Best Online Master's in Education Administration

Ready to pursue an educational leadership position? Consider a master's in educational administration. Start by exploring some of the best programs.
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Updated February 7, 2024

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Are you ready to discover your college program?

A vast majority of education professionals report their jobs as meaningful and highly satisfactory — particularly education administrators. Thanks to their leadership position, education administrators can often affect high-level change that impacts students' future.

Professionals interested in such a rewarding job should might consider continuing their education with an online master's in education administration. Read more about this degree and explore our top program picks.

Featured Online Master's in Education Administration Degrees

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Top Online Master's in Education Administration Programs

Jump to a school below using the links in the "School" column.

Rank School In-State Tuition Out-of-State Tuition Acceptance Rate
#1 Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
$9,684 $24,116 37%
#2 Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH
$18,900 $18,900 92%
#3 George Washington University
Washington, DC
$32,850 $32,850 50%
#4 University of South Carolina-Columbia
Columbia, SC
$13,734 $29,760 62%
#5 Tarleton State University
Stephenville, TX
$4,356 $11,718 57%
#6 University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA
$14,014 $30,572 66%
#7 University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus
Norman, OK
$8,034 $23,096 85%
#8 Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles, CA
$19,642 $19,642 46%
#9 New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM
$4,981 $17,330 57%
#10 South Dakota State University
Brookings, SD
$8,164 $15,697 87%

Top Online Master's in Education Administration Programs

#1 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

Florida State University

  • Tallahassee, FL
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $444
Out-of-State | $1,076

Credits to Graduate: 33

FSU's master's in educational leadership program is online except for its 165-hour fieldwork requirements, which you must complete at two separate schools. Course topics include data-driven school improvement, educational leadership, and effective instruction planning. 

Master's students must take two elective courses and seek out two mentoring principals during the program. They must also complete an 80-hour internship. This program can help satisfy the ESOL requirements of Florida teaching licensure.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,640
Out-of-state
$19,084
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$9,684
Out-of-state
$24,116
Retention Rate
94%
Acceptance Rate
37%
Students Enrolled
45,130
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
58% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#2 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

Southern New Hampshire University

  • Manchester, NH
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $637

Credits to Graduate: 36

SNHU's master of science in higher education administration program doesn't require GMAT or GRE scores from applicants. The program is asynchronous and covers topics from enrollment marketing to budgets and financial management. Some students complete the program in 15 months.

The program teaches students how to use data to address obstacles in higher education and lays out multiple career options for potential applicants. You can transfer up to 12 credits to SNHU, and your previous work experience may count toward program credits.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,000
Out-of-state
$15,000
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$18,900
Out-of-state
$18,900
Retention Rate
62%
Acceptance Rate
92%
Students Enrolled
145,533
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
96% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#3 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

George Washington University

  • Washington, DC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,110
Out-of-State | $1,110

Credits to Graduate: 30

GW's MA in educational leadership and administration degree takes as little as two years to complete and is built for working P-12 professionals. Classes focus on school law, school finance, and leadership for equity and social justice. There is an option to join a hybrid cohort.

This program prepares students for administrator or principal licensure, especially in the DMV area.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$57,894
Out-of-state
$57,894
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$32,850
Out-of-state
$32,850
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
50%
Students Enrolled
26,457
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
26% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#4 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

University of South Carolina-Columbia

  • Columbia, SC
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $572
Out-of-State | $572

Credits to Graduate: 36

The University of South Carolina's M,Ed. program is available both in synchronous and asynchronous formats. Courses are 8 weeks long and cover topics such as business management, research in education, and principal practice.

Applicants do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores. The program can help students meet South Carolina licensure requirements. Teachers already certified in South Carolina receive a tuition reduction.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$12,288
Out-of-state
$33,528
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$13,734
Out-of-state
$29,760
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
62%
Students Enrolled
35,471
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
56% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#5 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

Tarleton State University

  • Stephenville, TX
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Texas Education Agency

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $426
Out-of-State | $692

Credits to Graduate: 30-33

Tarleton State University's online M.Ed. in educational administration program features interactive lessons and Zoom seminars to encourage meaningful discussion between students. Participants can earn principal certification for early childhood education to grade 12 leadership by taking three extra credits, although this option is only available to Texas residents. Students can also pursue a concentration in higher education leadership or educational technology leadership.

Applicants must hold a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5-3.0, depending on their target pathway. However, GRE scores are not required for admission.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,416
Out-of-state
$14,208
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,356
Out-of-state
$11,718
Retention Rate
70%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
13,995
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
82% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#6 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

University of Massachusetts-Amherst

  • Amherst, MA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CCTC)

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $709
Out-of-State | $709

Credits to Graduate: 30

The fully online MA in educational administration from UMass Global can prepare California students for various administrative roles across the education field. The program only accepts California residents. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.75 GPA and a CTCC-approved preliminary administrative services credential.

The degree requires core classes like seminar in learning theory, research and evaluation methods, and seminar in the social foundations of education. Students receive up to 12 credits toward the degree for completing a preliminary administrative services credential program. To graduate, learners must complete a portfolio.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$15,791
Out-of-state
$36,316
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$14,014
Out-of-state
$30,572
Retention Rate
91%
Acceptance Rate
66%
Students Enrolled
32,045
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#7 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus

  • Norman, OK
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $700
Out-of-State | $700

Credits to Graduate: 36

Designed for working professionals, OU Online's master of education in educational administration, curriculum, and supervision requires 12 courses and takes around 24 months to complete. The program explores instructional improvement, strategic thinking, and student achievement and can prepare graduates to take leadership roles in the education field.

The curriculum includes a mentored internship and provides hands-on experience with educational administration. Students take classes like financial leadership, education and the law, technology in education administration, and politics in education administration.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$4,920
Out-of-state
$20,724
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,034
Out-of-state
$23,096
Retention Rate
89%
Acceptance Rate
85%
Students Enrolled
28,042
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
57% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#8 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

Loyola Marymount University

  • Los Angeles, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,542
Out-of-State | $1,542

Credits to Graduate: 32

LMU's online MA in school administration prepares students to become or to advance their careers in educational leadership and administration and includes a California preliminary administrative services credential. To qualify for admission, applicants need a California base teaching credential and must complete at least five years of teaching experience by the end of the program. 

The curriculum includes classes like business of education, advocacy from a legal perspective, and assessment and research methods. Students must pass a comprehensive exam and complete fieldwork to graduate.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$52,310
Out-of-state
$52,310
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$19,642
Out-of-state
$19,642
Retention Rate
90%
Acceptance Rate
46%
Students Enrolled
10,184
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
59% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#9 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

New Mexico State University

  • Las Cruces, NM
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $440
Out-of-State | $440

Credits to Graduate: 33

NMSU's MA in educational leadership and administration in pre-K-12 program leads to licensure, preparing graduates for roles like administrative director and school principal. Online coursework features a blend of synchronous and asynchronous components. Students also complete two internship courses, which require monthly attendance at seminars held in Las Cruces.

To apply, applicants must hold a current teaching license and have three years of full-time teaching experience. They must also submit three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and writing samples.

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$6,041
Out-of-state
$22,507
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$4,981
Out-of-state
$17,330
Retention Rate
72%
Acceptance Rate
57%
Students Enrolled
13,904
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
75% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

#10 Best Online Master’s in Education Administration

South Dakota State University

  • Brookings, SD
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $470
Out-of-State | $470

Credits to Graduate: 35

SDSU's online educational administration MEd can prepare graduates for careers like curriculum director, assistant principal, or supervisor. It meets South Dakota requirements for principal endorsement. Applicants need three years of teaching experience to receive the endorsement.

Admission requirements include a resume, two letters of recommendation, and a statement of goals. 

Core requirements include classes like school finances, advanced pedagogy, advanced educational psychology, and educational law and legislation. Students also must complete an internship (at least four credits) and a capstone. 

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$7,773
Out-of-state
$11,283
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$8,164
Out-of-state
$15,697
Retention Rate
80%
Acceptance Rate
87%
Students Enrolled
11,465
Institution Type
Public
Percent Online Enrollment
49% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Higher Learning Commission

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Finding an Online Master's in Educational Administration Program Right for You

Each online master's in educational administration program offers a unique curriculum and focus. Students should carefully consider which school provides the program most aligned with their experience, interests, and career goals.

For example, some programs take a general approach to education leadership, while others offer principal, special education, or higher education administration specializations. Admission requirements also vary.

Schools commonly expect applicants to hold an active teaching license and have some teaching experience. However, some schools accept students with a non-teaching background, particularly for general or policy concentrations.

Other important considerations include accreditation and cost. Institutional accreditation confirms that the entire school offers high-quality coursework, while program accreditation proves the education degree programs meet quality standards from third parties like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Tuition rates for an online master's in educational administration often vary, depending on the number of required credits, the school's prestige, and — in some cases — the student's state residency. Additional expenses like technology and book fees can also impact the total cost.

Students can apply for federal loans and grants by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), provided their chosen school holds institutional accreditation. They can also apply for merit- and need-based scholarships to help them cover the costs.

What Else Should I Expect From an Online Master’s Educational Administration Program?

Coursework varies by program, but the following list covers several common master's in education administration classes.

Education Administration Curriculum

Certifications and Licenses

Many education administration careers require a license. For example, a principal typically must hold a master's degree and a state-issued license to qualify for job opportunities. However, most higher education administrators do not need licensure. Requirements vary by state, so prospective school administrators should research the terms in the state where they plan to work.

Education Administration Career Paths

Graduates with a master's degree in education administration enjoy diverse career opportunities. We cover several common jobs for graduates below.

Instructional Coordinators

  • Median Salary: $66,490
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 2%

Instructional coordinators – also called curriculum specialists – oversee a school's or district's curriculum and teaching standards. They develop educational materials, organize teacher training events and workshops, and analyze student performance data to make curriculum improvements. Some instructional coordinators specialize in an area such as special education or English as a second language.


School Principals

  • Median Salary: $101,320
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 1%

School principals oversee the operations of K-12 schools. They implement curriculum standards, manage teachers and staff, and oversee the school's budget. Principals also hire teachers and assess their performance. In many schools, principals implement standards set by the district and coordinate with the superintendent and school board to improve the school. Principals often need a state school administrator or principal license.


Higher Education Administrators

  • Median Salary: $99,940
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 4%

Higher education administrators manage student services and academic departments at colleges and universities. They may specialize in several areas, such as admissions and student affairs.

Higher education administrators in admissions offices may set targets for how many students to admit, conduct outreach to encourage student applications and oversee staff members. In student affairs, higher education administrators advise students on academic issues, lead programs, and schedule services.


School Superintendent

  • Median Salary: $143,000
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): unavailable

Superintendents hold one of the most respected positions in a school district. While a principal manages one school, a superintendent oversees all schools in the district, from elementary to high schools. They typically manage district-level budgets, hire administrative staff, and guide the district's educational vision. Other responsibilities might include curriculum approval, training, and special education advocacy.


Educational Policymaker

  • Median Salary: $128,020
  • Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 7%

Educational policymakers can hold various positions in school districts, governmental entities, and nonprofit organizations. They typically analyze recent research, using it to improve educational practices and propose new policies.

Depending on their position, educational policymakers might work closely with curriculum specialists, board members, or elected governmental representatives. While many policymakers have a background in political science, those with an educational background can use their classroom experience to enact high-level change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Master’s in Education Administration

What do you learn in a Master of Education Administration?

Coursework varies across schools, but a master's in education administration program typically covers topics like principalship, instructional strategies, and issues in law and education. Students may also need to complete an internship and research projects before graduation.

Is a master's in Education Administration worth it?

Yes -- salaries for professionals with educational administration degrees appear strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that kindergarten through secondary education administrators earned an average annual wage of $106,690. The BLS also projects employment for principals to grow by 0.5% from 2022-2032.

How do I become an education administrator?

Most education administrators start as teachers or in other education roles, like instructional coaches. Then, they pursue graduate degrees in education administration or other similar fields. Often, these master's programs require enrollees to complete internships and/or earn administrative licensure.

How long does it take to get a master's in education administration?

Program lengths vary for online master's degrees in education administration. Typically, students finish their coursework in around two years. Most programs require 30-36 credits beyond the undergraduate degree.

What is the difference between educational administration and educational management?

School management involves directing and operating in an educational institution, while education administration directs and organizes on a higher level. For instance, school managers might monitor teachers' work performance, while educational administrators create educators' policies and standards.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by TheBestSchools. Page last reviewed November 27, 2023.

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