Are you working as a teacher? Do you have an entry-level job in school administration, management, or organization? If you have an education-based career and a bachelor’s degree, you may be the right candidate for one of the cheapest online master’s in education administration programs.
These programs are perfect for anyone who wants to become a school principal or superintendent. They teach students how to manage schedules, hire staff, monitor performance, and set a standard for the entire school district.
We have identified 230 online administration degrees from 217 different schools, so there are numerous options available. This is one of the largest databases on our site, so aspiring principals and school administrators should have little trouble finding the right degree. With so many options, the cost for these programs varies widely.
ARTICLE NAVIGATION: Rankings Table | Career Guide
Average Cost (In-state): ~$18,900
Least Expensive (In-state & Out-of-state): Southeastern Oklahoma State University ~$8,160
Most Expensive: Harvard University ~$54,768
This is the most reliable list of degrees you will find! To create this ranking of the cheapest online master’s in education administration, we looked at total tuition costs and fees, allowing you to make the right choice with simple, trustworthy information. Everything above the dividing line costs less than the average ($18,900); these programs have been designated “Best Buys”.
Cheapest Online Master’s in Education Administration Programs
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Southeastern Oklahoma State University | (OK) | $8,160.00 | All Students |
2 | The University of Texas at Arlington | (TX) | $8,200.00 | All Students |
3 | Valdosta State University | (GA) | $9,050.00 | All Students |
4 | Lamar University | (TX) | $9,720.00 | All Students |
5 |  Campbellsville University | (KY) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
5 | University of Central Arkansas | (AR) | $9,750.00 | All Students |
7 | University of Central Florida | (FL) | $9,820.00 $34,552.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
8 | University of the Cumberlands | (KY) | $9,850.00 $8,650.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
9 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | (NC) | $10,044.00 $18,718.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
10 | University of North Carolina at Pembroke | (NC) | $10,164.00 $36,282.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
11 | Northwest Missouri State University | (MO) | $10,500.00 | All Students |
12 | Mississippi College | (MS) | $10,548.00 | All Students |
13 | Georgia College & State University | (GA) | $10,628.00 | All Students |
14 | Evangel University | (MO) | $10,640.00 | All Students |
15 | Fort Hays State University | (KS) | $10,748.00 | All Students |
16 | Appalachian State University | (NC) | $10,952.00 $40,972.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
17 | Emporia State University | (KS) | $10,956.00 | All Students |
18 | Texas Wesleyan University | (TX) | $11,220.00 | All Students |
19 | University of Louisiana at Monroe | (LA) | $11,340.00 | All Students |
20 | Henderson State University | (AR) | $11,550.00 $15,180.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
21 | Southeast Missouri State University | (MO) | $11,595.00 | All Students |
22 | Eastern New Mexico University | (NM) | $11,635.00 $15,181.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
23 | Martin Luther College | (MN) | $11,700.00 | All Students |
24 | Kennesaw State University | (GA) | $11,710.00 | All Students |
25 | Concordia University-Saint Paul | (MN) | $11,850.00 $10,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
26 |  East Central University | (OK) | $11,872.00 $23,231.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
27 | Dordt University | (IA) | $11,900.00 | All Students |
28 | Eastern Kentucky University | (KY) | $11,970.00 | All Students |
29 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $12,001.00 | All Students |
30 | Concordia University - Nebraska | (NE) | $12,240.00 $15,300.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
31 | Pittsburg State University | (KS) | $12,300.00 | All Students |
32 | Tarleton State University | (TX) | $12,313.00 $24,583.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
33 | Sam Houston State University | (TX) | $12,398.00 | All Students |
34 |  University of West Florida | (FL) | $12,495.00 | All Students |
35 | Louisiana State University-Shreveport | (LA) | $12,716.00 | All Students |
36 | Northeastern State University | (OK) | $12,722.00 $12,758.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
37 | University of Wyoming | (WY) | $12,738.00 $19,338.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
38 | Southern Arkansas University | (AR) | $12,810.00 $18,030.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
39 | Georgia Southern University | (GA) | $12,888.00 | All Students |
40 | University of Montana | (MT) | $12,921.00 $35,602.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
41 | The University of Texas Permian Basin | (TX) | $12,956.00 | All Students |
42 | University of Arkansas at Monticello | (AR) | $12,960.00 $20,310.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
43 | Northwestern College Iowa | (IA) | $13,180.00 | All Students |
44 | University of Nebraska at Kearney | (NE) | $13,237.00 $17,881.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
45 |  National University | (CA) | $13,260.00 | All Students |
46 | Florida Atlantic University | (FL) | $13,386.00 $36,965.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
47 | Florida Gulf Coast University | (FL) | $13,442.00 | All Students |
48 | Western New Mexico University | (NM) | $13,456.00 $16,729.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
49 | Eastern Washington University | (WA) | $13,475.00 | All Students |
50 | Dakota Wesleyan University | (SD) | $13,500.00 | All Students |
51 | Baker University | (KS) | $13,608.00 | All Students |
52 | Belhaven University | (MS) | $13,662.00 | All Students |
53 | Wayne State College | (NE) | $13,680.00 | All Students |
53 | Chadron State College | (NE) | $13,680.00 | All Students |
55 | Radford University | (VA) | $13,728.00 $26,433.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
56 | The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | (TX) | $13,800.00 | All Students |
57 | Texas Southern University | (TX) | $14,003.00 $26,891.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
58 | University of Massachusetts-Lowell | (MA) | $14,220.00 | All Students |
59 | Delta State University | (MS) | $14,354.00 | All Students |
60 | Columbus State University | (GA) | $14,444.00 | All Students |
61 | Texas A & M University-Kingsville | (TX) | $14,473.00 $30,849.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
62 | Mid-America Christian University | (OK) | $14,520.00 | All Students |
63 | California State University-East Bay | (CA) | $14,589.00 | All Students |
64 | Florida State University | (FL) | $14,661.00 $35,497.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
65 | New Mexico State University | (NM) | $14,665.00 $8,250.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
66 | Bob Jones University | (SC) | $14,850.00 | All Students |
67 | Stephen F. Austin State University | (TX) | $14,930.00 $27,170.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
68 | University of Wisconsin-Superior | (WI) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
68 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $15,000.00 | All Students |
70 | University of Nebraska at Omaha | (NE) | $15,088.00 $18,904.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
71 | Midwestern State University | (TX) | $15,183.00 $19,323.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
72 | California State University-San Marcos | (CA) | $15,210.00 | All Students |
73 | University of South Dakota | (SD) | $15,230.00 | All Students |
74 | York College | (NE) | $15,300.00 | All Students |
75 | Bluffton University | (OH) | $15,350.00 | All Students |
76 | University of Southern Maine | (ME) | $15,480.00 | All Students |
77 | Bethel University - TN | (TN) | $15,540.00 | All Students |
78 | Texas A & M University-Corpus Christi | (TX) | $15,557.00 $33,189.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
79 | Adams State University | (CO) | $15,592.00 | All Students |
80 | William Paterson University of New Jersey | (NJ) | $15,600.00 | All Students |
81 | Concordia University - Chicago | (IL) | $15,660.00 | All Students |
82 | Anderson University - SC | (SC) | $15,720.00 | All Students |
83 | Wheeling University | (WV) | $15,800.00 | All Students |
84 | Indiana Wesleyan University | (IN) | $15,840.00 | All Students |
85 | Trevecca Nazarene University | (TN) | $15,900.00 | All Students |
86 | University of Arkansas | (AR) | $15,998.00 | All Students |
87 | Newman University | (KS) | $16,020.00 | All Students |
88 |  Liberty University | (VA) | $16,036.00 $10,000.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
89 | Saint Joseph's College of Maine | (ME) | $16,239.00 | All Students |
90 |  William Carey University | (MS) | $16,275.00 | All Students |
91 | New England College | (NH) | $16,320.00 | All Students |
92 | South Dakota State University | (SD) | $16,466.00 | All Students |
93 | Fairmont State University | (WV) | $16,470.00 | All Students |
94 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville | (IL) | $16,502.00 | All Students |
95 | Bethel University - IN | (IN) | $16,600.00 | All Students |
96 | St. Thomas University | (FL) | $16,632.00 | All Students |
97 |  Western Governors University | (UT) | $16,660.00 | All Students |
98 | Idaho State University | (ID) | $16,755.00 | All Students |
99 | Northern State University | (SD) | $16,798.00 | All Students |
100 | Southwestern Assemblies of God University | (TX) | $16,800.00 | All Students |
101 | Northwestern State University of Louisiana | (LA) | $17,100.00 | All Students |
102 | Ball State University | (IN) | $17,108.00 $24,956.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
103 | Wilmington University | (DE) | $17,116.00 $10,120.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
104 | Queens University of Charlotte | (NC) | $17,201.00 | All Students |
105 | Regis University | (CO) | $17,210.00 | All Students |
106 | Bluefield University | (VA) | $17,440.00 | All Students |
107 | Lincoln Memorial University | (TN) | $17,615.00 | All Students |
108 | Carson-Newman University | (TN) | $17,640.00 | All Students |
108 | Columbia College - MO | (MO) | $17,640.00 $11,700.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
110 | University of Idaho | (ID) | $17,670.00 | All Students |
111 | Morehead State University | (KY) | $17,700.00 | All Students |
112 |  Aurora University | (IL) | $17,712.00 $8,712.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military |
113 | Austin Peay State University | (TN) | $17,783.00 $24,653.00 $16,133.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
114 | Mississippi State University | (MS) | $17,787.00 | All Students |
115 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | (LA) | $17,901.00 | All Students |
116 | Eastern Michigan University | (MI) | $17,920.00 | All Students |
117 | Central Washington University | (WA) | $17,924.00 $38,864.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
118 | Prescott College | (AZ) | $17,940.00 | All Students |
119 | The University of Findlay | (OH) | $17,985.00 | All Students |
119 | Bethel University - MN | (MN) | $17,985.00 | All Students |
121 | Jackson State University | (MS) | $18,018.00 | All Students |
122 | Old Dominion University | (VA) | $18,074.00 $18,794.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
123 | McDaniel College | (MD) | $18,133.00 | All Students |
124 | Minnesota State University-Moorhead | (MN) | $18,229.00 | All Students |
125 | University of Southern Mississippi | (MS) | $18,330.00 | All Students |
126 | Columbia International University | (SC) | $18,350.00 | All Students |
127 | Kansas State University | (KS) | $18,382.00 | All Students |
128 | Calvary University | (MO) | $18,442.00 | All Students |
129 | Concord University | (WV) | $18,459.00 | All Students |
130 | University of South Carolina-Columbia | (SC) | $18,540.00 $20,601.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
130 | Carlow University | (PA) | $18,540.00 | All Students |
132 | Concordia University Texas | (TX) | $18,640.00 | All Students |
133 | University of Florida | (FL) | $18,657.00 $23,644.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
134 | Indiana University Online | (IN) | $18,717.00 $22,156.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
135 | Ottawa University | (KS) | $18,759.00 | All Students |
136 | Pennsylvania Western University | (PA) | $18,768.00 $21,573.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
137 | Wilkes University | (PA) | $18,890.00 | All Students |
138 | University of Northern Colorado | (CO) | $18,900.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Park University | (MO) | $19,145.00 | All Students | |
University of New England | (ME) | $19,200.00 | All Students | |
Creighton University | (NE) | $19,244.00 | All Students | |
Ohio Dominican University | (OH) | $19,260.00 | All Students | |
Western Colorado University | (CO) | $19,343.00 | All Students | |
Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | (MN) | $19,400.00 | All Students | |
Cairn University | (PA) | $19,500.00 | All Students | |
Regent University | (VA) | $19,550.00 | All Students | |
Webster University | (MO) | $19,600.00 $11,500.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
University of Memphis | (TN) | $19,680.00 | All Students | |
Clemson University | (SC) | $20,002.00 | All Students | |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University | (OK) | $20,050.00 | All Students | |
Endicott College | (MA) | $20,108.00 | All Students | |
Northwest Nazarene University | (ID) | $20,115.00 | All Students | |
University of Virginia | (VA) | $20,204.00 | All Students | |
University of Maine | (ME) | $20,350.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $20,399.00 | All Students | |
University of Mary | (ND) | $20,412.00 | All Students | |
Cornerstone University | (MI) | $20,975.00 | All Students | |
Notre Dame College (School Closing) Master of Education in Educational Leadership 14 | (OH) | $20,990.00 | All Students | |
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville | (TN) | $21,000.00 $23,250.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Mount Olive | (NC) | $21,005.00 | All Students | |
Salem College | (NC) | $21,175.00 | All Students | |
Rocky Mountain College | (MT) | $21,210.00 | All Students | |
University of San Diego | (CA) | $21,300.00 | All Students | |
University of Kansas | (KS) | $21,420.00 | All Students | |
Franklin University | (OH) | $21,525.00 | All Students | |
Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor | (WI) | $21,737.00 | All Students | |
Colorado Christian University | (CO) | $21,780.00 | All Students | |
Point Park University | (PA) | $21,852.00 | All Students | |
Northern Arizona University | (AZ) | $21,896.00 | All Students | |
Houston Christian University | (TX) | $22,060.00 | All Students | |
SUNY at Albany | (NY) | $22,263.00 $25,647.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of Cincinnati | (OH) | $22,380.00 $22,830.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
University of the Southwest | (NM) | $22,500.00 | All Students | |
University of Colorado - Colorado Springs | (CO) | $22,565.00 $25,893.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Wilkes University | (PA) | $22,634.00 | All Students | |
Central Michigan University | (MI) | $22,730.00 $12,020.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Florida International University | (FL) | $22,964.00 | All Students | |
Ashland University | (OH) | $23,112.00 | All Students | |
Lynn University | (FL) | $23,600.00 | All Students | |
George Fox University | (OR) | $23,700.00 | All Students | |
Montclair State University | (NJ) | $23,919.00 | All Students | |
Franklin Pierce University | (NH) | $23,940.00 | All Students | |
Gwynedd Mercy University | (PA) | $24,067.00 | All Students | |
California Baptist University | (CA) | $24,183.00 | All Students | |
George Mason University | (VA) | $24,210.00 | All Students | |
East Tennessee State University | (TN) | $24,420.00 $30,155.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
St. Bonaventure University | (NY) | $24,550.00 | All Students | |
Thomas Edison State University | (NJ) | $24,598.00 | All Students | |
Northern Michigan University | (MI) | $24,696.00 | All Students | |
Grand Valley State University | (MI) | $24,948.00 | All Students | |
Eastern University | (PA) | $24,984.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $24,990.00 | All Students | |
University of Oklahoma | (OK) | $25,200.00 | All Students | |
Saint Joseph's University | (PA) | $25,240.00 | All Students | |
Virginia Commonwealth University | (VA) | $25,790.00 $49,580.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
Niagara University | (NY) | $26,295.00 $22,695.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
Rowan University | (NJ) | $26,302.00 | All Students | |
University of Bridgeport | (CT) | $26,540.00 | All Students | |
Heritage University | (WA) | $26,720.00 | All Students | |
University of Iowa | (IA) | $26,760.00 | All Students | |
City University of Seattle | (WA) | $26,790.00 | All Students | |
LeTourneau University | (TX) | $27,025.00 | All Students | |
San Diego State University | (CA) | $28,824.00 $43,080.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
New Jersey City University | (NJ) | $28,825.00 | All Students | |
Seton Hall University | (NJ) | $29,095.00 | All Students | |
Mercy College | (NY) | $29,970.00 | All Students | |
Texas A & M University | (TX) | $32,104.00 $70,232.00 | In-State Out-of-State | |
The George Washington University | (DC) | $32,780.00 | All Students | |
Nova Southeastern University | (FL) | $33,900.00 | All Students | |
University of Dayton | (OH) | $34,200.00 | All Students | |
Wake Forest University | (NC) | $35,000.00 | All Students | |
Dallas Baptist University | (TX) | $35,910.00 | All Students | |
Davenport University | (MI) | $36,024.00 | All Students | |
Canisius College | (NY) | $36,285.00 | All Students | |
Andrews University | (MI) | $42,420.00 | All Students | |
Pepperdine University | (CA) | $42,750.00 | All Students | |
Drexel University | (PA) | $47,115.00 $44,010.00 | In-State/Out-of-State Military | |
St. John's University | (NY) | $49,300.00 | All Students | |
American University | (DC) | $54,520.00 | All Students | |
Harvard University | (MA) | $54,768.00 | All Students |
Program Note: To qualify for a ranking, the master’s in education administration online must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table. Degrees labeled with superscript 14 indicate that options for this program have changed since publication.
CAEP Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
AAQEP Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2023 review of regionally accredited master’s in education administration online programs. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the master’s in higher education administration online in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire master’s in education administration online including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a master’s in higher education administration online that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
These rankings of the cheapest online master’s in education administration programs may NOT be re-posted online or reprinted in any format without a license from GetEducated ®. Consumer finance bloggers and writers can contact our editors for a free custom article on the cheapest online master’s in education administration programs for use on your website. Our mission: Help consumers GetEducated ® about the best online colleges for cost and credibility.
Why Choose the Cheapest Online Master’s in Education Administration?
These degrees are time-consuming and challenging, and even the cheapest online master’s in education administration is not free. Why should you spend the time, energy, and money to complete one of these programs?
Here are two of the top reasons:
- High salaries: The median annual salary for school principals is $98,420, while the top 10% earn over $153,000. School administrators have a median salary of $101,320, so there is plenty of opportunity for high incomes.
- Advance your career in education: These programs are ideal for education pros, especially teachers who want to advance their careers, increase their authority, and strengthen their earning potential.
Program Cost: Online Master’s in Education Administration
These programs come with a wide range of prices, so students need to do their research to find a program that not only meets their academic needs, but also their budget.
The average price for a master’s in education administration online is $18,900. Most master’s programs require two years of study, which means the average student must generate $9,450 per year to pay for their education. Most schools require payment by the semester, so the average student will pay about $4,725 each semester. (Expect to make payments before the fall and spring semesters.)
If you need an affordable option, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Southeastern Oklahoma State University is the best choice. This degree only costs $8,160, which is less than half the average price. This low cost is available to all students, not just Oklahoma residents. No matter where you live, you can take advantage of the great price.
If this program does not fit your academic needs and career goals, there are plenty of low-cost options. Our database includes 19 different programs priced below $11,000. There are 70 programs with a price tag below $15,000.
The most expensive program comes from Harvard University, often considered one of the most prestigious colleges in the country. Their Master of Education in Education Leadership costs $54,768.
With diligence and research, you can find an online master’s in education administration that fits your unique budget while also helping advance your career. Learn more about the top three cheapest programs below:
#1. Southeastern Oklahoma State University – Master of Education in Educational Leadership
The cheapest online master’s in education administration comes from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. The Master of Education in Educational Leadership comes with a price tag of $8,160 for the entire program.
This degree is meant to prepare educators for leadership positions by focusing on topics in administration and financial management. The program also includes an internship component that can be completed in your local school district. Graduates will be qualified to take the Oklahoma principal certification exam.
#2. The University of Texas at Arlington – Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
At $8,200 for all students, The University of Texas at Arlington comes in at #2 for the cheapest online master’s in education administration. This program will help experienced educators build on their existing knowledge to reach the next level in their career.
The skills gained through this program will allow teachers to increase student performance, improve organizational effectiveness, and enhance teaching and learning in their schools. Students online can add an emphasis in principal certification for grades PK-12.
Some of the courses in this program include:
- Leadership Theory
- Diversity in Educational Settings
- Resource Management in Education
- Curriculum Design, Implementation, & Evaluation
#3. Valdosta State University – Master of Education in Educational Leadership
The third cheapest online master’s in education administration provides educators with a combination of online coursework and in-person field experiences to enhance their teaching and leadership skills. M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Valdosta State University in Georgia is available at a price of $9,050 for all online students looking to become educational leaders.
In order to develop participants’ leadership and management skills, coursework incorporates problem solving, curriculum development, and instructional supervision. Internship experiences connect theoretical and philosophical frameworks to real-world situations. Students also receive a Leadership Advisor who will offer coaching and support throughout the entire program.
Students will participate in courses such as:
- Leadership for Community and Public Relations
- School Culture, Change, and Organizational Dynamics
- Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology Integration
- Technology Leadership for School Improvement
Education Administration: What to Expect from Your Online Master’s Degree
All the programs in our database are at least 80% online. Many are completely online. A master’s degree usually requires two years of attendance, although some programs offer completion in just one year, which usually means summer, fall, and spring classes.
These master’s in education administration online programs help prepare aspiring principals, superintendents, administrators, and more. For the most part, they focus on preschool through 12th-grade schools. Some programs may concentrate on certain levels, such as elementary, middle, or high school.
While education is a factor in these degrees, much of the coursework focuses on the management and organization of schools. Students will spend more time learning how to hire staff, create budgets, organize school days, and implement technology. Less time is spent learning class management skills or direct teaching strategies.
The Practicum: A Common Master’s Requirement
Many graduate programs include a practicum. In addition to the education field, practicums are common in healthcare and counseling. These are hands-on learning experiences, similar (yet different) to internships, that place students in their future work setting. For a master’s in higher education administration online, for example, a practicum will be in a college or university. A practicum is usually completed in the last semester of a master’s degree.
Courses and Structure in an Online Master’s in Education Administration
Each program is different. Let’s look at a few examples to better understand the structure and coursework of these programs.
University of the Cumberlands – Master of Arts in Education / Principal
This 30-hour program delivers the core skills you need to work as a school principal in preschool through 12th-grade settings. Students develop deeper knowledge of academic systems while also learning about education law, human resources in education, and a principal’s proper role in a school district.
There are 10 classes that students need to complete. These include School Law, School and Community Relations, and The School Principal’s Role in Curriculum Leadership.
Calvary University – Master of Science in Education in Administration & School Leadership
Calvary University, a Christian college located in Kansas City, Missouri, offers a Master of Science in Education. Within this degree, students can complete an Administration & School Leadership concentration to become principals, administrators, or superintendents.
The program encompasses 36 credit hours. Courses include School & Personnel Management, Educational Technology in Schools, and Instructional Leadership.
University of the Cumberlands – Master of Arts in Education / Principal
With an asynchronous learning plan, this online program consists of eight classes (24 credit hours) plus a practicum course that counts as six credits. The program also has three tracks, including Principalship, Director of Instruction, and Director of Special Education.
Within the Principalship track, students will complete courses such as Administrative Leadership, School Business Administration, and School Law. The practicum is a year-long field experience and seminar in a school setting.
Accreditation for Educational Administration Degrees
To ensure schools deliver a high-quality education, the academic industry uses a system called accreditation. Essentially, this is a review process conducted by independent groups approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
While all accreditation indicates a quality education, you should understand the difference between institutional and programmatic accreditation. Institutional accreditation covers the entire school. It is granted by regional bodies and shows that the college or university, as a whole, meets a high academic standard.
Institutional accreditation is critical, as many teaching and education administration certifications are only available to graduates of accredited schools.
Programmatic accreditation is different. This type focuses on the degree itself and is completed by groups that specialize in that topic. For example, an industrial technology degree can have accreditation from the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering.
The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) is the most well known accrediting body in education. Accrediting bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs, this group helps ensure a high standard throughout education degrees.
The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) is another important organization in education. While much newer (founded in 2017), this group focuses on the continuous improvement and collaboration of education programs.
While programmatic approval is beneficial, it’s most important that you attend an online master’s in education administration from a school with institutional accreditation, as this is the deciding factor for whether graduates can apply for licensing.
Typical Admission Requirements
For admission to an online master’s in education administration, you need to meet a high standard, both academically and professionally.
The most basic requirement is a bachelor’s degree. Without this education, you will be unqualified for a master’s program. However, simply holding a bachelor’s may not be enough. Many schools require master’s applicants to have a minimum GPA from previous studies. A minimum of 2.5, 2.75, or 3.0 (or higher) is common.
For example, the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, which offers a Master’s of School Administration, requires a 3.0 cumulative GPA on bachelor’s coursework. Lamar University, however, uses GPA as a “major consideration for admission” but does not state a specific minimum score.
Applicants also need professional experience. Many schools require three years of teaching experience before enrolling. Applicants also need to submit a statement of purpose, multiple letters of recommendation, and proof of licensing.
The process is complex and, for some, intimidating. But if you start early, check the requirements, and contact the admissions office with questions, the process should be relatively smooth.
Licensing and Certification for Principals and Administrators
To work as a principal in a public school, you need a license. Considering that 76% of all school principals work for public schools, it’s reasonable to expect this requirement.
In most states, these licenses are called a school administrator certificate. Licensing requirements vary by state, but most require applicants to have a master’s degree before applying for the license. There will also be an exam, which allows you to prove your knowledge in education administration. A background check is another common requirement for principal licenses.
Texas provides a good example of the typical licensing requirements for school principals and administrators. To become a principal in the Lone Star State, you must have a master’s degree from an accredited university. You must also hold a valid teaching certificate and have at least two years of teaching experience. You will need to complete an approved principal-educator program and successfully pass Texas’ required exam.
Licensing is critical to your career. Remember that licensing eligibility is directly connected to accreditation; you must attend an accredited school to be eligible for a principal’s license. Always research accreditation before enrolling in a program.
Note: All schools on this database are institutionally accredited and should qualify graduates for licensing. However, it is still essential to check school and state requirements before enrolling to ensure the program will qualify you for principal licensure.
Salary and Career Outlook for Principals and Administrators
School principals and administrators need to be motivated by more than just salary. However, when you work in this career, you can expect a strong income. Many earn well over $100,000 a year.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for school principals, as measured in May 2021, was $98,420. This means that over half of all principals earn over $98,000 a year. The top 10% in this profession earn over $153,000, so there is room for high incomes.
Education administrators have high salaries as well. The median income in this profession (May 2022) was $101,320, while the top 10% earn over $158,770.
This profession is not only high-paying, it’s also steady, consistent, and found all across the nation. The BLS expects the career of school principal to grow by 7% between 2021 and 2031. This is a faster growth than the total for all occupations, which is expected to be 5%. While jobs depend on local budgets, the increase in student enrollment should create more schools, which means more openings for school principals.
That said, this is a small career field. In 2021 there were only 292,200 principals. For comparison, there were about 600,000 middle school teachers, over one million high school teachers, and nearly 1.5 million kindergarten and elementary teachers.
The Next Step: Doctorates and Continuing Education
For most graduates, a master’s degree is the end of their academic journey. However, there is still one step available for ambitious education specialists. A doctorate in education can shape you into a top expert in the field.
Education professionals can choose between a doctorate of philosophy (Ph.D.) in education or a doctorate of education (Ed.D.). These two types may seem similar, but they have important differences, especially the amount of time. A Ph.D., which is more research-based, can take as much as seven years to complete. Some doctoral students might even need eight years to complete the program. An Ed.D. usually requires only three years of study. While a Ph.D. includes scholarly research, an Ed.D. is more focused on the details of education management. University presidents, for example, often have Ed.D. degrees, while a college professor teaching education will likely have a Ph.D.
If you work as a school principal, you’ll likely need formal continuing education. As we have discussed, school principals need a license. To maintain and renew this license, they need to complete official continuing education credits through authorized sources. Each state is different, so check with your state’s department of education for details.
Advance Your Education Career!
Teaching is a wonderful occupation, but if you are ready to advance your career and become a leader in education, these degrees are perfect.
Visit GetEducated.com today for more information and resources. You can find the cheapest online master’s in education administration for your exact needs, so use the resources on our site today!