Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs 2023

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,465
Out-of-State | $1,465

Credits to Graduate: 39

Seton Hall's online educational leadership program in management and policy curriculum emphasizes cutting-edge applied research. This program suits established education professionals looking to upgrade their educational credentials in preparation for administrative careers.

Coursework emphasizes ethical, informed approaches to curriculum development and advanced leadership and management skills. Though mainly delivered online, the degree requires two one-day campus residencies and an administrative internship. Graduates can choose between a master of arts in education or an education specialist degree designation.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $458
Out-of-State | $458

Credits to Graduate: 30

UTRGV's online master of education in educational leadership aims to develop diversity-minded administration professionals. Coursework emphasizes cultural sensitivity and stresses the unique needs of English-language learners. Required courses cover equity, diversity, and ethical leadership in communities of socio-culturally distinct students.

Along with an accelerated online structure, degree-seekers can benefit from low tuition rates and financial aid for qualified enrollees. Application guidelines prompt each student to submit a 15-minute video recording explaining their experience with improving academic outcomes through data-driven analysis.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (K-12 program)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $372
Out-of-State | $1,027

Credits to Graduate: 39-42

Learners in FAU's 100% online master of education in educational leadership program can choose from concentrations in higher education and K-12 school leadership. Both options feature rigorous curricula focused on building inclusive and effective learning environments.

The K-12 program draws on principles branded by FAU as "IDEAL" (Inclusive Development of Educational Administrators and Leaders). Coursework focuses on education equity across public, charter, and private schools. Degree-seekers in the higher education track engage with academic topics for professionals aspiring to top-ranking postsecondary administration positions. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $429
Out-of-State | $429

Credits to Graduate: 34

UWA's online M.Ed. in instructional leadership explores subjects like institutional leadership and management, academic supervision, learning technology, and education law. Students can complete the program entirely online in 1-2 years.

UWA recommends the program for established educators seeking degree upgrades and certification as Class A educational professionals. The curriculum also suits career-minded learners looking to transition into leadership positions. Enrollees can benefit from UWA's Mentor Collective, which matches every student with a dedicated mentor who provides one-on-one coaching and professional development.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $662
Out-of-State | $662

Credits to Graduate: 30

UNC's online graduate programs in educational leadership and policy studies include multiple advanced degree options. Students can pursue a master of arts designation focusing on leadership development for contemporary learning environments. The education specialist track targets statistical and qualitative research skills, evaluation models, and practical learning.

The master of arts program supports online and hybrid learning models. Learners in the education specialist path engage with online learning, internships, practicums, and field training.

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $681
Out-of-State | $681

Credits to Graduate: 60 quarter-hours

DePaul's educational leadership programs include eight innovative concentrations that can lead to master of arts or master of education degrees. In addition to a general program, the concentration options cover areas like higher education, physical education, Catholic leadership, and principal licensure (general or Catholic).

All programs feature flexible online formats to meet the needs of working professionals balancing career commitments and higher education. Graduation requirements also include two internships. Programs culminate with a graduate thesis (master of arts track) or a capstone project (master of education track). 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $815
Out-of-State | $815

Credits to Graduate: 30

St. Bonaventure's educational leadership program prepares certified teachers and counselors to pursue advanced careers in institutional leadership. Using a fully online or hybrid format, the program provides deep coverage of leadership, law, finance, and management topics. It also includes a special focus on school inclusivity.

Learners supplement coursework with residencies in elementary and secondary settings. Graduates qualify for educational certification in New York state, and students can qualify for district-level certificates with additional coursework.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $499
Out-of-State | $499

Credits to Graduate: 36

OU's master's program in school leadership uses an accelerated format to foster advanced leadership and administration skills in experienced educators. Coursework emphasizes education law and institutional finance. The program also includes valuable field learning components, allowing learners to apply gained knowledge in real-life settings.

Degree-seekers proceed into practicum-based learning after completing an intensive sequence of foundational courses. These courses cover a broad cross-section of theoretical and research-based topics, along with ethics, research methods, and student assessment techniques.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $385
Out-of-State | $385

Credits to Graduate: 33

Featuring a flexible 100% online format, Fitchburg State's M.Ed. in educational leadership and management develops research-based administration and leadership skills. Learners do not need teaching licensure for admission into the program.

Students engage with an intensive curriculum covering theoretical strategies, data-based methodologies, educational technology, and diversity. Affordable tuition rates and study paths leading to graduation in as little as 12 months round out the program's strong value proposition. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $315
Out-of-State | $315

Credits to Graduate: 36

ULM's online master of education in educational leadership emphasizes strategies for improving learning outcomes in diverse school environments. Coursework unfolds across compact eight-week schedules ideal for working professionals. Five annual start dates allow students to launch their learning journeys quickly.

This program culminates in a two-part internship, which doubles as a capstone experience. Internship courses supplement a diversified lineup of required courses in institutional management, leadership, ethics, and organizational theory. 

Each candidate must possess a bachelor's degree, teaching certification, and at least three years of teaching experience to qualify.