2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership
An online master’s in educational leadership prepares working educators to assume leadership roles. Prospective students can expect to explore topics surrounding leadership, principalship, and school law. Some example courses include Leadership Theory, School Law, and Introduction to School Administration. Students may also need to complete a practicum, internship, and/or capstone project to graduate. Graduates of an online master’s in educational leadership may entercareers like directors, education program coordinators, principals, and program directors. Or, they may further their education by obtaining a doctoral degree.
View our methodology for details about rankings or learn about us. You can also check out our overall list of the most affordable online degrees for more inspiration. Similar programs to an online master’s degree in educational leadership are education, elementary education, and secondary education.
| Rank | School | Locations | Annual Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Central College | Naperville (IL) | $1,184 | |
| Mississippi College | Clinton (MS) | $1,915 | |
| Buena Vista University | Storm Lake (IA) | $4,080 | |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | Arlington (TX) | $4,100 | |
| Fort Hays State University | Hays (KS) | $4,478 | |
| Evangel University | Springfield (MO) | $4,500 | |
| Campbellsville University | Campbellsville (KY) | $4,650 | |
| Athens State University | Athens (AL) | $4,875 | |
| California Coast University | Santa Ana (CA) | $4,875 | |
| Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg (MA) | $4,934 |
North Central College Naperville (IL) North Central College is a private, nonprofit institution that's affiliated with the Methodist Church, and it offers an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Totaling 36 credit hours, this program can take just one year for students to finish. At North Central, online students complete synchronous coursework on Blackboard. The master’s in educational leadership develops principals and assistant principals who are looking to make a more significant impact on academic communities. Sample courses are Mission-driven Leadership, Operations and Management, and School and Law Policies. An internship and capstone course are also requirements for graduation. Potential career opportunities for alums include program directors, deans, and academic advisors.
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Mississippi College Clinton (MS) Mississippi College (MC) is a private, nonprofit, and Baptist-affiliated institution that offers an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Totaling 36 credit hours, the program can take just one year for students to complete. MC facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through the learning management system (LMS), Canvas. This education degree online prepares students to become educational leaders with a faith-based curriculum that emphasizes transcultural perspectives. The program’s core courses are Introduction to Administrator Preparation, School Law, and Instructional Dimension of Leadership. Students must also complete an internship and 180 hours of clinical practicum before graduation. Graduates may pursue careers like program directors, department chairs, and curriculum developers.
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Buena Vista University Storm Lake (IA) At Buena Vista University (BVU), prospective students can pursue an online Master of Education - Teacher Leadership, Curriculum, and Instruction, which requires 30 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend one year completing the program. This program has four tracks students can choose from: (1) Effective Teaching and Instructional Leadership, (2) Teaching English as a Second Language, (3) Talented and Gifted Education, and (4) Teacher Technology Integrationist. BVU’s online students complete coursework on Canvas. The education graduate program is designed for working teachers looking to further their careers in higher education. Some of the program’s core courses are Graduate Study and Research; Learning, Development, and Motion; and Leadership in a Changing Society and Culture. Potential career opportunities for graduates include academic directors, assistant principals, and superintendents.
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The University of Texas at Arlington Arlington (TX) The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) is a public institution offering an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies totaling 30 credit hours. It can take full-time students just one year to finish this program online. At UTA, students can complete coursework virtually on Canvas. Courses are delivered both asynchronously and synchronously, depending on the instructor's preference. Overall, a master’s in educational leadership gives students the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue high-level careers in education. Sample courses include Leadership Theory, The Principalship, and Diversity in Educational Settings. Students are also required to complete a practicum and capstone internship before graduating and pursuing careers, like education directors, culture associates, and community education directors.
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Fort Hays State University Hays (KS) Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public institution that offers an online Master of Science in Educational Administration - Building Principal requiring 36 credit hours. Full-time students may complete the program within one year. FHSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via Blackboard. This program helps students to develop the necessary managerial and leadership skills to become a leader in education. Sample courses include School Law, Introduction to School Administration, and Educational Finance. Additionally, a practicum and comprehensive program are both required for graduation. Prospective careers for alumni include principals, instructional coordinators, and district administrators.
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