Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2025

Why We Chose This School

The Texas A&M University educational administration master's program emphasizes educational leadership and policy for pre-K through 12th grade. The program focuses on generating effective change-makers, the ideals of social justice and responsibility, and cultural responsiveness. 

To apply for the two-year, 36-credit program, you will need to have a bachelor's degree, a PK-12 teaching certificate, two years of full-time teaching experience, and leadership experience. You'll also complete an interview with faculty and an online application to Texas A&M. 

According to the university, most students stay employed while pursuing this degree. 

Highlights

• Includes two semesters of internships
• Prepares you for TExES state principal exam

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• Required on-campus training one weekend in spring semester
• Residency requirements 

Why We Chose This School

We picked the master of education in educational leadership & policy at Boston College because of how it prepares students for success across school type and geographic region, and how its curriculum focuses on evidence-based practices and technological advancements. 

You can finish this 30-credit program in two years, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. In this program, you can expect to learn how to apply leadership theories in practice, interpret and implement policies, and advance equity.  

Highlights

• Curriculum offers a holistic perspective 
• Commitment to social justice values

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• Online and hybrid options
• Program concludes with a reflection seminar

Why We Chose This School

We selected the University of Florida Online M.Ed. program because of its high graduation and retention rates and prestige as one of the best online graduate schools. Courses include mentoring, field experience, and support for students who are already school leaders.

The program offers two tracks: one with eligibility for Florida Level 1 certification in educational leadership and one without. Students typically complete the program in two years, and there are part-time and full-time options. The average class size is 10 to 15 students and is taught by experienced faculty and administrators.

Highlights

• Great support for working students 
• Can begin in fall, spring, or summer

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• Not great student completion numbers
• Competitive admissions, requires a 3.0 undergrad GPA

Why We Chose This School

Gonzaga's online master's in educational leadership (M.Ed.) program is a Jesuit school that offers a four-semester program that is designed for practicing educators. We chose this program because its courses explore both theory and practice. After completing this program, you'll become an educational leader with a commitment to social justice, equity, and personal growth. 

This program focuses and commits to developing students' careers, and will prepare you for a job as an administrator, consultant, or curriculum developer. The courses are diverse, collaborative, and dynamic. You'll be able to network with other education professionals within the program.

Highlights

• Well-rounded curriculum
• 18 students per cohort

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• $800 per credit hour
• Takes 30 credits to complete 

Why We Chose This School

We chose the educational leadership master's program at Clemson University for the way it prepares students for solving complex problems and how to serve communities in a collaborative way. 

The program is known for its flexibility for working students. Each term is eight weeks, except for the summer term, which is six weeks. Courses are asynchronous. 

To apply for this program, you will submit an online application, a current resume, three recommendations, and a personal statement. Fees are an estimated $105 before course tuition is added.

Highlights

• Prestige and support of Clemson University
• You will complete two courses each semester

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• Low student completion numbers
• Require 2 years of teaching experience and 3.0 undergrad GPA

Why We Chose This School

University of Oklahoma's online master of education in educational administration, curriculum, and supervision is a two-year, 12-course program that costs $700 per credit hour. 

We chose this program because — according to the school — 80% of OU online graduates find employment within six months of graduation, 78% say the skills they learned made them more competitive in the job market, and 60% of online graduates report earning an annual salary of $75,000 or more. 

Highlights

• Rolling admissions with fall, spring, and summer start dates
• Mentorship and internship opportunities

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• 36 credit hours needed
• Includes a capstone experience 

Why We Chose This School

The master of education (edm) in educational leadership & policy studies at Boston University teaches students both practical skills and education theories. The online program is offered in both full-time and part-time formats. Students are offered hands-on support through the program.

As a student in this program, you'll explore topics such as counseling and advising, student life, financial aid, and admissions. You'll also learn from the other working professionals in your program. Courses will teach you to be inclusive and how to work collaboratively.

Highlights

• Graduate assistantships or internships for full-time students
• Faculty have held a variety of leadership positions

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• Expensive tuition
• Competitive admissions 

Why We Chose This School

Saint Joseph's University's master of science in educational leadership and transformational change offers concentrations in the following:

• Administrative, Principal PK-12
• Curriculum and Instruction Supervisor PK-12
• Supervisory, Special Education PK-12

This program will teach you how to transform theory into practice, communicate effectively, foster school-community collaboration, and be guided by social justice principles. Programs require 30 to 39 credits to create. 

The small classes are led by expert professionals and designed for working professionals. Graduates can go on to become principals, assistant principals, administrators, curriculum supervisors, or superintendents.

Highlights

• Online, in-person, or hybrid 
• Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits 

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• Tuition starts at $845 per credit hour
• Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Why We Chose This School

We picked the online master of science in education at Pepperdine University because it offers synchronous options and does not require GRE or standardized test scores.

The 15-month program offers concentrations in organizational leadership and learning, leadership in higher education, leadership in pre-k to 12 education, and leadership in learning design and technology.

The 30-credit program is made of a final capstone, three concentration courses, and six core courses. Classes have no more than 20 students. 

Highlights

• Strong academic and career support offered to students
• One of the top universities in the country

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• Expensive
• A Yellow Ribbon school

Why We Chose This School

The cost per credit for the master of education in leadership and human development at George Mason University ranges from $636 to $949. As a student in this program, you will benefit from both small- and large-group discussions, case studies, lectures from experienced instructors, and simulations.

The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of occupations in diverse fields of education. The ideal candidate for this program should be interested in school- or district-level administrative leadership positions.

Highlights

• 30 credits to completion
• Internship opportunities included in the program

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• Lower graduation rate
• Offers both online and hybrid options