administrative Leadership, Business and Financial Aspects of Educational Administration, and Management of Human Resources.
Tuition & Fees: $7,835
#19 – Park University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Parkville, Missouri
Website
Points: 4
Park University offers an online master’s in educational leadership program delivered in a cohort format. The program is designed to be completed in two years, and students take one eight-week course at a time. In addition to the standard coursework, students may also opt to study additional topics in preparation for middle school principal certification.
Specific course titles for this online master’s of educational leadership degree include Foundations of Educational Administration, School and Community Leadership, and Curriculum Theory and Practice.
Tuition & Fees: $7,575
#18 – University of New England
Online Master of Arts in Education: Educational Leadership
Biddeford, Maine
Website
Points: 5
The University of New England offers a well-balanced online master’s of educational leadership program consisting of five core courses and five elective courses. Core course titles include Teacher as Leader, Motivational Theory & Strategies, and Action Research.
Students will choose electives aligned with one of five focus areas: Career & Technical Education, Curriculum & Instructional Strategies, Literacy (K-12), Educational Leadership, and Inclusion Education. A final portfolio is also required for this online master’s educational leadership program.
Tuition & Fees: $23,172
#17 – Quinnipiac University
Online MS in Teacher Leadership
Hamden, Connecticut
Website
Points: 5
Quinnipiac University offers an online master’s in educational leadership with three available tracks: the literacy leadership track, the mathematics leadership track, and the program improvement leadership track. The 30-credit hour program consists of a 21-credit core and nine credits in the student’s chosen specialty area.
Some required courses include Teacher Leadership to Transform School Culture, Leading School Improvement, Research-Based Literacy Practices, and Diversity in the Classroom. A letter of recommendation from a supervisor or principal is required for eligibility into this master’s of educational leadership online program.
Tuition & Fees: $17,874
#16 – University of Cincinnati
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Cincinnati, Ohio
Points: 5
The online master’s in educational leadership program from the University of Cincinnati is a 30-credit hour program designed to be completed over the course of 21 months. The curriculum is a prescribed one and includes 10 14-week courses. Some course titles include Educational Leadership Theory, Leadership for Social Justice, School & Community Partnerships, and Instructional Supervision.
Prior to graduation from this online master’s educational leadership, students are also required to submit an electronic portfolio and a Principal Clinical Internship.
Tuition & Fees: $14,468
#15 – Ottawa University
Online Master’s in Education: Educational Leadership
Ottawa, Kansas
Points: 5
Ottawa University offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree program which is actually a Master of Arts in Education with a concentration in Educational Leadership.
To complete this program, enrolled students will take foundation courses such as Human Relations for Leaders in Diverse Communities and Data-Driven Leadership Practices, as well as concentration courses such as Education Law, School Finance, and School and Community Relations.
This master’s of educational leadership online program leads to licensure by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium.
Tuition & Fees: $11,305
#14 – Arizona State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership (Principalship)
Tempe, Arizona
Website
Points: 5
Arizona State University offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree through the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. As they work towards their principalship certification, students will take courses such as Competency and Performance in Educational Administration, Instructional Supervision, School Finance and Human Resources, and School Law.
This 36-credit hour master of educational leadership online program also requires a 135-hour internship. Although the program meets the requirements for Arizona principal certification, students from other states should check their specific state requirements to ensure the program is right for them.
Tuition & Fees: $11,304
#13 – Grand Canyon University
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership
Phoenix, Arizona
Website
Points: 5
Grand Canyon University offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree program from its College of Education that approaches school leadership from a Christian perspective.
The 30-credit hour program is designed to be completed within 20 months and includes course topics such as Developing and Implementing Professional Development, Improving Teacher Performance and Self-efficacy, Shaping School Culture, and Strengthening Curricular Programs to Promote Continuous School Improvement.
Master’s of educational leadership online students may also be eligible for certain scholarships.
Tuition & Fees: $10,124
#12 – Kansas State University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Manhattan, Kansas
Website
Points: 5
Kansas State University offers an online master’s in educational leadership that leads to a building-level principal licensure. The curriculum consists of a 9-credit hour leadership core, 6 credit hours in student learning needs, and 21 credit hours in leadership operations.
Specific course titles include Ethical Dimensions of Educational Leadership, School-Community Relations, Education Law, and Technology Leadership for Administrators. The school’s College of Education also offers a limited number of scholarships for its online master’s educational leadership students.
Tuition & Fees: $9,972
#11 – Indiana University—Bloomington
Online M.S.E.D in Educational Leadership
Bloomington, Indiana
Website
Points: 5
Indiana University offers an online master’s of educational leadership program that includes an optional teacher leadership specialist track. In addition to core requirements, students may choose to specialize in a specific strand, including the Higher Education and Student Affairs Strand, the Leadership in Educational Organizations Strand, the Learning Sciences Strand, and the School Law strand.
Specific course titles comprising this master’s of educational leadership online program include Legal Perspectives on Education, Public School Budgeting and Accounting, and Instruction in Context of Curriculum.
Tuition & Fees: $9,743
#10 – Graceland University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Lamoni, Iowa
Points: 5
Graceland University’s online master’s in educational leadership offering is actually an MEd in Management in a Quality Classroom: A Quality Schools Approach. This unique program focuses on the concept of quality schools and prepares graduates to become experts in the field of classroom management.
The prescribed curriculum includes specialty course topics such as Classroom Management: Dealing With Discipline Problems, Gaining Parental Support: Building Home-School Relationships, and Choice and Responsibility: Managing Student Behavior. This online master’s educational leadership program includes a field experience, enabling students to immediately apply their learning.
Tuition & Fees: $9,440
#9 – University of Texas—Arlington
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy
Arlington, Texas
Website
Points: 5
The University of Texas—Arlington offers a non-thesis online master’s in educational leadership program leading to principal certification. The 36-credit hour program is comprehensive, yet can be completed in as few as 18 months. The curriculum is entirely prescribed and includes courses such as Educational Research and Evaluation, Leadership in the Instructional Setting, Leadership Theory, and Educational Governance.
Though this particular online master’s educational leadership program is less customizable than other programs in this ranking, it does offer a quick and clear-cut road towards school principal certification.
Tuition & Fees: $8,517
#8 – University of Louisiana at Monroe
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership
Monroe, Louisiana
Website
Points: 5
The online master’s in educational leadership program from the University of Louisiana at Monroe features several available certifications, including Teacher Leader Endorsement, Secondary School Principal, Director/Supervisor of Special Education, and Child Welfare and Attendance Officer.
The program also offers an extended internship that allows students to apply their learning in a real-world setting. It is important to note that there is an on-campus component to this master’s of educational leadership online program, which requires several on-site experiences.
Tuition & Fees: $8,005
#7 – Lamar University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Beaumont, Texas
Points: 5
Lamar University offers an online master’s in educational leadership resulting in an MEd in Educational Administration. Specialty course topics include titles such as Fundamentals of Leadership, Diverse Learners, Leadership for Accountability, and Curriculum Management.
In addition to 36 credit hours of coursework, students pursuing their master’s of educational leadership online degree must also complete a minimum of 200 practicum hours in a public or private school setting. To complete this requirement, students will apply for an internship for supervision or an internship for principals.
Tuition & Fees: $7,898
#6 – De Paul University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership (MA/MEd)
Chicago, Illinois
Website
Points: 6
DePaul University offers a highly customizable online master’s in educational leadership program. With both MA and MEd degree options, students can also choose between several concentrations, including Catholic Leadership, Higher Education, Physical Education, and Teacher Leader. Students can choose to take classes on a full-time or part-time basis and can earn their degrees completely online or opt for a hybrid format, combining online courses with on-campus offerings.
To complete this master’s of educational leadership online program, students will take core courses such as Effective Leadership of Schools, School Finance, and Politics of Education.
Tuition & Fees: $29,873
#5 – University of Arkansas
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Website
Points: 6
The University of Arkansas offers a 33-credit hour online master’s in educational leadership degree program that can be completed entirely online. The school boasts a 100% pass rate on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). Specialty courses include School Organization and Administration, Ethical Leadership, and Effective Leadership for School Improvement.
In order to complete the requirements for this master’s of educational leadership online program, students must also participate in an internship and pass a written exam or portfolio presentation.
Tuition & Fees: $8,096
#4 – Drexel University
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 7
Drexel University’s online master’s in educational leadership offering is technically an MS in Educational Administration. There are five different tracks offered by the school in order to accommodate the interests and career aspirations of all students. For instance, students may opt to get their online master’s educational leadership degree with a concentration in special education leadership or with a School Principal certification.
Some specialty course topics include Integration of Technology with School Instruction and Management, School and Community Partnerships and Relations, and School Finance and Facilities.
Tuition & Fees: $31,519
#3 – Penn State World Campus
Online Master’s in Education in Educational Leadership
University Park, Pennsylvania
Website
Points: 7
Penn State offers an online master’s in educational leadership degree program with a choice of three emphasis areas: Teacher Leader, School Leader (with principal certification), and School Leader (without principal certification).
The program includes 30 credit hours, and most students take three to four courses per year. Specific course titles include How Schools Work, Leadership for Inclusive Education, The Principalship, and Financial Management for Schools. Depending upon their chosen specialty, online master’s educational leadership students must also complete a capstone course or internship.
Tuition & Fees: $19,832
#2 – University of Missouri
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 7
The University of Missouri offers an online master’s in educational leadership from its Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis. This 30-credit hour program can be completed in as few as 15 months, but some courses do require campus visits.
The curriculum follows a prescribed schedule and includes courses such as Foundations of School Leadership, Leadership for Data-Driven Change, School Law & Finance for Principal Leadership, and Supervision of Learning Environments.
Students are also required to complete an internship prior to graduation from this master’s of educational leadership online program.
Tuition & Fees: $9,506
#1 – University of Florida
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership
Gainesville, Florida
Points: 8
The University of Florida offers an online master’s in educational leadership that leads to Florida principal certification. The 36-credit hour program features a prescribed curriculum that includes courses such as Communication in Educational Leadership, Leading Change, Administration of School Personnel, and Public School Law.
Master’s in educational leadership online students must also complete a 150-hour practicum before they can sit for the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE). U.S. News & World Report ranked the program first in online graduate education programs.
Tuition & Fees: $12,737
CVO Staff
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