Educational leadership exists to improve the quality of education and the processes within the education system. Students in educational leadership programs learn how to manage multiple departments of educators, provide solutions to workplace disputes, improve curriculum design, and introduce innovative teaching methods or technology to new groups. Professionals considering an online master's degree in educational leadership enter a field that offers opportunities in multiple work environments.
An online master's degree in educational leadership can prepare professionals for executive leadership roles in both public and private schools. These elite roles offer lucrative salaries, and demand for these professionals continues to grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that job availability in this field should increase approximately 7% through 2026. Potential roles include K-12 principals, admissions officers, and university administrators. Median salaries for these professions total around $94,000-$95,000. Earning potential may vary by location.
The following guide discusses pertinent information for prospective educational leaders. Read on to learn more about career options, earning potential at different career stages, program factors to consider, and professional organizations in the field.
The Most Affordable Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
Affordable Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Program Ranking Guidelines:
We selected the online educational leadership programs based on the quality of the program, the types of online classes for educational leadership offered, the faculty, rankings, awards, and reputation, including the school's reputation for effectively providing quality online degree programs.
The Most Affordable Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Programs
Rank | School | Location | Apply | More Information |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Western Governors University |
Salt Lake City, UT Apply Now | ||
2 |
California State University-Sacramento |
Sacramento, CA Apply Now | ||
3 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley |
Edinburg, TX Apply Now | ||
4 |
CSU Global |
Greenwood Village, CO Apply Now | ||
5 |
Indiana University-Bloomington |
Bloomington, IN Apply Now | ||
6 |
University of South Florida-St Petersburg |
St. Petersburg, FL Apply Now | ||
7 |
San Diego State University |
San Diego, CA Apply Now | ||
8 |
California State University-East Bay |
Hayward, CA Apply Now | ||
9 |
Louisiana State University-Shreveport |
Shreveport, LA Apply Now | ||
10 |
Thomas Edison State University |
Trenton, NJ Apply Now | ||
11 |
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse |
La Crosse, WI Apply Now | ||
12 |
University of Nebraska at Omaha |
Omaha, NE Apply Now | ||
13 |
East Central University |
Ada, OK Apply Now | ||
14 |
Northeastern State University |
Tahlequah, OK Apply Now | ||
15 |
University of Alaska Southeast |
Juneau, AK Apply Now | ||
16 |
Cameron University |
Lawton, OK Apply Now | ||
17 |
University of Wyoming |
Laramie, WY Apply Now | ||
18 |
Stony Brook University |
Stony Brook, NY Apply Now | ||
19 |
The University of Texas at Arlington |
Arlington, TX Apply Now | ||
20 |
The University of West Florida |
Pensacola, FL Apply Now | ||
21 |
Northern Kentucky University |
Highland Heights, KY Apply Now | ||
22 |
University of Louisiana at Monroe |
Monroe, LA Apply Now | ||
23 |
The University of Texas at Tyler |
Tyler, TX Apply Now | ||
24 |
McNeese State University |
Lake Charles, LA Apply Now | ||
25 |
University of Florida - Online |
Gainesville, FL Apply Now |
End of list, bravo!
The Advantages of an Educational Leadership Education
While earning an associate or bachelor's degree in educational fields may seem attractive due to the lower time commitment and cheaper program costs, candidates must hold a master's degree to qualify for top roles in education. For instance, students who earn an associate degree in education only qualify for paraprofessional support roles, such as teacher assistants, preschool teacher roles, child care workers, or tutors.
Students who go on to earn a bachelor's degree qualify to manage their own classroom and obtain an initial teaching license. With enough experience, classroom teachers may even go on to become the lead teacher of their department. However, professionals who wish to become principals and leaders must earn an advanced degree. The section below explores careers that require an advanced degree in educational leadership and accompanying earning potential.
Average Salary by Degree Level
Degree Level | Average Salary |
---|---|
Associate Degree in Educational Leadership | $49,000 |
Bachelor's Degree in Educational Leadership | $63,000 |
Source: PayScale
Educational Leadership Degree Salary Information
Earning an online master's degree in educational leadership creates multiple career opportunities. Professionals can work in K-12 schools and universities alike, including top leadership positions and niche roles in administrative departments. At the administrator level, professionals need to possess excellent multitasking, organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
- High School Principal
- High school principals oversee all aspects of administration within their school. These professionals monitor, evaluate, and mentor teachers. Additionally, principals influence curricula and manage the school budget. Principals may need to provide resolution or take disciplinary action when students misbehave. Schools often require candidates to hold an administrator certificate, a master's degree, and several years of teaching experience.
- Assistant Principal
- Assistant principals ensure that teachers meet state curriculum standards, provide classroom management support, administer discipline, and step in for the principal when needed. Assistant principals need effective communication skills, as they often interact with students and their families. These professionals can work in any K-12 environment. School districts prefer candidates with teaching experience and an advanced degree.
- Dean of Students
- This school administrator supports students and strives to ensure a positive learning experience. While many deans work for postsecondary institutions, employment exists at the secondary and elementary levels as well. Deans address student behavior and also investigate complaints regarding teachers. Employers look for candidates who hold a master's or doctoral degree.
- University Registrar
- College or university registrars manage and post students' grades, update student information, and maintain up-to-date transcripts. Students contact the registrar's office for assistance with signing up for courses. Registrars may conduct audits, oversee office staff, and collaborate with other departments.
- Provost
- Provosts plan and develop educational programs offered at colleges and universities. These professionals must ensure academic integrity through leadership and guidance. Provosts often provide solutions to on-campus concerns. The best candidates possess excellent communication and organizational skills. Employers look for candidates with a master's degree and experience in education.
Salary by Experience Level for Educational Leadership Careers
Careers | Entry Level (0-12 Months) |
Early Career (1-4 Years) |
Midcareer (5-9 Years) |
Experienced (10-19 Years) |
---|---|---|---|---|
High School Principal | $68,000 | $82,000 | $87,000 | 95,000 |
Assistant Principal | $65,000 | $69,000 | $70,000 | $75,000 |
Dean of Students | $55,000 | $56,000 | $62,000 | $72,000 |
University Registrar | $44,000 | $47,000 | $58,000 | $67,000 |
Provost | $110,000 | $99,000 | $132,000 | $136,000 |
Source: PayScale
Choosing an Online Educational Leadership Degree Program
Colleges and universities offer online programs to meet diverse learning needs. Students should take their time reviewing program details to select the best option possible, as an online master's degree in educational leadership requires a significant time commitment.
Some online programs utilize hybrid or synchronous formats, which require in-person or real-time attendance. While this option creates hands-on learning opportunities, many distance learners prefer to keep their full-time jobs. These students may only want to consider asynchronous programs, which do not involve set class times. Additionally, local schools often provide a greater return on students' investment through in-state tuition.
The list below provides an overview of other factors students may want to consider:
- Program Cost: Identifying acceptable program costs helps learners ensure they receive a positive return on their investment. Students may want to research the average salary for their desired job roles to determine how much they can afford to repay if they need student loans. Schools often provide scholarships and grants to offset program costs. Students may want to explore which schools offer the most financial support.
- Transfer Policies: Students often intend to complete their program at one school. However, circumstances may arise that require learners to transfer. Therefore, students should examine course content to determine how easily credits transfer to another school.
- School Size and Type: Colleges and universities offer different school environments. Students should identify what sort of environment helps them learn best. For example, small class sizes create opportunities for one-on-one interactions with instructors, while large universities offer a vast student and alumni network. Similarly, private institutions may offer more varied course options in comparison to state schools.
- Program Length: While the average master's degree requires two years, program formats vary to meet diverse learning needs. For instance, students who work may want a part-time enrollment option. On the other hand, some students want to earn their degree more quickly. Online programs may offer accelerated options, which include condensed courses.
- On-Campus Requirements: Some online programs include an in-person orientation or hybrid courses, which require periodic on-campus meetings. Furthermore, some online programs require in-person attendance for exams. Depending on the program, students may need to complete field experiences or internships.
Accreditation for Online Educational Leadership Degrees
Students should only consider programs that hold appropriate accreditation. Colleges and universities can obtain accreditation for the entire school or an individual program. These credentials indicate that students can access vetted and high-quality coursework. At the school level, students should look for regional accreditation. While national accreditation covers more territory, regional accrediting agencies focus on developing standards for specific areas of the country and retain the highest recognition.
The list below includes the six regional agencies students should look for:
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (CHEA)
Learners should also note that the U.S. Department of Education creates and enforces educational policy, while the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) stands as the largest postsecondary membership organization. CHEA recognizes over 3000 institutions and 60 accrediting bodies.
National/programmatic accreditation focuses on specific fields. Students should also consider programmatic accreditations in the educational leadership field. These accreditations indicate that coursework provides fundamental knowledge and skills that graduates need to succeed as educational leaders. Relevant agencies include the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC).
Educational Leadership Concentrations
As advanced programs, online master's degrees in educational leadership typically offer multiple concentration areas. By studying a specific area of educational leadership, students can distinguish themselves among other candidates in the job market. Therefore, students should consider what role fits their professional goals to determine the best concentration.
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Teacher Leadership:
A concentration in teacher leadership helps educators become subject matter experts in their content area. Professionals learn how to identify problems and develop effective, efficient, and innovative solutions. This concentration often creates opportunities for mentorship, chair committee involvement, and co-teaching experiences.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Department Head
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Curriculum Development:
A concentration in curriculum development allows educators to focus on the creation, evaluation, and implementation of course content. Curriculum specialists also focus on teaching methods and using technology to enhance classroom instruction. Professional settings include K-12 schools, colleges, and universities. However, professionals may also work for organizations that create textbooks.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Instructional Coordinator
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Principal Licensure:
Students who wish to lead elementary and secondary schools can earn a principal licensure in their state. This concentration focuses on creating and sustaining learning communities, curriculum development, school law, and managing school finances. Students also learn how to effectively communicate with stakeholders, including students' families.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Elementary Principals, Secondary Principals
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Higher Education Administration:
Students interested in leadership roles at the postsecondary level should consider a concentration in higher education administration. Courses emphasize diversity and inclusion, legal issues, statistics and data collection, and organizational theory. Students also learn about international policies and strategies for managing international education programs.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Provost, College Dean
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Policy and Advocacy:
Concentrating in policy and advocacy helps students draw connections between classrooms and state regulations. This specialization allows professionals to both support and advance student learning. Programs emphasize organizational change methods, policy analysis, assessment, and evaluation. Some roles in this field also focus on innovative methods to support English language learners and students with special needs.- Careers this concentration prepares for: Instructional Coordinators, School Administrator
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Educational Leadership?
The average educational leadership master's degree online requires 30-36 credits. However, program length can vary depending on the amount of time students can commit to coursework. For instance, students attending traditional, semester-based programs can anticipate earning their degree in two years with full-time attendance. On the other hand, part-time attendance can double this timeline. Traditional programs offer fall and spring courses, but students may take courses in the summer to complete their degree sooner.
Distance learners often gain access to multiple start dates throughout the year, which allows students to begin coursework immediately. Online programs may also offer four- or eight-week accelerated courses, cutting the average class time commitment in half. Most online programs continue through the summer without extended breaks. Concentration areas and double majors can also impact the length of an online master's degree in educational leadership.
Courses in an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Program
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Ethics and Educational Leadership
This course focuses on current challenges in educational leadership. Students examine case studies to analyze both successful and unsuccessful decisions. Learning outcomes include understanding the concepts of ethical leadership on organizational, individual, and societal levels. This course emphasizes evaluation, analysis, and problem-solving skills. -
Administration of School Personnel
In this course, students focus on the ways principals engage in ethical, moral, legal, and effective planning. This course also emphasizes talent acquisition, development, and retention. Students explore techniques used to measure incumbent growth. -
Education Law
Education law examines public education policy in the United States. Course content primarily focuses on elementary and secondary education. Students ponder current issues with diversity and inclusion, gender, language, and religion. Learning outcomes include understanding the hierarchy of laws and policies at the local, state, and federal levels.
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Curriculum Development
Curriculum development examines trends, theories, and curriculum structure in K-12 and higher education settings. Learning outcomes include analyzing and evaluating educational theory and practices. Curriculum development also emphasizes knowledge of historical developments, current theories, curriculum mapping, and differentiated instruction techniques. -
Principal Leadership
Principal leadership focuses on the process of change, student guidance, curriculum supervision, and decision-making models. This course promotes multicultural, racial, and gender sensitivity. Students also learn how to maintain healthy learning environments and apply student discipline strategies. Principal leadership also covers special populations and extracurricular management.
Paying for Your Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Program
Earning an online master's degree in educational leadership requires a considerable financial investment, and few students can afford to pay out of pocket. No matter their financial position, all students should complete a FAFSA form. Potential awards include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Grants do not require repayment, while work-study opportunities allow students to earn money working in relevant departments on campus. Student loans require repayment -- starting six months after students graduate -- and typically collect interest. Students should also consider scholarships like those listed below.
Scholarships for Accounting Students
The School Superintendents Association Educational Administration Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Founded in 1865, AASA supports over 13,000 educational leaders across the country. AASA honors former directors by providing seven scholarships to students earning a master of educational leadership online. To apply, students need a recommendation letter from the department chair at their college.
Amount: Varies
James Madison Graduate Fellowships
Who Can Apply: The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation strives to improve education in secondary schools. Students earning an online master's degree in educational leadership can apply. This scholarship requires one year of teaching after graduation. Other requirements include a strong GPA, official transcripts, a bachelor's degree from an accredited school, and three letters of recommendation.
Amount: $24,000
Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship
Who Can Apply: The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors the memory of a notable NAACP member. To qualify, students must hold a current membership with the NAACP. This scholarship also requires at least a 3.0 GPA and U.S. citizenship. Applicants cannot exceed 25 years of age. Other requirements include full-time enrollment at an accredited school.
Amount: $2,000
Weimann Family Teaching Scholarship
Who Can Apply: This scholarship supports students earning a master's degree in education who also graduated from the Pittsburgh Public School system. Students must show proof of full-time enrollment at an accredited school. Other requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA, proven financial need, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
Amount: $10,000
Pi Lambda Theta Support Scholarships
Who Can Apply: Established in 1910 as a national honor society, Pi Lambda Theta recognizes students pursuing careers in education. Students pursuing an online master's degree in educational leadership at an accredited school may apply. Students must hold a 3.5 GPA at minimum. Other requirements include official transcripts and an essay.
Amount: $2,000