Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2025
Make a difference in education without being in the classroom. Explore popular master’s in educational leadership online programs, what they cost and what to expect.
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At BestColleges.com, we believe in providing accurate and actionable information for students. Our writers, editors, and reporters are constantly asking themselves the question, ”What information is vital to students right now?” Answering this question is what drives us. Our mission is to inform students through straightforward, factual content informed by the latest data and trends.
The freelance Integrity Network at BestColleges is comprised of seasoned professionals who bring their expertise to almost every subject relevant to college students, including admissions, college majors, financial aid, and student mental health. Network members review and author content, pulling from their first-hand industry experience and ensuring content is as accurate and up-to-date as possible.
If you're interested in joining our Integrity Network, contact us at media@bestcolleges.com. Integrity Network members typically have a graduate or terminal degree and several years of relevant professional experience.
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The saying goes: Before you can lead, you must grow yourself. With a master’s in educational leadership, you can pursue a career as a consultant, corporate trainer, principal, administrator, or instructional designer. Leadership roles provide opportunities for you to create macro-level impact, have improved career prospects, and command a higher salary.
Educational leaders often have extensive classroom experience. Explore popular online master’s in educational leadership degrees and learn about admission criteria, tuition costs, and potential career outcomes.
Benefits of a Master’s in Educational Leadership
Pursue education careers beyond the classroom.- Enjoy greater job security with the ability to fill school staff roles at all levels.
- Help your community at a more macro level.
- Grow your professional network during and after your program.
- Apply the degree to other industries, like social and community service.
Featured Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Popular Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs Online
Texas A & M University-College Station
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,885
$19,593
63%
40%
$8,443
$36,637
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
$6,885
$19,593
College Station, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$6,885
$19,593
63%
40%
$8,443
$36,637
94%
76,633
Public
Yes
Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$33,912
$33,912
17%
17%
$62,950
$62,950
93%
14,734
Private
Yes
$33,912
$33,912
Chestnut Hill, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$33,912
$33,912
17%
17%
$62,950
$62,950
93%
14,734
Private
Yes
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
$10,770
$27,335
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$10,770
$27,335
24%
57%
$4,477
$25,694
97%
54,814
Public
Yes
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,422
$19,422
76%
18%
$49,800
$49,800
94%
7,306
Private
Yes
$19,422
$19,422
Spokane, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$19,422
$19,422
76%
18%
$49,800
$49,800
94%
7,306
Private
Yes
Clemson University
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
$10,858
$22,566
Clemson, SC4 yearCampus + Online
$10,858
$22,566
38%
44%
$14,118
$37,982
93%
28,747
Public
Yes
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$8,034
$23,820
77%
51%
$5,070
$22,140
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
$8,034
$23,820
Norman, OK4 yearCampus + Online
$8,034
$23,820
77%
51%
$5,070
$22,140
89%
29,166
Public
Yes
Boston University
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$61,050
$61,050
11%
14%
$61,050
$61,050
95%
36,624
Private
Yes
$61,050
$61,050
Boston, MA4 yearCampus + Online
$61,050
$61,050
11%
14%
$61,050
$61,050
95%
36,624
Private
Yes
Saint Joseph's University
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,504
$18,504
86%
43%
$49,410
$49,410
88%
7,201
Private
Yes
$18,504
$18,504
Philadelphia, PA4 yearCampus + Online
$18,504
$18,504
86%
43%
$49,410
$49,410
88%
7,201
Private
Yes
Pepperdine University
Malibu, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$39,100
$39,100
50%
42%
$62,390
$62,390
86%
9,545
Private
Yes
$39,100
$39,100
Malibu, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$39,100
$39,100
50%
42%
$62,390
$62,390
86%
9,545
Private
Yes
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,426
$35,377
89%
71%
$10,092
$34,260
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
$13,426
$35,377
Fairfax, VA4 yearCampus + Online
$13,426
$35,377
89%
71%
$10,092
$34,260
87%
39,528
Public
Yes
Reasons to Get Your Master’s in Educational Leadership Online
- Reduce the cost of college by saving money on transportation and living expenses.
- Balance work and school with greater flexibility.
- Have more options for pacing, including accelerated programs, asynchronous courses, and part-time degree tracks that accommodate different schedules.
- Attend a program outside of your city/state without having to relocate.
How Much Does an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Cost?
A graduate degree costs an average of $20,513 in annual tuition and fees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition and fees for an online master’s in educational leadership program vary by school. Fees also depend on your state residency status.
| School | Annual Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|
| ASU | $24,912 |
| IU | $17,661.60 (in-state); $21,191.76 (out-of-state) |
| UNO | $13,788 (in-state); $29,520 (out-of-state) |
| UNT | $13,920 |
| WGU | $15,900 |
Do Online Master’s Degrees in Educational Leadership Lead to Licensure?
Not every educational leadership master’s degree equips students for the same career path. For instance, many lead to a principal or superintendent license or certification in your state. These programs don’t typically lead to teaching licensure and often require that you already hold this credential.
Non-licensure programs may not lead to or prepare you for a state-issued license or certification but may still allow you to specialize in curriculum development, policy and advocacy, or special education.
Programs that lead to certification or licensure often require an internship or practicum. Otherwise, you may need to write a thesis or complete a capstone.
Does Accreditation Matter for Online Educational Leadership Master’s Programs?
Independent accrediting agencies, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation, evaluate colleges and universities that opt for the voluntary process.
Institutional accreditation offers credibility that colleges meet academic criteria, which impacts transfer credits and even future employability — some employers are leery of hiring graduates from unaccredited schools. Accreditation also makes schools eligible to receive federal financial aid.
Programmatic accreditation validates that specific programs meet industry standards. Online master’s in educational leadership programs that lead to licensure or certification can hold accreditation from the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP).
| School | Institutional Accreditation | Programmatic Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| ASU | Higher Learning Commission | None |
| IU | Higher Learning Commission | None |
| UNO | Higher Learning Commission | None |
| UNT | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges | None |
| WGU | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities | CAEP |
What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Program?
Expect to find different admission criteria for each online master’s degree in educational leadership. Common prerequisites and required application materials include:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- Minimum 2.5-3.0 GPA
- Application with a fee
- Two letters of recommendation
- Resume
- Official transcripts
- Personal statement
- Teaching licensure and 2-3 years of experience (for admin licensure/certification tracks)
- Sometimes, GRE scores
What Can I Do With a Master’s in Educational Leadership?
A master’s degree in educational leadership can open doors to a variety of administrative careers at the primary through postsecondary level, such as principal or dean. You could also work behind the scenes as a consultant. Education consultants assist administrators and teachers in improving a school’s operations and shape important educational tools, like the curriculum.
Note that some careers, namely those in K-12 public schools, may require a state-issued license or certification.
| Job | Median Salary (May 2023) | Outlook (2023-2033) |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | $103,460 | -1% |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $102,610 | +3% |
| Education Consultant | $66,970 (as of May 2024) | unavailable |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,620 | +2% |
| Training and Development Manager | $125,040 | +7% |
Is a Master’s in Educational Leadership Worth It?
A master’s in educational leadership can be worth it. The advanced degree offers increased job prospects in an industry that has considerable job security. Earning a master’s degree in educational leadership can provide a high return on investment and training to seasoned teachers needing to advance into a leadership or administrative position.
The BLS reports that kindergarten and elementary school teachers make a median annual pay of $63,670. On the other hand, K-12 principals earn a median annual salary of $103,460.
Depending on your state’s requirements, the degree’s coursework and practicum may also meet the prerequisites to get credentialed as a superintendent or principal.
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