masters degree educational leadership

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for working education professionals who bring at least seven years of relevant or transferrable work experience. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

Teaching and Teacher Leadership

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If you have program-specific questions, please contact the TTL Program Staff .

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A groundbreaking approach to teacher education — for people seeking to learn to teach, for experienced teachers building their leadership, and for all educators seeking to enhance their practice and create transformative learning opportunities.

Teachers change lives — and at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, you can be part of the change. The Teaching and Teacher Leadership (TTL) Program at HGSE will prepare you with the skills, knowledge, support, and professional network you need to design and lead transformative learning experiences, advance equity and social justice, and generate the best outcomes for students in U.S. schools.

The program’s innovative approach is intentionally designed to serve both individuals seeking to learn to teach and experienced teachers who are deepening their craft as teachers or developing their leadership to advance teaching and learning in classrooms, schools, and districts. 

And through the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching , HGSE offers significant financial support to qualified candidates to reduce the burden of loan debt for teachers.

Applicants will choose between two strands:

• Do you want to become a licensed teacher? The Teaching Licensure strand lets novice and early-career teachers pursue Massachusetts initial licensure in secondary education, which is transferrable to all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Licensure candidates have two possible pathways — you can select a preference for either the residency fieldwork model or the internship fieldwork model . The residency model is for people ready to make an immediate impact as a teacher; the internship model offers a more gradual path.
• Do you want to focus on the art of teaching, without licensure? The Teaching and Leading strand will enable you to enhance your own teaching practice or to lead others in transforming learning in classrooms, schools, and other settings. Candidates can pursue a curriculum tailored toward an exploration of teaching practice or toward teacher leadership.

Note: Ideal candidates will come with the intention to work in U.S. schools.

“At the heart of TTL is helping teachers reach all students. Whether you are preparing for the classroom yourself or are an experienced teacher preparing to improve teaching and learning on a wider scale, our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to lead others in learning.” Heather Hill  Faculty Co-Chair

After completing the Teaching and Teacher Leadership Program, you will be able to:

• Leverage your knowledge and skills to lead others in joyful, equitable, rigorous, and transformative learning.
• Analyze instruction for the purpose of improving it.
• Foster productive inquiry and discussion.
• Identify, understand, and counteract systemic inequities within educational institutions.

The Harvard Fellowship for Teaching

HGSE is committed to investing in the future of the teaching profession — and minimizing the student debt that teachers carry. We offer a signature fellowship — the Harvard Fellowship for Teaching — to qualified candidates. The fellowship package covers 80 percent of tuition and provides for a $10,000 living stipend.

This prestigious fellowship is prioritized for admitted students pursuing the Teaching Licensure Residency model. Additional fellowships may be awarded to qualified candidates admitted to the Teaching Licensure Internship model and the Teaching and Leading strand. Fellowship decisions are determined during the admissions process. Fellowship recipients must be enrolled as full-time students.       HGSE offers a range of other  financial aid and fellowship opportunities to provide greater access and affordability to our students.

Curriculum Information

The TTL Program is designed to help you gain the knowledge and practice the skills essential to leading others in learning — and will create pathways to success that will allow you to thrive as an expert practitioner and mentor in your community. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the curriculum are:

• Commence your Foundations studies with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 10–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to TTL.

• The TTL Program Core Experience (4 credits), is a full year course where all students come together to observe, analyze, and practice high-quality teaching.
• Teaching methods courses (10 credits) in the chosen content area, which begin in June. 
• A Summer Field-Based Experience (4 credits), held on site in Cambridge in July, allows you to begin to hone your teaching practice. 
• Two courses focused on inclusivity and diversity in the classroom (6 credits). 
• Field experiences , where students in the Teacher Licensure strand will intern or teach directly in Boston-area schools.
• Individuals interested in enhancing their own teaching practice can engage in coursework focused on new pedagogies, how to best serve diverse student populations, and special topics related to classrooms and teaching.  
• Experienced teachers may wish to enroll in HGSE’s Teacher Leadership Methods course, designed to provide cohort-based experience with skills and techniques used to drive adult learning and improve teaching.
• Candidates can take elective coursework based on interests or career goals, which includes the opportunity to specialize in an HGSE Concentration .

Advancing Research on Effective Teacher Preparation 

As a student in the TTL Program, you will have the opportunity to contribute to HGSE’s research on what makes effective teacher preparation. This research seeks to build an evidence base that contributes to the field’s understanding of effective approaches to teacher training, including how to support high-quality instruction, successful models of coaching and mentorship, and effective approaches to addressing the range of challenges facing our students.

TTL students will be able to participate in research studies as part of their courses, and some will also serve as research assistants, gaining knowledge of what works, as well as a doctoral-type experience at a major research university.

Explore our  course catalog . (All information and courses are subject to change.)

Note: The TTL Program trains educators to work in U.S. classrooms. Required coursework focuses on U.S. examples and contexts.

Teaching Licensure Strand

Students who want to earn certification to teach at the middle school and high school levels in U.S. schools should select the Teaching Licensure strand. TTL provides coursework and fieldwork that can lead to licensure in grades 5–8 in English, general science, history, and mathematics, as well as grades 8–12 in biology, chemistry, English, history, mathematics, and physics. In the Teaching Licensure strand, you will apply to one of two fieldwork models:

• The residency model – our innovative classroom immersion model, with significant funding available, in which students assume teaching responsibilities in the September following acceptance to the program. 
• The internship model – which ramps up teaching responsibility more gradually.

In both models, you will be supported by Harvard faculty and school-based mentors — as well as by peers in the TTL Program, with additional opportunities for network-building with HGSE alumni. Both models require applicants to have an existing familiarity with U.S. schools to be successful.  Learn more about the differences between the residency and internship models.

Summer Experience for Teaching Licensure Candidates

All students in the Teaching Licensure strand will participate in the Summer Experience supporting the Cambridge-Harvard Summer Academy (CHSA), which takes place in Cambridge in July 2023. Through your work at CHSA, you will help middle and high school students in the Cambridge Public Schools with credit recovery, academic enrichment, and preparation for high school. Students in the Teaching Licensure strand will teach students directly as part of the teaching team. This is an opportunity for you to immediately immerse yourself in a school environment and begin to practice the skills necessary to advance your career.

Teaching and Leading Strand

The Teaching and Leading strand is designed for applicants who want to enhance their knowledge of the craft of teaching or assume roles as teacher leaders. Candidates for the Teaching and Leading strand will share a common interest in exploring and advancing the practice of effective teaching, with the goal of understanding how to improve learning experiences for all students. The program will be valuable for three types of applicant:

• Individuals interested in teaching, but who do not require formal licensure to teach. This includes applicants who might seek employment in independent schools or in informal educational sectors such as arts education, after-school programs, tutoring, and youth organizations. 
• Experienced teachers who wish to deepen their practice by learning new pedagogies and developing new capacities to help students thrive.
• Experienced teachers who seek leadership roles — from organizing school-based initiatives to more formal roles like coaching and professional development.

As a candidate in the Teaching and Leading strand, your own interests will guide your journey. If you are seeking a teacher leader role, TTL faculty will guide you to courses that focus on growing your skills as a reflective leader, preparing you to facilitate adult learning, helping you understand how to disrupt inequity, and teaching you how to engage in best practices around coaching, mentoring, and data analysis. If you are seeking to learn about the craft of teaching, our faculty will similarly direct you to recommended courses and opportunities that will meet your goals.

Students in this strand can also take on internships within the TTL Program (e.g., program supervisor, early career coach) or the HGSE community, and at surrounding schools or organizations. And you can customize your learning experience by pursuing one of HGSE's six Concentrations .

Note: Applicants in the Teaching and Leading strand should expect a focus on leadership within U.S. schools.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Heather C. Hill

Heather Hill studies policies and programs to improve teaching quality. Research interests include teacher professional development and instructional coaching.

Victor Pereira, Jr.

Victor Pereira's focus is on teacher preparation, developing new teachers, and improving science teaching and learning in middle and high school classrooms. 

Rosette Cirillo

Sarah Edith Fiarman

Noah Heller

Eric Soto-Shed

Career Pathways

The TTL Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

Teaching Licensure Strand:

• Licensed middle or high school teacher in English, science, math, and history

Teaching and Leading Strand: 

• Classroom teachers
• Curriculum designers 
• Department heads and grade-level team leaders 
• District-based instructional leadership team members 
• Instructional and curriculum leadership team members 
• Out-of-school educators; teachers in youth organizations or after-school programs
• Professional developers and content specialists 
• School improvement facilitators 
• School-based instructional coaches and mentor teachers
• Teachers of English as a second language
• International educators seeking to understand and advance a career in U.S. education

Cohort & Community

The TTL Program prioritizes the development of ongoing teacher communities that provide continued support, learning, and collaboration. Our cohort-based approach is designed to encourage and allow aspiring teachers and leaders to build relationships with one another, as well as with instructors and mentors — ultimately building a strong, dynamic network. 

As a TTL student, you will build a community around a shared commitment to teaching and teacher development. You will learn from and with colleagues from diverse backgrounds, levels of expertise, and instructional settings. To further connections with the field, you are invited to attend “meet the researcher” chats, engage in learning through affinity groups, and interact with teaching-focused colleagues across the larger university, by taking courses and participating in activities both at HGSE and at other Harvard schools. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Teaching and Teacher Leadership experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Donors Invest in Teachers, Reaching Key Milestone

The $10 million Challenge Match for Teachers, now complete, will expand scholarships for students in Teaching and Teacher Leadership

HGSE Honors Master's Students with Intellectual Contribution Award

The Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Amy Boyington

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Updated April 5, 2024

Daniella Ramirez

Contributing Editor

TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to discover your college program?

What Is an Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degree?

An online master's degree in educational leadership explores administrative elements in education, such as policy, curriculum design, and instructional supervision. These programs can lead to careers as school principals, superintendents, instructional coordinators, and postsecondary administrators.

Professionals already working in education typically pursue these programs to transition their careers beyond the classroom. Students can expect to learn about educational law and policy, school and community partnership building, and financial management. Usually 30-36 credits, a master's in educational leadership takes 1-2 years to complete, depending on enrollment status.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), educational leadership jobs offer high earning potential. The median school principal salary exceeds $100,000, while postsecondary education administrators earn a median wage of $99,940 per year. The outlook for these school administration jobs also appears stable, with the BLS projecting a growth rate as fast as average for instructional coordinator jobs from 2022-2032.

Master's in Educational Leadership Overview

A master's in educational leadership program provides advanced training in school administration. Graduate students complete coursework to prepare for roles as school principals, higher education administrators, and school superintendents. Programs emphasize core skills, including strategic planning in education and curriculum design.

Earning an educational leadership degree generally takes two years for full-time students, though some programs offer accelerated options. Schools may incorporate internships or practicums, allowing students to gain hands-on experience working under school administrators. Many online educational leadership programs cater to working educators by prioritizing flexibility.

An educational leadership degree can meet the requirements for positions as school principals, school administrators, and superintendents. After completing an online master's in educational leadership track, some educators choose to pursue doctorates. A doctoral degree can lead to advanced opportunities in education or research, as well as academic jobs.

Featured Online Master's in Educational Leadership Degrees

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

The Best Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs

Our Methodology

Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.

Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools  cannot buy better rankings  at TBS.

While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.

• Affordability
• Online Enrollment

Data Sources

The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.

The  Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System  (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's  National Center for Education Statistics  (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the  College Navigator .

Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from  AcademicInfluence.com , subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.

Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology

About our ranking factors.

Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.

Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.

We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.

• Collapse All

Academics - 75%

Affordability - 15%, online enrollment - 10%.

In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.

If you have questions about our ranking methodology, please feel free to connect with our staff through  contact page .

We thank you for your readership and trust.

The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. TheBestSchools.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

#1 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Florida State University

• Tallahassee, FL
• Online + Campus

From its campus in Tallahassee, Florida State University offers an online master's in educational leadership and administration to enhance educators' professional knowledge and prepare them for administrative roles. After completing a master's degree, candidates can pursue career advancement in their current field or a new one.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to educational administration. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants with a background in educational administration typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Florida State University at a Glance:

Type of school: Public, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 32%

Total Online Master's Programs: 16

Program name: Education Leadership Master's

Graduate Tuition In State: $9,684

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $24,116

#2 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

George Washington University

• Washington, DC

Graduate students seeking an online educational administration degree can enroll in the master's program at George Washington University, located in Washington, D.C. The rigorous MA in educational leadership and administration is designed for working professionals interested in K-12 education and central office leadership positions.

The master's curriculum explores theoretical and practical perspectives in the field. Virtual classrooms give enrollees access to scholars, principals, superintendents, and other field experts. Applicants without a degree in educational administration or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll in the program.

Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. Graduate students expand their professional network through internships and online events.

George Washington University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private, not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 43%

Total Online Master's Programs: 50

Program name: MA in Educational Leadership and Administration

Graduate Tuition In State: $31,770

#3 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

• Stillwater, OK

From its campus in Stillwater, Oklahoma State University hosts a top-ranked master's in educational administration program. The master of science in educational leadership studies prepares graduates for leadership roles in PK-12 education. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.

The curriculum is a hybrid cohort model designed for working adults who can learn and collaborate together. The MS emphasizes theory and practice, and enrollees participate in internship programs at approved locations in their local area. Campus attendance gives students access to common amenities and facilities, such as the library or gym. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 67%

Total Online Master's Programs: 23

Program name: MS in Educational Leadership Studies

Graduate Tuition In State: $5,531

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $21,034

#4 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

University of South Carolina-Columbia

• Columbia, SC

The University of South Carolina-Columbia offers an online M.Ed. in education administration with an emphasis in educational leadership and policies in PK-12 schools. The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in educational administration, utilizing simulations, case studies, and research projects.  

Online enrollees meet any in-person requirements, such as internships, at approved sites in their local area. Common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gymnasium, are accessible to students living on campus. The program encourages graduate students to attend networking events to expand their professional connections.

The University of South Carolina-Columbia at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 68%

Total Online Master's Programs: 28

Program name: M.Ed. in Education Administration 

Graduate Tuition In State: $13,737

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $29,760

#5 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

• Lincoln, NE

The online MA in educational administration at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln prioritizes flexibility. The degree offers specializations in community colleges, higher education, and student affairs administration. UNL's department of educational administration is well-known for developing rigorous and accessible programs for educators pursuing career advancement in P-12 and higher education.

UNL encourages applicants to gain experience in educational administration before applying to the program. Online enrollees work with the school to identify internship opportunities at approved sites in their local communities. Internships and networking events help graduate students enhance their experience and expand their professional network.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 78%

Total Online Master's Programs: 15

Program name: MA in Educational Administration

Graduate Tuition In State: $6,138

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,928

#6 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA

From its campus in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers an online M.Ed. in higher education with a concentration in educational leadership. Enrollees receive the necessary training to pursue administrative roles in postsecondary education. The master's curriculum blends theory and practice to provide an advanced understanding of educational administration. The curriculum expores topics, such as leadership and supervision in education and educational policy. 

Learners take specialized courses to stand out in a competitive job market. Online enrollees add to their resume by pursuing internship opportunities at approved locations near their home. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

Liberty University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 50%

Total Online Master's Programs: 68

Program name: M.Ed. in Higher Education – Educational Leadership 

Graduate Tuition In State: $7,935

#7 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Texas A & M International University

The master of science in educational administration at Texas A & M International University, located in Laredo, offers a flexible online format. Students can complete the degree in just 10 months. Enrollees can use the program to help prepare for principalship exams in Texas.

The master's curriculum explores advanced methodologies and research in educational administration. Enrollees learn effective leadership and data-driven decision-making skills. Online enrollees complete practicum or internship requirements in their local area to gain hands-on experience. Campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Seven-week courses help students accelerate degree completion.

Texas A & M International University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 59%

Total Online Master's Programs: 11

Program name: MS in Educational Administration

Graduate Tuition In State: $3,350

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $10,712

#8 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Southern New Hampshire University

• Manchester, NH

Southern New Hampshire University, located in Manchester, is a leader in online learning. SNHU's M.Ed. in curriculum and instruction offers a concentration in education leadership. The program emphasizes both practical and theoretical skills that graduates can apply in the classroom and in administrative roles. The M.Ed. covers subjects, such as curriculum design, technology integration, and leading educational organizations. Internship and practicum activities provide hands-on experience and professional networking opportunities. Students have access to learning resources from day one, and can complete the degree in just 15 months.

Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private not-for-profit, 4-year or above

Admission Rate: 94%

Total Online Master's Programs: 29

Program name: M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a Concentration in Education Leadership

Graduate Tuition In State: $18,810

#9 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Tarleton State University

• Stephenville, TX

From its campus in Stephenville, Texas, Tarleton State University offers a customizable online M.Ed. in educational administration. The curriculum offers both principal certification and non-certification degree plans with one of three concentrations: EC-12 leadership principal certification, higher education leadership, and educational technology leadership.

Participants complete practicums to acquire knowledge of a variety of areas, such as building operations and finance and budgeting. Online enrollees work with the program to find internship opportunities in their local area. Campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students also participate in networking events to expand their professional connections.

Tarleton State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 58%

Total Online Master's Programs: 7

Program name: M.Ed. in Educational Administration 

Graduate Tuition In State: $4,248

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $12,510

#10 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Webster University

• Saint Louis, MO

The online MA in educational leadership and administration at Webster University is a good option for students pursuing K-12 school leader certification. The program builds specialized skills for leadership roles through coursework, internships, and a capstone course.

The master's curriculum emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to educational administration. Topics covered include school law, finance, and leadership and innovation. Online enrollees fulfill internship requirements at approved sites in their local area. Since the program is also available on campus, in-person attendees can enjoy the common amenities and facilities available at most institutions, such as the library or gym. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.

Webster University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 53%

Total Online Master's Programs: 27

Graduate Tuition In State: $13,500

#11 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Southern Wesleyan University

• Central, SC

From its campus in South Carolina, Southern Wesleyan University offers an M.Ed. in administration and supervision that prepares enrollees for principal certification or other educational leadership roles. Designed for working professionals, the curriculum is delivered entirely online using accelerated seven-week courses. 

The M.Ed. curriculum emphasizes theory and practice in educational administration. Enrollees develop skills in operations management and public and community relations. Online enrollees work with the program to arrange professional practicum and internship experiences at approved locations. 

Applicants with at least two years of teaching experience may want to consider this program. On-campus students benefit from the library and gym facilities provided by many institutions. Graduate students also build professional connections through virtual networking events and other activities.

Southern Wesleyan University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 56%

Total Online Master's Programs: 5

Program name: M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision

Graduate Tuition In State: $13,560

#12 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Northwestern College

• Orange City, IA

Northwestern College, located in Orange City, Iowa, offers an online M.Ed. in educational administration and principal endorsement designed for working professionals. The program offers a supervisor of special education endorsement track for learners interested in special education leadership roles. Students complete eight-week courses at their own pace. 

The master's curriculum examines advanced theories and practices in educational administration. Topics include operations management, instructional leadership, and curriculum and assessement. Enrollees complete a series of internships designed to give them hands-on experience in their local area. Participants apply their learning in an action research project.

Northwestern College at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 74%

Total Online Master's Programs: 3

Program name: M.Ed. in Educational Administration and Principal Endorsement 

Graduate Tuition In State: $6,120

#13 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

LeTourneau University

• Longview, TX

LeTourneau University, located in Longview, Texas, offers high-quality academic programs, such as the M.Ed. in educational administration. The degree is designed for educators with some teaching experience who want to pursue principal certification.

The master's curriculum emphasizes research methods and analytical skills. The program includes principal certification prep courses and opportunities to take principal practice exams. Online enrollees gain professional experience through internships or practicums offered in their local area. Students complete one course at a time for flexibility, and the seven-week format encourages faster degree completion. Campus students have access to the library and gymnasium, as well as other equipment and facilities available at most institutions. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

LeTourneau University at a Glance:

Total Online Master's Programs: 14

Program name: M.Ed. in Educational Administration

Graduate Tuition In State: $18,630

#14 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

• Phoenix, AZ

The University of Phoenix-Arizona administers an MA in education that emphasizes teaching, curriculum and instruction, and administration and supervision. The degree prepares participants for leadership roles with a higher earning potential.

The master's curriculum covers methodological and research perspectives. Enrollees design and implement school leadership interventions to improve student and school performance. Participants develop skills, such as problem-solving and decision-making. Educators complement theoretical learning with hands-on internships and field experience within their local communities. Enrollees can continue to work by taking one course at a time, with accelerated courses available to speed up degree completion.

University of Phoenix-Arizona at a Glance:

Type of school: Private, for-profit, 4-year or above

Program name: MA in Education

Graduate Tuition In State: $17,096

#15 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

South Dakota State University

• Brookings, SD

Based in Brookings, South Dakota, South Dakota State University hosts a top-rated online M.Ed. in educational administration. The master's degree is designed for students who plan to work with children of all ages. The curriculum is aligned with professional training standards for those seeking positions as education leaders.

The master's curriculum emphasizes best practices in educational administration, covering topics in school finance, supervision, and educational law. A local internship component provides hands-on field experience that may be paid or unpaid. A capstone is part of the internship and requires presentations and discussions based on literature, real-world problems, and research. Internships and other practicum activities also provide professional networking opportunities.

South Dakota State University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 89%

Total Online Master's Programs: 18

Graduate Tuition In State: $8,083

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $15,541

#16 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Cairn University-Langhorne

• Langhorne, PA

Located in Pennsylvania, Cairn University-Langhorne develops an M.S. in educational leadership and administration especially for educators who want to work in a Christian school context. The master's degree offers a fully online curriculum that features seven-week terms.

The curriculum emphasizes educational administration concepts and best practices. Learners take specialized courses and electives in areas, such as the principalship PK-12, financial business management, and school law. The program builds on undergraduate training or professional experience in educational administration.

Online enrollees complete an optional internship at approved sites in their own community. One good thing about this program is that students receive credit for previous courses and work experience.

Cairn University-Langhorne at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 81%

Program name:  M.S. in Educational Leadership & Administration 

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,040

#17 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Capella University

• Minneapolis, MN

An online master of science in education, leadership in educational administration is offered by Capella University and helps graduates move into leadership roles and increase their earning potential. Students complete weekly assignments and participate in discussions with faculty and peers. 

Participants develop expertise in core areas, such as the P-12 principalship, personnel administration, and school law. Students can customize this degree with specialized and concentration courses. Degree-seekers can transfer credits into this program to help accelerate degree completion. Attendees gain professional experience through internships offered in their local area. Graduate students also build professional connections by attending networking events.

Capella University at a Glance:

Total Online Master's Programs: 78

Program name: MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration 

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,767

#18 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

New Mexico State University-Main Campus

• Las Cruces, NM

Graduate students seeking an online educational administration degree should consider the master's program at New Mexico State University-Main Campus, located in Las Cruces. The master of arts in educational leadership and administration in preK-12 + licensure program prepares learners for roles in public school leadership or research.

The degree is also advnaced preparation for leadership roles in governmental or private sector agencies. Students complete most of the degree online but must attend on-campus meetings during the internship component. The internship provides participants with professional experience in educational settings. 

The program boasts affordability and tuition discounts for active duty personnel.

New Mexico State University-Main Campus at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 63%

Program name: Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in PreK-12 + Licensure program 

Graduate Tuition In State: $4,981

Graduate Tuition Out of State: $17,330

#19 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Grand Canyon University

Graduate students seeking an online educational administration degree can enroll in the master's program at Grand Canyon University, located in Phoenix. The master's in education leadership program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for administrative responsibilities. A master's degree allows candidates to move up the career ladder or pursue a new career path.

Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants with a background in educational administration typically meet the admission requirements.

Online enrollees complete internship requirements at approved sites in their own community. The common facilities and services offered at most universities, such as the library or gym, are accessible to students who live on campus. Graduate students grow their professional connections through internships and virtual networking events.

Grand Canyon University at a Glance:

Type of school: Private for-profit, 4-year or above

Total Online Master's Programs: 45

Program name: Master's in education leadership

Graduate Tuition In State: $10,528

#20 The Best Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Programs of 2024

Hannibal-LaGrange University

• Hannibal, MO

The master of education administration degree at Hannibal-LaGrange University uses a flexible distance learning format. The program draws on a rigorous curriculum that prepares graduates for leadership responsibilities. A master's degree can also prepare candidates for opportunities in new fields.

The degree program emphasizes both practical and theoretical approaches to educational administration. Learners focus their training by choosing electives based on their interests and career goals. Applicants without an undergraduate degree in education administration or a related field may need to meet prerequisite requirements to enroll.

Online enrollees gain professional experience through internships offered in their local area. Many institutions provide libraries and fitness centers for use by students living on campus. The program hosts networking events and other professional development activities to help graduate students expand their professional connections.

Hannibal-LaGrange University at a Glance:

Admission Rate: 65%

Program name: Master of education administration

Graduate Tuition In State: $14,250

Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs Ranking Guidelines

We selected these degree programs based on the program quality and variety of courses provided, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.

Choosing a Master's in Educational Leadership Online Program

Online programs can help working educators pursue career advancement without leaving their jobs. Prospective enrollees can consider several factors when choosing a program, including tuition costs, available concentrations, and whether the program meets licensure requirements.

Costs for master's in educational leadership programs vary widely. In general, public schools charge in-state learners the lowest tuition rates. However, some distance programs offer flat-rate tuition to out-of-state students who complete the program entirely online. In addition to tuition, prospective students should consider fees and book costs.

Choosing an accelerated program or a program that accepts transfer credits can also lower the cost of an educational leadership degree. Many educational leadership programs offer focus areas in school principalship or higher education administration. Additionally, prospective principals seeking public school jobs should check whether the program meets their states' principal licensure requirements.

What Can I Expect From a Master's in Educational Leadership Online Program?

An educational leadership program trains graduate students about administrative topics for careers in education. While earning an online master's in educational leadership, you can take courses in school administration, strategic planning, and curriculum design. Many educational leadership programs meet the requirements for school administrator licensure, including as a school principal or superintendent.

The Curriculum for an Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership

Leadership and Supervision in Education: This course explores the importance of educational leadership roles and how they interact with, support, and oversee educators. Learners discover appropriate leadership strategies to build relationships and enhance collaboration in educational settings.

School-Community Relationships: School administrators must foster beneficial relationships between schools and their communities. This course teaches students to identify community, school, and district needs. Professionals use this information to build partnerships, use community resources, and organize community initiatives.

Critical Issues in Educational Leadership: This course examines historical and modern topics in education. It also equips students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to overcome common challenges faced by schools and districts.

School Law and Policy: Students may explore topics such as special education, policymaking practices, compliance, ethics, and positive change in this course.

Curriculum Design: Learners discover how to craft effective curricula and improve coursework to meet the needs of diverse learners. Students also integrate technology into the curriculum design process to enhance classroom instruction and learning.

Certifications and Licenses a Master's in Educational Leadership Prepares For

School Leaders Licensure: Many educational leadership jobs require school administration licensure, including jobs as school principals and administrators. Each state sets specific licensure requirements, but candidates generally must have accredited master's degrees in educational leadership or education administration.

Many states also require passing scores on an ETS school leadership examination. This test covers educational leadership topics, such as instructional leadership, organizational leadership, and strategic leadership. In some states, candidates for principal licensure must already hold valid teaching licenses . Prospective school administration professionals should research the licensure requirements in their state.

School Superintendent Assessment Certification: In many states, school superintendent jobs require a license or certificate. A candidate for school superintendent licensure often needs a master's degree in educational leadership or education administration from an accredited program.

Some states set additional coursework requirements, which may require a school superintendent concentration. Candidates may need to complete a standardized test covering school superintendent skills. The ETS exam includes multiple-choice questions on administrative leadership, educational leadership, and instructional leadership. Because the requirements for licensure vary by jurisdiction, prospective school superintendents should review the process in their state.

Educational Leadership Careers and Outlook

An educational leadership master's degree can lead to education careers outside traditional classroom settings. Some careers may require additional education, certification, or licensure. For example, some districts may prefer library media specialists with library science degrees, concentrations, or certifications.

Graduates of educational leadership programs often have teaching licensure and experience in the classroom. However, candidates without these credentials should consider administrative internships to gain experience and enhance their resumes.

The following careers are a few options for master's in educational leadership graduates.

Take a closer look at some of these options for educators interested in pursuing advanced roles.

Educational Leadership Jobs

Earning a master's in educational leadership prepares graduates for leadership roles in K-12 and higher education. At the K-12 level, graduates can work as school principals, instructional coordinators, and superintendents.

Instructional Coordinators

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

Instructional coordinators manage school curricula and teaching standards. Also known as curriculum specialists, these professionals review state and federal standards to create course schedules.

Working closely with principals and teachers, instructional coordinators implement curricula, develop educational materials, conduct teacher training workshops, and analyze data related to the course schedule effectiveness.

Instructional coordinators may also create teaching training procedures. Some instructional coordinators specialize in certain grade levels or subjects. For example, they can concentrate in special education or English as a second language.

School Principals

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

School principals oversee school operations at the K-12 level. They manage teachers and staff, establish class schedules, and coordinate curricula. As the highest administrator at a school, principals set academic goals for the institution and ensure teachers receive the resources they need to meet goals.

Principals analyze student achievement data to prepare reports and modify curricula. These professionals typically work with vice principals, instructional coordinators, and superintendents to manage schools. They oversee budgets and allocate resources, along with hiring and evaluating teachers.

School Administrators

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

School administrators manage student services, academics, and other departments. Many administrators work in higher education, where they oversee admissions, the registrar's office, and student affairs.

In these roles, school administrators analyze school needs to determine how to best meet them, promote the school's programs to prospective and current students, and provide information on financial aid support.

In student affairs, school administrators advise learners, create programs, and schedule student services. As administrators, they may supervise staff. Many school administrator jobs require a master's degree and experience teaching or working in an educational environment.

Popular Questions About Master's in Educational Leadership

Is a master's in educational leadership worth it.

A master's in educational leadership may be worth the time and cost investment for professionals looking to enter supportive educational roles. Teachers typically pursue these programs when ready to move outside the classroom. Educational leadership roles keep educators close to teachers, students, and instruction while allowing them to take on greater responsibilities in schools and districts.

What is the difference between an educational leadership program and management education?

An educational leadership program teaches educators the theory and practice of supporting schools, teachers, and students, along with advancing the field. These programs are best for future principals or other administrative roles in education. In contrast, management education suits future business leaders, like financial directors or project managers by building skills for improving business operations, collaboration, and decision-making.

What is a master's in educational leadership?

A master's in educational leadership prepares teachers and other educators for administrative roles in schools and districts, like principals and instructional coordinators. These 30-36 credit graduate programs typically take 1-2 years to complete.

What can you do with an educational leadership degree?

An educational leadership degree can lead to various supportive roles beyond the classroom, such as superintendents and academic directors. Curriculum developers, special education coordinators, and educational consultants also pursue these degrees.

How much do education administrators make?

The BLS reports that education administrators working in colleges and universities earn a median annual salary of $99,940. However, salaries vary significantly among schools and positions. For example, administrators transitioning into department head roles often receive salary increases.

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The saying goes: Before you can lead, you must grow yourself. With a master's in educational leadership, you have the opportunity to pursue careers as a consultant, corporate trainer, principal, administrator, or instructional designer. Leadership roles provide opportunities for macro-level impact and improved career prospects and higher salaries.

Do you have what it takes to lead? Educators who become leaders often have extensive classroom experience. Explore popular online master's in educational leadership degrees, admission criteria, tuition costs, and potential career outcomes.

Benefits of a Master's in Educational Leadership

• Badge Check Pursue education careers beyond the classroom .
• Badge Check Enjoy greater job security with the ability to fill school staff roles at all levels.
• Badge Check Help your community at a more macro level.
• Badge Check Grow your professional network during and after your program.
• Badge Check Apply the degree to other industries, like social and community service.

Featured Master's in Educational Leadership Online Degrees

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

Popular Master's in Educational Leadership Online Programs

We chose to highlight the following schools based on several factors, including top position in organic or paid search results (as of October 2023), relevancy of program offerings, and categorization as a nonprofit. These programs are listed alphabetically by school and not weighed against each other in our methodology.

Eastern Michigan University (EMU Online)

• Public university in Michigan
• MA in educational leadership
• 35 credits | $512 /credit

EMU Online's CAEP-accredited master's in educational leadership program provides a path to become a licensed building-level principal in Michigan in less than two years. The program builds competencies and practical skills in instructional leadership, human resources in education, principalship, and organization and administration of K-12 schools. It ends with a 14-week internship to gain practical skills.

Gonzaga University (GU)

• Private, nonprofit university in Washington
• M.Ed. in educational leadership
• 30-42 credits | $680 /credit

At GU, you can earn your master's in educational leadership with or without principal certification. Asynchronous coursework includes research and data analysis and cultural competence development, while the certification track requires additional seminar and internship credits. The certification program admits only applicants with a valid Washington teaching license and at least three years of experience.

University of Cincinnati (UC)

• Public university in Ohio
• 30 credits | $746-761 /credit

UC provides an educational leadership master's degree where you can specialize in special education, principalship, or administration and policy. You'll simultaneously participate in an educational leadership course and a principal clinical internship under a field site mentor's supervision.

University of North Texas (UNT)

• Public university in Texas
• 30 credits | $464 /credit

UNT's College of Education offers a one-year accelerated master's program in educational leadership for aspiring principals. Each of the 10 required courses is completely online and spans eight weeks, while both practicums last for a whole semester. Subjects in this program encompass school law, instructional leadership, school communications and public relations, and organization change.

Western Governors University (WGU)

• Private, nonprofit university in Utah
• MS in educational leadership
• Competency-based | $3,975 /term

WGU offers a master's in educational leadership that trains teachers to become principals or administrators in under two years. The program includes 13 courses, totaling 39 competency units. You'll study subjects such as systems management and school operations on your own time, and take exams when ready. Two practicums provide experience in a K-12 setting.

Reasons to Get Your Master's in Educational Leadership Online

• Check Circle Reduce the cost of college by saving money on transportation and living expenses.
• Check Circle Balance work and school with greater flexibility.
• Check Circle Have more options for pacing, including accelerated programs , asynchronous courses , and part-time degree tracks that accommodate all schedules.
• Check Circle Attend a program outside of your city/state without having to relocate.

What Is a Master's in Educational Leadership?

An online master's in educational leadership equips professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for administrative or leadership roles. A direct pathway to principal certification is available through many online master's degrees in educational leadership.

You can earn a master of education (M.Ed.) , which focuses on field experiences, master of arts (MA) in education that emphasizes liberal arts coursework, or master of science (MS) in education to concentrate on research.

Common Courses in Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs

• Cultural Competence Development
• Instructional Leadership
• Economics of Public Education
• Human Resources in Education
• Leadership Foundations and Ethics
• Curriculum Development and Data Analysis

How long does an online master's in educational leadership take?

Earning a master's in educational leadership online can take as few as 12 months if you study full time at an accelerated pace, or up to 36 months for those who need to take courses part time . On average, you'll take about 30-40 credits , including a capstone and/or practicum to gain leadership experience in an educational setting.

How much does an online master's in educational leadership cost?

An online master's in education costs an average of $8,155 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 varies by school. Fees also depend on your residency status.

Do Online Master's Degrees in Educational Leadership Lead to Licensure?

Not every educational leadership master's degree equips students for the same careers. For instance, many lead to a principal or superintendent license or certification. These programs don't typically lead to teaching licensure and often require that you already hold this credential

Non-licensure programs do not lead to or prepare you for a state-issued license or certification but may still allow you to concentrate 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.

Certification Tracks for Popular Online Master's in Educational Leadership Programs

• Principal licensure
• Principal certification
• Principal licensure endorsement

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).

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
• 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.

Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?

Yes. The advanced degree offers increased job prospects in an industry that has considerable job security. And 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 $63,680. 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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The Master of Educational Leadership program at the University of Cincinnati Online will provide you with real-world skills and knowledge to help you on your path to pursue an educational administrative or leadership role. This program prepares licensed educators to become strong leaders within educational organizations. With three main concentrations, choose the track that best fits your career goals. Concentrations for this program include Principal Leadership, and General Administration & Policy.

University of Cincinnati’s Master of Educational Leadership Program

The online Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is committed to serving the needs of schools throughout Ohio and the nation. Our program is ideal for licensed educators looking to further develop their knowledge and skills to enhance learning and to expand their earning potential through higher-level academic administration or leadership education roles.

Educational Leadership Program Concentrations:

• Principal Leadership : gain the tools to be a successful principal within a school or school district.
• Special Education Leadership:   focuses on the legal and ethical roles and responsibilities of a professional within the field of special education.
• General Administration & Policy: study educational leadership with or without an educational/professional background through our non-licensure track.

Quick Program Stats:

• Graduation rate: 98%  (2022)
• Historical licensure exam pass rates: 96% (2021).

What Will I Learn in an Online Master of Educational Leadership Program?

In this top-ranked program, you’ll:

• Discover the theories and practices of educational leadership and organizational behaviors in school systems.

• Gain hands-on experience through internships that will familiarize you with the roles and responsibilities of a principal.

• Examine current economic theories, sources of revenues, and trends in the fiscal structure and operations of public education.

University to Business Scholarship Program

If you are an employee or member of one of our partner organizations, you may be eligible for a tuition scholarship.

Is UC Online right for me?

Learn from real-world faculty.

The faculty at UC are relevant, inspiring, supportive and connected.

“If I'm going to do something, I want to be the best that I can be at it. I didn’t need another degree in my life at age. What I wanted was to be good at my job and I wanted to make sure that I had the professional development that would set me up for success. This drive to be successful in educational leadership is what brought me to earn my Master’s of Education in Educational Leadership at UC Online.”

Trish Miller MEd Educational Leadership

“I contacted a lot of schools about this program and ultimately decided on UC because of cost and proximity to where I lived. I also wanted a good school that everyone knows provides a great education. I'm happy with my choice. I chose online work because of the flexibility that comes with online classes. I am a mother and a teacher and had to fit in my classes when I had the time without taking time from my family. Every single professor communicated well with the students. They all replied in a timely manner and were open to using whatever means necessary. Using the discussion boards was a great way to communicate with other students and get to know them and their ideologies. ”

Kristie K. M.Ed. in Educational Leadership Graduate

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A Master’s in Educational Leadership can lead to a variety of rewarding careers, which include:

• School Principals
• School District Leadership
• Community and State Agency Administration
• Foundation and Think-Tank Leadership
• Federal Level Policymaking and Research
• Educational Consultants
• Special Education Specialists

Programs can be completed full-time or part-time. Many programs are set up to be part-time, with most containing fewer than 10 credit hours in any given semester. We know you have a lot going on, so want to make sure that school can fit into your schedule. Note: There are some exceptions.

No. your degree will be conferred by the University of Cincinnati, which will also be reflected on your transcripts and degree.

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Develop the tools to lead with impact and strategic vision, manage change, and nurture thriving, equity-focused organizations across today’s complex learning landscape. 

Whether you seek to manage a complex learning organization or team, launch an entrepreneurial venture, or drive an initiative that sparks new possibilities within an existing school, district, or network, the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship (ELOE) Program at the Harvard Graduate School of Education will help you become an effective, strategic, and innovative leader within the field. Our program prepares you with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to lead with impact in diverse roles, including preK–12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, government, and philanthropy. With a focus on change management, organizational leadership, and entrepreneurial principles, this program equips you to envision, enact, scale, and transform. For individuals who want to expand their preK––12 school leadership skills, ELOE offers the School Leadership Pathway , which includes a Principal Licensure option.

“So many people hear the word ‘organization’ and think ‘business.’ But students who want to improve education and become education leaders – either at the school level, state level, or national level – have to understand how schools work. Recognizing the importance of organizational dynamics, the role of leaders, and the potential impact of entrepreneurship, is critical, and these concepts are at the heart of our program.” Ebony Bridwell-Mitchell Faculty Co-Chair

The ELOE Program will help students prepare to lead for impact — to bring greater access, equity, agency, and excellence to education. The program is centered on the core belief that a connected, collaborative, and committed community of students, supported by faculty experts, and guided by the ELOE program model, will successfully transform the field of education across a variety of sector roles and careers. The program's curriculum is anchored in five core competencies:

• Lead change and think strategically 
• Foster productive organizational conditions 
• Navigate politics and practice political inclusion   
• Communicate effectively 
• Develop self and others 

Curriculum Information

The ELOE Program is designed to provide a set of scaffolded learning experiences helping students to grow along the five ELOE core competencies , gaining the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to have impact in professional roles as education leaders, organizational innovators, and entrepreneurs. A minimum of 42 credits are required to graduate with an Ed.M. degree from HGSE.

The main elements of the 2024–25 academic year curriculum are: 

• This program commences with How People Learn, an immersive online course that runs June–July and requires a time commitment of 12–15 hours per week.
• You will continue Foundations with Leading Change, Evidence, and Equity and Opportunity on campus in August. 
• Your Equity and Opportunity Foundations experience culminates in an elected course, which will take place during terms when electives are available.

To fulfill the program requirement, students must take a minimum of 12 credits specific to ELOE, including the following:

• The ELOE Program Core Experience (4 credits) is a yearlong set of experiences, including field-oriented panels, case discussions, simulations, skills-based workshops, and peer-supported professional development opportunities in micro-learning communities. This also includes the ELOE Self-Assessment and Individual Development Plan , which allows you to reflect on and track your development over time, across key indicators for each of the ELOE core competencies. Students must enroll in their first fall semester.  
• ELOE Course Distribution List (a minimum of 8 credits), which is a curated set of courses specializing in one or more of the ELOE core competencies. At least one selected course must fall on the ELOE continuum of field-based learning . There are over 80 distribution courses to choose from, which cover subject matter including leading organizations; education sector nonprofits; educational innovation, social entrepreneurship; and race, equity, and leadership.
• The remaining credits are taken via elective coursework , which includes the opportunity to specialize in a Concentration  if you are not pursuing the School Leadership Pathway. 

Explore our course catalog . Note, a ll information and courses are subject to change.

School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure

There is great demand across the education system for school leaders and principals who are effective – and will help their schools and its students thrive. If you are interested in pursuing leadership and entrepreneurial roles in preK-12 schools and have a minimum of 4 years full-time professional experience in an education setting, you should select the School Leadership Pathway, where you will also have the option to apply to the Principal Licensure strand. As part of the School Leadership Pathway, you will participate in an intensive internship with the support of an experienced mentor and a distinguished leader coach, while also building a strong leadership network and the necessary skills to lead and implement change. Learn more about the School Leadership Pathway and Principal Licensure option.

Program Faculty

Students will work closely with faculty associated with their area of study, but students can also work with and take courses with faculty throughout HGSE and Harvard.  View our faculty directory for a full list of HGSE faculty.

Faculty Co-Chairs

Ebony N. Bridwell-Mitchell

Ebony Bridwell-Mitchell’s research is on leadership, management, and organizations, exploring how organizational factors affect the success of public school reform. 

Jennifer Perry Cheatham

Jennifer Cheatham focuses on leading for equity and transformational change in urban school districts, with expertise that includes creating instructional coherence and cultivating strong teams.

Uche B. Amaechi

Bianca J. Baldridge

Whitney Benns

Candice Bocala

Kathryn Parker Boudett

Elizabeth City

Sarah Dryden-Peterson

Shawn Ginwright

Debbie Heller Goldstein

Houman Harouni

Monica C. Higgins

James P. Honan

Angela Jackson

Raquel Lynne Jimenez

Lisa Laskow Lahey

Richard J. Light

Karen L. Mapp

Timothy Patrick McCarthy

Richard Melvoin

Sebastian Munoz-Najar Galvez

Mary Grassa O'Neill

Gabrielle Oliveira

Francesca Purcell

Alexis Redding

Fernando Reimers

Paul Reville

Irvin Leon Scott

Gillien Sarah Todd

Christina "V" Villarreal

Career Pathways

The ELOE Program prepares you for a variety of career pathways, including:

• Education nonprofit CEO/COO
• Entrepreneur/organization founder
• College or university administrator
• Principal or head of school
• School district or network leader
• School designer and developer
• Educational advocate and organizer
• Public official or administrator
• Education consultant

Cohort & Community

The ELOE experience is not only about strengthening knowledge, skills and dispositions but also about building a community of colleagues who can provide support during the program and for years afterwards as you work together to transform the field. The ELOE Program purposefully works to honor and build on the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students — from countries and regions around the world – by providing a varied set of cohort-based, community-building experiences. The aim of these experiences is to build a network of current students and future alumni united by a shared commitment to leading for excellence, equity, and impact in the field of education. 

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Education Leadership, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Crack the Code for Girls

Current student empowers girls in low and middle-income countries through digital literacy

Connecting Civics, Justice Work, and Art

An alum produces civics-minded projects centering community, artistry, and advocacy

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Online master’s in educational leadership and policy studies programs at KU

The University of Kansas is proud to offer online graduate programs through the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies to prepare the next generation of leaders in education. If you're ready to step into an administrative or supervisor role, a graduate certificate or master’s in educational leadership and policy studies from the KU School of Education and Human Sciences can help you cultivate leadership skills, deepen your academic expertise, and earn the qualifications you need.

A program in tune with 21st century students

Video Transcript

"We offer a great blend of meaningful asynchronous learning. We are very much in tune with what a 21st-century graduate student needs: a flexible schedule that's timely and on-demand in terms of assignments and feedback," says Jennifer Bessolo, Professor of the Practice, ELPS graduate program coordinator, and KU alum. "We also feature top-notch instructors—practitioners who have sat in the same seats as our students."

Check out our video interview with Bessolo to see her insights into career resilience, career advancement, and the impact educators can have with a KU ELPS online master's.

Lead today’s learners to a better tomorrow.

Which educational administration program is right for you.

An online graduate certificate or master’s in educational leadership and policy studies is ideal for experienced PK-12 educators who want the skills and knowledge to transition to leadership roles such as principals, department heads, or directors. As a successful leader, you can meet the challenges of administration and improve the education of your students.

I am a licensed educator and I want to transition to a leadership position in education.

Online master’s in educational administration: Building leadership track

• Advanced graduate degree
• Requires an active teaching license and undergraduate degree
• Can be completed in as few as 2 years

Explore the Building Leadership Track

I want to learn about leadership, but I am not interested in pursuing educational licensure.

Online master’s in educational administration: Non-licensure track

• Requires undergraduate or master's degree

Explore the Non-Licensure Track

I hold a master’s degree but would like to pursue licensure as a building-level administrator.

Online post-master’s graduate certificate in educational administration

• Recognition of specialized training
• Requires an active teaching license, bachelor's and master's degree in an education-related field.
• Can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months

Explore the graduate certificate

Pursue a career with impact

“It is difficult to envision an investment in K-12 education with a higher ceiling on its potential return than improving school leadership.” 3

These days, all eyes are on education. High-stakes accountability, multi-tiered teacher evaluation systems, heightened attention to equity, and numerous other factors have altered expectations for what educational leaders need to know, how they spend their time, and the outcomes they prioritize. 3 From presidential debates to parent-teacher conferences, people are looking to their elected and appointed education officials for clarity, compassion, and an informed strategy.

With all of this in mind, educational leaders have the unique ability to improve students’ experiences from the top down. If you want to leverage this power for positive change, consider one of the potential careers that an online master’s in educational leadership can lead you to:

• Superintendent
• Academic dean
• Chief Academic Officer
• Department director

These leaders are also paid well for their efforts: while jobs for classroom teachers typically offer median salaries around $60,000, educational administration is just under $100,000. 2

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What can I expect in an educational leadership program?

How long does it take to get my master’s or graduate certificate, is a master’s in educational leadership worth it, admissions requirements, financial aid options, explore our online experience, important dates.

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• Retrieved on May 20, 2022, from wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/How-Principals-Affect-Students-and-Schools.pdf

The University of Kansas has engaged Everspring , a leading provider of education and technology services, to support select aspects of program delivery.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, retaliation, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and is the University's Title IX Coordinator: the Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, [email protected] , 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785) 864-6414 , 711 TTY.

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Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

Harness modern instructional practices and spearhead change.

The world of education is dynamic, and it requires bold leadership to continue to advance. With an ever-changing landscape that demands constant innovation and positive change, a higher degree in educational leadership will allow you to solve big problems and transform lives.

When you earn your online master’s in educational leadership from UCF Online, you’ll use your insight, research and knowledge to weigh in on the shifting paradigms within the field. This program will equip you with the distinct skills you need to emerge as a true leader, including an understanding of contemporary concerns, evaluation practices, diversity in education, legal aspects of school operation and more.

Regardless of whether you’re establishing your career within charter and private schools, corporate human resource environments, museums and experiential learning settings, or any other context, you’ll be prepared to step into a dynamic role on the forefront of transformative educational growth. You can complete your degree from UCF Online in as little as two years. Get started today.

This program does not lead to Florida Educational Leadership Administration Certification Level 1.

Application Deadlines

Ready to get started, course overview, leadership in educational organizations.

This course addresses leadership, organization, and administrative knowledge and skills needed by leaders, directors, and management.

Personnel and Education Related Law

This course includes up to date national laws, legal cases, and federal policies related to personnel, students, and education organizations.

Digital Leadership and Systems Management

Addressed in this course are leadership for learning, teaching, data analysis, communication, and decision making across geographic boundaries.

Skills You'll Learn

• Interpret law and policies focusing on different education settings.
• Understand and manage education funding.
• Recruit and retain high quality education professionals.

Career Projections

Annual Job Openings

Job Growth Between 2019 - 2029

Source: Lightcast™ . 2023

Career Opportunities

• College Provost
• Dean of Students
• District Administrator
• Instructional Coordinator
• Human Resources Administrator

Related Online Programs

• Secondary Education, MEd - Science Education
• Secondary Education, MEd - Mathematics Education
• Secondary Education, MEd - English Language Arts

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Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Online MEd Concentration

Focus Your MEd in Educational Leadership

• $637/credit (36 credits total)
• Transfer up to 12 graduate credits
• Opportunities for professional development
• Complete in as few as 15 months
• No GRE/GMAT required
• Faculty consists of credentialed educators in the field of K-12 education

Master's in Educational Leadership Degree Program Overview

Gain an in-depth perspective on teaching, learning and educational leadership with the online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Education Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University, and pursue a career where you could change the lives of students and staff.

Whether you're new to teaching or a seasoned education professional, a master's degree in education can not only open doors for promotions and increased job security, but also allow you to pursue a meaningful career where you can have a direct positive impact on the lives of your students. An advanced degree in this field not only lends weight to your resume, but also enhances your competitive edge in the workforce.

Note: Teaching certification requirements may vary by state. The MEd on its own will not certify someone lacking state licensure to become a classroom teacher. Instead, those looking to teach typically complete undergraduate degree programs approved by a state that leads to certification.

That being said, pairing the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with the education leadership concentration helps you acquire leadership skills that you can apply in the classroom or in administration roles. Students also learn about innovative, student-centered curriculum development and instruction models.

The educational leadership-focused MEd in Curriculum and Instruction prepares you to make a significant impact on student achievement and allows you to gain unique, practical experience that can help you advance in your career.

National Standard Alignment: SNHU's MEd program and educational leadership concentration are aligned with national standards and frameworks from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA).

Licensure Information

The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Education Leadership degree program does not lead to licensure. SNHU also offers online post-licensure Master of Education (MEd) programs for currently licensed individuals who are interested in furthering their professional development and enhancing their credentials.

However, since state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly, SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.

SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page. View disclosure information .

.st0{fill:#21386D;} What You'll Learn

• How to create positive change for diverse learning communities
• Curriculum design that addresses the complex learning situations of today’s students
• Support students with different backgrounds, abilities and experiences using principles of Universal Design for Learning and other relevant standards
• Integrate technology into curriculum to enhance teaching and learning

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } How You'll Learn

At SNHU, you'll get support from day 1 to graduation and beyond. And with no set class times, 24/7 access to the online classroom and helpful learning resources along the way, you'll have everything you need to reach your goals.

Career Outlook

The current movement to improve the U.S. education system means increased job prospects for administrative leaders who understand the need for higher-performing students and schools. A master's in education can open you up to a number of opportunities, allowing you to advance your teaching career by gaining insights into new approaches and technologies that both inspire learners and transform the lives of students.

"Education is the great enabler and equalizer, the force that allows individuals to reach their potential, to dream bigger dreams and to be more fully engaged with a much bigger world. It is also the engine of social mobility, the avenue to better and more meaningful work and thus opportunity for one's family and community," said Dr. Paul LeBlanc , president at Southern New Hampshire University.

Excelling and growing in your career as an educational administrator requires a mix of passion for education, classroom experience, focus and drive. Once you've landed a position, the educational theory and classroom management skills you'll master as part of your degree can help you achieve better results and increase your value as an educational professional.

Teachers who earn an MEd bring credibility to their professions and are highly competitive in the job market. Best of all, they almost immediately see a bump in salary, making it a strong incentive for them to pursue an advanced degree, said Dr. Daniel Tanguay , associate director of online education programs at Southern New Hampshire University.

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Job Growth

Employment opportunities for instructional coordinators expected to increase 2% through 2032 , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 1

.cls-1 { fill: #21386d; } Salary

According to the BLS, the median wage for these types of roles is $66,490 per year as of 2022. 1

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

"If a district is looking for high-quality educators and they are comparing two applicants against each other, the person with the MEd will have an advantage," he said. "The MEd reflects that a candidate has more experience and is capable of taking on more responsibilities required by the job."

An online degree in educational leadership from SNHU could prepare you for leadership roles in a number of environments.

Where Could You Work?

School or district administrator's offices.

Work in leadership positions like site administrator or school principal.

Work directly with students as a classroom teacher and serve as a mentor to other teachers.

Consult based on field experience in support of an organization or lobby for policy to support schools and teachers.

While these job settings all differ, the common threads include fostering diverse and safe environments where learning thrives. In this educational leadership degree program, and through the process of embracing the role of inspiring, motivating and challenging your students, colleagues and communities, you could learn how to become the drivers of real educational change. 

Note: Administrative leaders in public schools may be required to have an education administrator license.

Start Your Journey Toward an Online MEd in Educational Leadership

Why snhu for your master's in educational leadership degree flexible with no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7. affordable as part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. in fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation. prior coursework and work experience could also help you save time and money. snhu’s transfer policy  allows you to transfer up to 12 credits from your previous institution. you could also earn college credit for previous work experience . respected founded in 1932 , southern new hampshire university is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. snhu is accredited by the new england commission of higher education (neche), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.  recently, snhu has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education: “most innovative” regional university honors from u.s. news & world report each year since 2015 a $1 million grant from google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth recognition as a 2017 digital learning innovator by the online learning consortium network at southern new hampshire university, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities. 93.6% of online students would recommend snhu (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). discover why snhu may be right for you . admission requirements expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. that’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials: completed free application undergraduate transcripts, which we can retrieve for you by submitting a transcript request form acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 5 graduate terms . how to apply if you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going: complete free graduate application submit undergraduate transcripts work with an admission counselor  to explore financial options  and walk through application process if (typeof accordiongroup === "undefined") { window.accordiongroup = new accordion(); } accordiongroup.init(document.getelementbyid('812f40ef725c47dd8ccf24d209d22c88')); courses that prepare you to lead.

"Students pursuing the educational leadership concentration will build upon the initial leadership courses in this degree and delve deeper into what it means to be a leader in the field of education."

Courses & Curriculum

The online MEd  in Curriculum and Instruction program with a concentration in educational leadership is designed for certified teachers or select K-12 professionals who are leading in the area of curriculum and instruction. The program includes 11 courses, three of which are leadership-focused courses.

Educators providing instruction build upon their content knowledge by strengthening their understanding and capabilities in the field of education. Students in this program learn about curriculum planning and instruction models like Understanding by Design (UbD) and Differentiated Instruction (DI). Learning how to plan one’s curriculum and tailoring instruction to meet students' learning differences is crucial in today’s classroom regardless of the location.

In addition to courses that help future educators meet the needs of every type of learner, each of the adjunct faculty providing the MEd Education Leadership courses are credentialed educators in the field of K-12 education with a plethora of experience in classrooms and leadership roles within the educational community.

Courses may include:

• Educational Law and Ethics
• Building Community Through Education
• Leading Educational Organizations

Earning your MEd in Education Leadership also opens the door to additional professional development opportunities that could open many doors for you.

"The program allows for professional development opportunities for all. All credentialed, or certified, educators are required to participate in professional development opportunities to maintain their credentialing. This program allows students to tailor their interests to their needs. Students can participate in the full degree or the concentration if they choose," said Nagy.

Minimum Hardware Requirements Component Type   PC (Windows OS)   Apple (Mac OS)   Operating System  Currently supported operating system from Microsoft.   Currently supported operating system from Apple.  Memory (RAM)  8GB or higher  8GB or higher  Hard Drive  100GB or higher  100GB or higher  Antivirus Software  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  Required for campus students. Strongly recommended for online students.  SNHU Purchase Programs  Visit Dell   Visit Apple   Internet/ Bandwidth  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  5 Mbps Download, 1 Mbps Upload and less than 100 ms Latency  Notes:   Laptop or desktop?   Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.  Note:   Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10.  Office 365 Pro Plus  is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for  Microsoft 365 plans  for business, education and government.  Antivirus software:  Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.  if (typeof accordionGroup === "undefined") { window.accordionGroup = new accordion(); } accordionGroup.init(document.getElementById('f756dce5bd874c61855f6f6e92d88470')); University Accreditation

Tuition & Fees

Tuition rates for SNHU's online degree programs are among the lowest in the nation. We offer a 25% tuition discount for U.S. service members, both full and part time, and the spouses of those on active duty.

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually. *Note: students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional Costs: Course Materials ($ varies by course). Foundational courses may be required based on your undergraduate course history, which may result in additional cost.

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Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degree (MEd)

Transfer credits, next start date, equip your students for success with an online master’s degree in educational leadership.

Colleges and universities across the country are always in need of competent professionals to fill management and leadership positions. Liberty’s online Master of Education (MEd) in Higher Education – Educational Leadership degree can help equip you for top-level roles in the field of postsecondary education.

Maybe you want to teach at the college level, or perhaps you’d prefer to work in the administrative side of education. Either way, our MEd in educational leadership can help you prepare for the next step in your career. Throughout this program, you can learn how to address challenges faced by universities nationwide. With this knowledge, you can help oversee school operations and ensure that your institution is achieving its goals.

Partner with us and prepare to make your mark on the modern education system.

What is educational leadership?

Educational leaders work both inside and outside the classroom to help schools set and achieve specific goals. They perform a variety of important tasks, such as developing school policy, implementing curriculum standards, handling budgets, and managing faculty and staff.

By pursuing a career in educational leadership, you can play a vital role in helping your school — and your students — grow and thrive.

Why pursue a master’s in educational leadership online?

Earning your MEd in Educational Leadership can help you pursue management positions in the education field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for postsecondary education administrators in 2020 was $97,500.* Liberty’s online master’s in education leadership could help you pursue lucrative job opportunities, get promoted, or earn a higher salary.

And, by completing our master of education in educational leadership, you can enhance your skill set and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in education. That way, you can more effectively serve the students and faculty at your college or university.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at Postsecondary Education Administrators (viewed online July 15, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

How long does it take to earn a master’s in educational leadership degree online?

At Liberty, you can complete your MEd in Higher Education – Educational Leadership in just 1 year! We offer a fast, flexible path to graduation that lets you earn your degree without putting your life on hold.

What can you do with a higher education degree?

Our higher education leadership master’s can help equip you for administrative roles at the college level. Some of the careers you could pursue after completing this program include:

• Chief academic officer
• Dean of admissions
• Director of academic advising
• Director of alumni relations
• Fundraising officer
• Leadership program administrator
• Student engagement outreach specialist
• Vice president of enrollment management

Which is better: an MEd or MAT?

There is no blanket answer to this question. The best choice simply depends on your unique career goals, desires, and ambitions.

An MEd degree is likely best for you if you’re interested in earning a non-licensure degree that can help you become a better teacher and prepare you for positions of added responsibility. If you’re interested a licensure-track teaching degree for secondary settings, you may want to consider our Master of Arts in Teaching .

Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s in Educational Leadership Online?

At Liberty, we seek to Train Champions for Christ . In keeping with this mission, we offer affordable tuition rates, flexible courses, and practical training that can help equip you for the real world. You won’t just get an education — you can develop the tools needed to become a skilled, Christ-centered, and value-driven professional.

Choosing Liberty means choosing…

Flexibility | Are you worried that school will get in the way of your other commitments and priorities? If so, we have just what you need! Our online master’s degree in higher education leadership is offered 100% online, and the classes have no set login times. You can complete your coursework whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for you — even from the comfort of your home! Most importantly, you can stay invested in your family, job, and community while taking the next step in your academic journey.

Marketable Credentials | Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC , the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. You can pursue your online educational leadership master’s program with confidence knowing that our program has met rigorous academic standards and accreditation requirements.

Experienced Faculty | In this program, you’ll study under seasoned professors who have years of experience in the world of education. Our faculty will provide valuable mentorship that can help you thrive academically, professionally, and spiritually throughout the duration of your online master’s in educational leadership and administration.

Biblical Principles | We don’t just train educators — we train educators who want to use their skills in service to God and others. Liberty University’s online educational leadership graduate program seeks to integrate ethical principles with professional knowledge. That way, you can stand out as a person of integrity in the workplace.

What Will You Learn in Our Master’s in Higher Education Leadership Degree Program?

Develop the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills you need to succeed in educational management roles.

Liberty University’s educational leadership master’s program online is broken down into 3 main parts: core higher education courses, professional courses, and the educational leadership specialization. In our online educational leadership program, you’ll explore how to foster a positive learning environment for your students and ensure that your university is meeting its goals.

Through this online master’s degree in educational leadership, you can learn how to navigate the social, political, and economic aspects of higher education. This master of educational leadership online program dives into the importance of various student support services, such as academic advising and career guidance. Our educational leadership students study methods for implementing programs and policies that help students succeed in college and in their careers.

Within the educational leadership concentration, you can learn how to create instructional materials, provide feedback to teachers and professors, and design staff development programs. You will also analyze effective methods for utilizing technology in your school. Our capstone course provides the opportunity to complete case studies and conduct research in your field.

Featured Courses

• EDUC 638 – Leadership in Educational Technology
• EDUC 642 – Leadership and Supervision in Education
• EDUC 643 – Contemporary Issues in Educational Policy
• EDUC 665 – Student Support Services and Retention

Highlights of Liberty’s Higher Education Leadership Master’s Program

• We are recognized by multiple institutions for our academic quality, affordability, and accessibility . Our commitment to excellence also helped us rank in the top 10% of Niche.com’s best online schools in America . Earning your online degree from a nonprofit university with this kind of recognition can help set you apart from others in your field.
• While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have lowered tuition for our Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Education programs. At $415 per credit hour for full-time students , Liberty University’s M.Ed. program is available at one of the lowest tuition rates for this degree in the country.
• You can complete Liberty’s master’s in education in as little as 1 year!
• You’ll have the opportunity to build your professional network while completing this online educational leadership master’s.
• As an online Liberty student, you can access a wealth of resources through our top-notch research portal while pursuing your master’s in educational leadership degree.
• This program can help you become an effective school leader while keeping your total cost of tuition down.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership Degree Information

• This program falls under the School of Education .
• Download and review the Degree Completion Plan for our MEd in educational leadership.
• View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required) .
• This is a non-licensure program.

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Military Benefits for the Master of Education in Higher Education Program

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe. Whether you are a current service member, discharged or retired from service, or the spouse of a service member or veteran, we are here to support you every step of the journey.

As a thank-you for your dedication and service to our country, Liberty is honored to serve and support you in your pursuit of online education by offering the following benefits: 

• Tuition discounts –   $275 per credit hour for graduate courses
• Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a   First Responder  (less than $625 per course)
• 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Educational Leadership Online?

By earning your educational leadership master’s online, you can pursue a variety of job opportunities in the world of postsecondary education. Some of the roles you may qualify for after completing this program include:

• College provost
• Curriculum director
• Dean of students or faculty
• Instructional coordinator
• University registrar

Admission Requirements for Liberty University’s Master’s in Educational Leadership Online Degree

A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with a 2.5 or above GPA is required for admission in good standing. Please visit our admission requirements page for more detailed admissions-related information.

All applicants must submit the following:

• Admission application
• Application fee*
• Official college transcripts
• Unofficial college transcripts may be accepted with a completed official transcript request form**
• Proof of English proficiency (for applicants whose native language is other than English)

*There is no upfront application fee; however, a deferred $50 application fee will be assessed during Financial Check-In. This fee is waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses — documentation verifying military status is required.

** An official transcript is needed within 60 days of acceptance or before non-attendance drops for the first set of matriculated classes, whichever comes first.

*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, Non-Degree Seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and Certificates.

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You have to have a lot of self-motivation and self-discipline when you are going to school online, but the amazing thing is at Liberty you do not need to do it by yourself. You really do have resources like someone who is going to school on campus.

– Janae Fleming ’15, B.S. in Education

2024 Best Online Masters in Educational Leadership Programs

If you have your sights set on becoming a school principal, then it may be time to earn a masters in educational leadership.

This degree program can also be useful for careers in curriculum planning, early childhood administration, and higher education.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

An educational leadership program can help you learn how to be an effective administrator. It can give you the opportunity to gain invaluable tools that can help you create a welcoming school environment for students and staff and make a lasting difference in your community.

Universities Offering Online Masters in Educational Leadership Degree Program

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

California State University – East Bay

California State University—East Bay offers a Master of Science in Educational Leadership that can be earned completely online. The degree can typically be finished in 18 months. It includes 30 units of courses such as Leading for Social Justice and Equity in Urban Schools, Issues in Educational Leadership, and Collaborative Research for Equity.

Cal State East Bay is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Clemson University

Clemson University offers an online program for a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. New cohorts start every fall, with students taking one course at a time in 8 week terms. While there are deadlines to meet, the courses are otherwise asynchronous. This program is intended for those who already have at least 2 years of professional teaching experience.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Florida State University

Florida State University offers an MS in Educational Leadership and Policy. The program is online, and students can apply to begin in the fall, spring, or summer. Cohorts take two courses at a time each semester and typically finish in 2 years. Coursework includes Teacher Leadership Development, Planning Effective Instruction, Data Driven School Improvement, and more.

The Florida State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

George Washington University

George Washington University offers a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in Educational Leadership and Administration. Students take classes part-time with a cohort and typically graduate in 2 years. The program uses a hybrid of online and face-to-face instruction and includes internships and field experiences.

George Washington University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Georgia College & State University

Georgia College and State University’s MEd in Educational Leadership can help classroom teachers pursue careers in administration. Students complete coursework online and can potentially finish in 1 year including the summer. A new cohort starts every August. The degree requires a total of 36 credit hours.

Georgia College & State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Harvard University

Harvard University offers a part-time, 2 year Master’s in Educational Leadership program. The program includes both synchronous and asynchronous components. It is mostly online, but students are required to come to campus for one summer residency. Students can choose between the PreK-12 Pathway or the Higher Education Pathway, depending on their career goals.

Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Indiana University – Bloomington

Indiana University—Bloomington offers a 100% online program for an MSEd in Educational Leadership. GRE and GMAT scores are not needed to apply, and prospective students can apply to begin in any semester. The program requires 36 credits of courses such as School Community Relations, Data-Informed Decision Making for School Leaders, and Legal Perspectives on Education.

Indiana University – Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw State University offers an MEd in Educational Leadership. Students may choose from three concentrations: Coaching for Performance, Leadership in Urban Schools, or Leading Independent and Charter Schools. The latter two are available in a fully online format. Graduates are eligible to pursue GaPSC Tier I Leadership Certification.

Kennesaw State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University offers an online program for a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. The program requires a total of 39 credit hours. It consists of courses such as Understanding and Applying Research in Education, Ethics and Educational Leadership, and Administration of School Personnel. Students must also complete an internship.

Louisiana State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Minnesota State University – Moorhead

Minnesota State University—Moorhead offers an online program for an MS in Educational Leadership with a 100% job placement rate. The program is designed to prepare students for work in administrative positions in either K-12 schools or higher education institutions. Coursework is asynchronous to provide flexibility for working adults.

Minnesota State University – Moorhead is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Mississippi College

Mississippi College’s online MEd in Educational Leadership program can potentially be completed in just 1 year. Students are required to complete 36 credit hours. The curriculum consists of courses such as Introduction to Administrator Preparation, School Law, and Information Management Dimension of Leadership. Mississippi College provides a faith-based curriculum.

Mississippi College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. There are three areas of emphasis to choose from: Teacher Leader, School Leader (with School Principal Certification in Pennsylvania), and School Leader (without Principal Certification). The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours of coursework and offers internship opportunities.

The Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers an online program for an MEd in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in Educational Policy. The program requires 36 credit hours of coursework and no thesis. The curriculum is designed to teach students how to apply scientific research to inform decisions and policies in the field of education.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers an online program for a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership. The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and can potentially be completed in just 2 years. It is designed to prepare students for careers as district or school administrators, instructional coordinators, or similar roles.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Three program concentrations are available: General Administration and Policy, Special Education Leadership, and Principal Leadership. Students are required to complete 30 credits of coursework and participate in internships to gain hands-on experience. The program can be started in the spring, summer, or fall.

UC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers an MEd in Educational Leadership. The program includes a track leading to Florida Level 1 certification in educational leadership, as well as a non-certification track. Class sizes average just ten to fifteen students, and students can potentially finish in less than 2 years.

The University of Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of New England

The University of New England offers a 100% online program for an MSEd in Educational Leadership. The program requires 30 credit hours of coursework and can potentially be finished in less than 2 years. It is designed to lead to Building Administrator 040 certification in Maine. Prospective students can apply to begin in the spring, summer, or fall. No GRE scores are needed to apply.

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of North Texas

The University of North Texas offers an online program for a Master of Education in Educational Leadership. The degree requires 10 courses. With the addition of one practicum course, students can also pursue a Principal as Instructional Leaders Certification. Practicum courses last for a full semester, but all other courses are offered in 8 week sessions.

UNT is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of West Florida

The University of West Florida offers an online program for an MEd in Educational Leadership. The program requires 30 credit hours of courses offered in 8 week terms, and students can potentially finish in 18 months. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam.

The University of West Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Western Governors University

Western Governors University offers an online program for a Master of Science in Educational Leadership. The program consists of 13 courses that most students can complete within 21 months. These courses include Leadership Foundations and Ethics, School Law, Leading Inclusive Schools, Datal Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices, and more.

Western Governors University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Online Masters in Educational Leadership Programs

Principals play an important leadership role in educational settings. These professionals lead both students and staff members. Becoming a principal usually requires specialized training. Having experience as a classroom teacher can be helpful for the role, but that’s not all that’s necessary for success.

In most cases, a graduate degree is essential. Educational leadership master’s degree programs can help you gain the necessary preparation. These degree programs may also qualify you to take industry exams and earn state certification.

The coursework for an educational leadership degree often covers:

• Budgeting and finance
• Curriculum development
• Diversity and multiculturalism
• Facility management
• Education law and ethics
• Human resource management
• Program planning
• Research and data analysis
• School and staff development

It’s common for educational leadership students to spend time in local schools. During practicums or internships, you may observe real-world school leaders and learn from how they do things. You may also get to try out your leadership skills in a supervised setting.

You may also need to complete a capstone project before graduation. This capstone will be a chance to put your classroom lessons into practice. A common capstone project for this degree is to solve a problem that schools or students face. As part of the process, you may conduct research or start a program to solve the problem.

Not all educational leadership programs are designed with principalship as the end goal. If you have a different career path in mind, you might be able to select a more appropriate concentration for your studies. Examples include programs for higher education administrators, athletic directors, and curriculum specialists.

If you have principal certification in mind, it’s important to pick a school that aligns with your state’s guidelines. Programs usually specify which states’ guidelines they meet. At the end of your studies, you may need to pass one or more professional exams as required by your state.

After completing the program, including any required internships and exams, you may be eligible to work as an assistant principal or a principal. Other potential jobs include lead teacher, instructional coordinator, or college registrar.

Common Online Masters Degree in Educational Leadership Concentrations

If your goal is to be a school principal, then you’ll want a program that prepares you for such a role. If you have a different leadership opportunity in mind, then you may be able to find a concentration track that’s a better fit.

These are some specializations that you might want to consider, depending on your personal career goals:

• Athletic Leadership : Studying human development, physical fitness, and facility management in an athletic leadership track could help you secure a position as an athletic director.
• Higher Education : A higher education track typically includes studies on curriculum planning, education law, and student affairs at the college level.
• Principal Licensure : This track can help you become a licensed K-12 school principal. These programs are often tailored to a particular state’s requirements.
• Special Education : A special education track will likely include courses in special ed law and behavior modification to prepare you to lead a special education department or become the head of a special needs school.
• Teacher Leadership : Teachers who want to become department chairs, curriculum directors, or community liaisons may benefit from this pathway.

Your school might also offer a generalist program that doesn’t lead to licensure. That may be a good choice if you want to provide educational leadership in a non-school setting.

Examples of careers in non-school settings include being the director of a childcare facility, a camp program, a museum education department, or a tutoring service.

Educational Leadership Careers & Salaries

Most master in educational leadership degree online programs focus on preparing students for principalship. After finishing this degree, you may qualify for your state’s principal credential.

With that certification in hand, you might work as an elementary school, junior high, or high school principal. Jobs are available in both public and private schools. In addition to head principals, many schools also have one or more assistant principals. Taking on the role of assistant principal might help you work toward the lead position.

Leadership roles are also available in facilities for young children. Earning a leadership degree could help prepare you to work as a preschool or daycare director. School superintendent is another top position in the field of education. Some principals eventually become district superintendents. To qualify, you might need to take additional classes beyond your master’s degree or apply for an extra certification.

Not everyone who gets a master’s degree in this field wants to leave the classroom. Getting a degree in educational leadership could also prepare you to be a leader among your fellow teachers. For example, you might receive a promotion to head teacher or department chair. Another possibility is pursuing a career as an instructional coordinator or a curriculum specialist.

Some programs focus on leadership for higher education. The degree may qualify you to work as a college administrator. Examples include positions in the registrar’s office, the student affairs department, or the admissions department. With experience, you might even become an academic dean or a school president.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , these are some of the careers you could pursue with an MS in Educational Leadership:

Jobs in education usually require state licenses, certificates, or endorsements. The educational and professional requirements for those credentials vary.

Masters Degree in Education Leadership Online Curriculum

You’ll probably need to take 10 to 13 classes to earn your educational leadership online masters degree. While the curriculum will vary from school to school, these are some examples of common courses taken for this degree.

• Community and Family Relations : This course typically focuses on fostering strong relationships between schools, families, and the community at large.
• Curriculum and Instruction : This class provides instruction in how to select and implement instructional materials that align with state standards and meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Diversity and Inclusivity : This class discusses how to build a welcoming community where all students—including those of different learning levels and socioeconomic backgrounds—feel capable, safe, and respected.
• Educational Data and Research : A class on quantitative and qualitative research, such as this, can help you learn how to conduct studies related to education and evaluate the results.
• Higher Education Leadership : You might spend one or more semesters studying law, finance, and administration for higher education settings.
• Human Resources and Relations : You may have a course on managing staff, resolving problems, and creating a welcoming workplace.
• Legalities of School Administration : A class on school law typically covers federal and state regulations related to student success and teacher employment.
• Role of the Principal : This foundational course on principalship explores the role of the principal and what it means to be a leader in a school setting.
• School Finance : A class on finance, covering topics like accounting and budgeting, can help prepare you for the business side of school leadership.
• Supervision and Evaluation : You may receive training in how to evaluate staff members’ job performances and provide effective feedback.

It’s common for educational leadership graduate programs to require the completion of 30 to 36 credit hours. Some of those hours may come from an internship or a practicum experience.

How to Choose an Online Educational Leadership Masters Program

A successful grad school experience starts with picking the right program. Everyone’s preferences are different, but considering the factors below can help you make the best decision.

• Accreditation : You may want to look not only for regional accreditation but also for programmatic accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• Concentrations : Depending on your specific career goals, you may want a program that allows you to focus on sports leadership, principalship, curriculum planning, or higher education. There are also generalist tracks for people who don’t need a narrow focus.
• Licensure : Not all educational leadership programs are designed for licensure preparation. Those that are may be suitable only for residents of certain states.
• Requirements : Some schools may require you to complete a thesis, and others may require a capstone project. Internships and practicums may be involved as well.

Remember, different schools use different approaches to online education. Yours may have traditional semesters or accelerated, 8 week terms. The classes may be streamed live or use recorded materials.

Masters in Ed Leadership Admissions Requirements

For educational leadership graduate programs, you may need a specific set of credentials. To show that you’re a good candidate for this field of study, you may need to submit:

• Bachelor’s degree transcripts with a minimum GPA
• GRE scores (not required by all colleges)
• Letters of reference from school administrators or other professional supervisors
• Resume with several years of experience as a teacher, a school counselor, or another education professional
• Teaching license or other state certification from the education field

At many colleges, the admissions requirements may be different depending on the state where you live and work.

Educational Leadership Online Programs Accreditation

No matter which college you choose for an educational leadership master’s degree—whether on-campus or online—it is important to check if it is regionally accredited . Accreditation is almost universally accepted as the mark of a good, reputable school.

You are more likely to be able to transfer accredited coursework from one college to another. That might be something you need to do if you decide to change schools mid-program or want to go back for a second master’s degree later in life. Graduating with an accredited master’s degree may also qualify you for programs leading to a doctorate in educational leadership online or on campus.

Professional exams and licensure often require accredited college studies. Plus, hiring committees may look more favorably on resumes that list regionally accredited schools.

Educational Leadership Licensure and Certifications

Some master’s degree programs in educational leadership can prepare you for industry credentials. They vary based on the program you’re in and the state where you work.

Education leadership master’s programs commonly prepare students so they can earn their credentials to work as school principals. To earn this credential, you may have to pass an exam in addition to completing your graduate coursework.

In some states, you might be issued a principal license. Other states may add a principal endorsement to your teaching license. You may need a separate certification to work as a school superintendent. That could require additional coursework after completing your master’s degree.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The school district where you currently work may help pay for your education master’s degree. Some districts offer partial reimbursement, and others may cover the full cost.

Government assistance can be valuable to grad students as well. You may receive low-interest loans from your state or through a federal aid program. As an educator, you might also be eligible for grants, but they are less common than loans. You can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to learn more about government programs.

The school you attend may offer you an institutional aid package that includes scholarship money. You may be able to supplement that assistance with scholarships from private organizations, such as professional educator groups or community philanthropists.

What Is a Masters in Educational Leadership?

A masters in educational leadership is a graduate degree for people in the teaching field. These programs are designed to cultivate students’ abilities to provide leadership in educational settings.

The classes in an educational leadership masters online program will likely focus on organizational structures, leadership theories, and staff development. Many people pursue this degree in order to become school principals or administrators. Others have in mind leadership roles in different learning environments, such as colleges, childcare centers, or tutoring programs.

What Can I Do with a Masters in Educational Leadership?

You might qualify to work as a school principal after getting this degree. Principals and assistant principals provide leadership in elementary, middle, and high schools, both public and private. Some oversee schools for children with disabilities or behavior disorders.

Other graduates stay in the classroom but assume greater leadership roles. For example, they may become department chairs. There’s also the option to take on a different role in a school setting. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that a master’s degree is an important step toward becoming an instructional coordinator. Working as an athletic director might be another option.

Is a Masters in Education Leadership Degree Hard?

For a master’s degree in educational leadership, you’ll take a variety of classes essential for the management of a school. They may cover topics like education law, staff supervision, community relations, and business practices.

Since this is a graduate-level program, you can also expect to have research courses. You’ll likely learn about quantitative and qualitative research. You may design your own research project, analyze the data, and share your findings in a report.

You may also be required to complete an internship that lasts one or more semesters. This can give you the opportunity to observe mentors in the field and gain feedback about your leadership style.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership?

The length of time it takes to complete your online master’s degree, including online masters in adult education , depends on your school’s format and credit requirements. In general, though, most can be completed in 1.5 to 2.5 years if you’re a full-time student.

The fastest programs to complete are usually those with low credit requirements, short practicum experiences, and year-round accelerated classes. Schools that use accelerated calendars may have courses that are just 8 weeks long. If you have transfer credits from a previous graduate program, you may not have to complete as many classes, which can also speed up the process.

What’s the Difference between an MEd vs. Masters in Educational Leadership?

In this field, you might notice the option to get a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, also known as an MEd. That’s somewhat different from a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Leadership.

These are some of the differences:

Depending on your specific career goals, you may want to pursue an MEd in Education Leadership rather than an MS or an MA in Educational Leadership program online.

What’s the Difference between a Master Degree in Educational Leadership vs. Educational Administration?

Two similar areas of study are educational leadership and educational administration. Despite all they have in common, one might be better for you than the other.

If you can’t decide, you may want to look for a school that offers a combined leadership and administration program.

What’s the Difference between a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction vs. Educational Leadership?

In general, master’s programs in curriculum and instruction appeal to people with different career goals from those who choose educational leadership programs.

It’s sometimes possible to choose a curriculum concentration in an educational leadership program.

Is a Masters Degree in Education Leadership Online Worth It?

Yes, a masters degree in education leadership online is worth it for many students. School principals and other educational leaders play a key role in students’ learning. Earning this degree can help you develop the leadership skills needed to effectively be the head of academic programs for kids, teens, or even adults.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for school principals are growing at an 8% rate, and a master’s degree is usually required. Positions for college administrators are increasing at the same rate, and instructional coordinator jobs are experiencing 10% growth.

Getting Your Masters in Educational Leadership Online

If you’re passionate about education, it might be time to get a master’s degree in educational leadership. The program can help you increase your influence, and it may qualify you for promotions.

You may also want to think about getting your educational leadership masters online. Distance learning is especially appealing to busy teachers who can’t visit campus on a regular basis. With an accredited online degree in education program, you can get a high-quality education without quitting your job or upending your life. You can fit schoolwork in on the weekends, in the evenings, and over summer break.

To get started, you can research online educational leadership master’s programs to find the one that is right for you.

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Benefits Of A Master's Degree In Educational Leadership

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What is educational leadership?

Education leaders play a critical, powerful role in learning. It is their responsibility to ensure students receive the educational foundation they need to achieve personal and professional growth—growth that can deeply influence the rest of their lives. Educational leadership transcends basic management functions. Educators in leadership positions establish, maintain, and oversee the directions of schools and staff them with the best-qualified teachers. With these school leader's unique understanding of educators' concerns and challenges, these learning leaders serve as mentors to teachers, providing them the support they need to perform their best so that ultimately students can excel. Educational leaders also build strong relationships between schools, teachers, students, parents, and the overall community. 

Professional roles in educational leadership include principal and assistant principal positions at the elementary and secondary school level; superintendent positions at the district level; and multiple postsecondary education administrator roles at colleges and universities. Specific educational and professional requirements must be met before stepping into any type of educational leadership role. Online programs such as an educational leadership master’s degree can prepare teachers who want to transition into leadership roles. This leadership degree helps aspiring education administrators meet minimum requirements and prepare them for certifications they need to become, for instance, a school principal or school district superintendent. Beyond earning a master’s degree and completing certifications, those pursuing educational leadership roles should also have a solid foundation of nonacademic skills. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the most important of these include:

Communication skills

Critical-thinking skills

Decision-making skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership skills

Problem-solving skills

Also, it’s critical that school leaders be confident in all these skills because they will apply them daily in interactions with fellow administrators, teachers, students, and parents. 

What are career opportunities in educational leadership?

A master’s degree in educational leadership paves the way for multiple exciting career options. Here are a few of them along with a selection of their typical responsibilities. 

Elementary, middle or high school principal. 

Manage school activities and staff, including teachers and support personnel

Establish and oversee class schedules in a leadership capacity

Develop, implement, and maintain curriculum and learning standards

Counsel and discipline students

Observe teaching and evaluate teacher performance

Meet with parents and teachers to discuss students’ progress and behavior

Assess and prepare learning reports on test scores and other student achievement data

Organize professional development programs and workshops for staff

Manage the school’s budget, order school supplies, and schedule maintenance

Establish and coordinate security procedures for students, staff, and visitors

School district superintendents

Serve as chief executive officer, responsible for the academic achievement of a district

Lead big-picture educational goals for the district 

Manage administrators, programs, budgets, resources, and a variety of other high-level tasks

Foster and manage relationships with government agencies and other stakeholders

Instructional coordinator

Develop and implement curriculums

Plan, organize, and conduct teacher training, conferences, or workshops

Analyze students’ test data

Recommend teaching techniques and the use of different or new technologies

Develop procedures for teachers to implement a curriculum

Train teachers and other instructional staff in new content or programs

Mentor or coach teachers to improve their skills

Postsecondary education administrator

This general title encompasses several positions at college or university, including leadership roles in admissions, the registrar’s office, student affairs, and as provosts/academic deans. 

Admissions 

Recruit prospective students 

Review applications to determine which students should be admitted

Analyze data about applicants and admitted students

Provosts/academic deans (also known as chief academic officers) 

Help college presidents develop academic policies

Participate in making faculty appointments and tenure decisions

Oversee faculty research 

Coordinate activities of individual colleges or schools

Registrars 

Maintain student and course records

Schedule course offerings

Oversee student registration for classes

Prepare transcripts and diplomas for students

Student affairs

Advise students on housing, personal problems, or academics

Communicate with parents or guardians

Create, support, and assess nonacademic programs for students

Schedule programs and services, such as athletic events or recreational activities

Job advancement opportunities.

While a master’s degree can put you on the path to increased career potential, it can also increase your professional credibility if you are already working in the field as a teacher or other educational leader. A master’s program in educational leadership includes (but is not limited to) the following curriculum that will prepare you for career advancement in an education setting. 

Foundations and ethics

School financial leadership

Curriculum design and instruction

Systems management and school operations

Data literacy and evidence-based practices

Cultural competency and social-emotional learning

Job growth and stability.

The BLS projects a 4% growth in education administrator jobs by 2029. The demand for these positions is attributable to the following factors: 

More education administrators like principals and superintendents are needed to serve the needs of additional students

Additional admissions officers will be needed to process students’ applications

Registrars will be needed to direct student registration for classes and ensure that they meet graduation requirements

Student affairs workers will be needed to make housing assignments and plan events for students

Current school administrators retiring soon, leaving their positions open

Job perks and benefits.

For the most part, education administrators earn comfortable salaries and enjoy great perks and benefits such as health and life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts. Depending on the institution or district they serve, they may also receive professional development assistance and loan forgiveness benefits. If they work at a university, they may receive access to campus facilities and tuition waivers or a discount on courses. Education administrators and principals in public schools, at every level, tend to receive great healthcare benefits from the government. 

Other benefits may include: 

Prescription drug insurance

Commuter assistance

Accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off and family leave 

Wellness program

Why is educational leadership important?

Education is a hot-button issue in the U.S., largely due to the emotionally delicate nature that comes with developing young minds and helping people prosper. Leaders in education are brave navigators of our vast, often complex educational system. They are ready to face inevitable challenges because having a direct impact on a student’s future is, in a word, everything to them. 

Working with students and helping them reach their potential is one of the most meaningful and rewarding professions there is. If you have the courage to stand up for what’s right in education, have a vision and want to share it, and have the utmost respect for faculty, parents, and students, then you are definitely onto the right career. WGU can help you in your pursuit to become an education leader. Get started today!  

Ready to Start Your Journey?

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Recommended Articles

Take a look at other articles from WGU. Our articles feature information on a wide variety of subjects, written with the help of subject matter experts and researchers who are well-versed in their industries. This allows us to provide articles with interesting, relevant, and accurate information. 

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Designed for aspiring principals, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares you to lead a PreK-12 school. You’ll develop the strategies to design and implement a shared school vision — one that reflects a core set of values surrounding equity, diversity, digital citizenship, and community. You’ll learn to maintain an inclusive culture and advocate for the needs of students, families, and personnel. Through systematic problem solving and data-driven decision making, this program will shape you to be a reflective and responsive educational leader.

This program is approved for principal licensure in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas. If you are seeking licensure in another state, you are still welcome to apply to the program but you also may need to satisfy other requirements set by your state for licensure, such as years of service or internship hours.

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Our accredited programs are designed for working professionals who want a quality education. We’re committed to delivering high-quality, affordable and accessible online programs grounded in evidence-based content and relevant application.

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Because we’re 100% online, you only pay for the cost of delivering your education, not infrastructure like buildings or dorms. In fact, our affordability allows most of our students to graduate with no debt. We also offer over $2.5 million in scholarships and grants every year.

Flexibility You Need

Complete your coursework any time and anywhere there’s an internet connection. You’ll have access to academic resources 24/7, and highly responsive faculty and librarians. You decide how we fit into your life, not the other way around.

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Find a plan that fits your budget.

When We Say Low Cost, We Mean It

Western Governors University

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Source: Internal Research Completed on June 2023

Program Details

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With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.

May 20, 2024 Term

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Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

Featured Faculty

Our real-world coursework is taught by experienced faculty.

Jason Cohen

Dana Kaminski

Michelle McCraney

William Smith

Shawn Greiner

Erick Aguilar

Audrey Donaldson

Deborah Lee

Amy MacCrindle

Admission requirements, ace general admission requirements.

• Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
• Submit the nonrefundable application fee.*
• Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program.**

*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Highest Post-Baccalaureate degree earned
• Minimum Grade Point Average 2.75 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission
• Minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for Provisional Admission*
• Documentation of at least an initial teaching license (in the state the applicant resides), school service personnel license, or a school services certificate
• If applicants do not have a teaching certificate, they may document their teaching status by providing evidence of full-time teaching assignment from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resources official of the school at their current employment

*Applicants whose overall GPA, or GPA in the last 60 hours is below 2.50 will not be admitted to the degree program

Arizona Specific Admission Requirements

• Submit an essay that describes desire to lead and leadership potential. 
• Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation 
• Acknowledge the requirement of having three years successful teaching experience to be eligible for Arizona principal licensure.

Florida Specific Admission Requirements

Submit an essay that describes desire to lead and leadership potential.

Submit two (2) letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the applicant’s principal or direct supervisor. Both recommenders must include an evaluation of the applicant’s leadership potential. The supervisor’s recommendation must include an evaluation of the applicant’s instructional practice and performance of students at an “effective” or “highly effective” rating as evaluated by their two most recent performance evaluations through official district documentation or verification.

*If unable to receive supervisor verification of instructional experience and performance of students, applicants can submit their the last two years of performance evaluations showing a rating of  “effective” or higher in instructional practice and performance of student sections. 

Illinois Specific Admission Requirements

• Must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License
• Must have two years of teaching experience in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education or
• Four years of Support Personnel experience in the following area in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of Education in the following capacity:
• School Counselor
• School Psychologist
• Speech Language Pathologist
• School Nurse
• School Social Worker
• School Marriage and Family Counselor

Ohio Specific Admission Requirements

• Submit an Educational Leadership essay
• Submit two (2) letters of recommendation with a written signature (or sent directly from the person’s email address) and a date

Texas Specific Admission Requirements

Texas Applicants: In addition to the applicable general requirements for the M.Ed. In Educational Leadership, the following are required:

• Valid classroom teaching certificate.
• Complete an interview.
• Submit an Education Leadership essay.
• Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Teacher Service Record.
• Acknowledge the requirement of having two years of creditable teaching experience, as a classroom teacher, under a valid classroom teaching certificate to be eligible for Texas principal licensure.

The minimum Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale for full admission is 2.50. To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements provisional admission is not permitted.

Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. Or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C)

To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, applicants who have been admitted, must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer.

Notes for Texas Educational Leadership Students

• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program performance over the past five years is available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA) Educator Preparation Compliance Reports website.
• Information about the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce can be found on the EPP website and from Texas Workforce Commission
• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program accreditation status is available on the EPP website and on the TEA Educator Preparation Data Dashboard.
• A criminal background check is required prior to employment as an educator (Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083) and candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching or practicum (Per TEC, §22.0835).
• Individuals who have been convicted of an offence as listed in Section 249.16. Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21 may be ineligible for issuance of a certification on completion of an educator preparation program. An individual has the right to request a copy of the criminal history evaluation letter as provided in Chapter 227, Subchapter B (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).
• Texas Educational Leadership Students who wish to seek principal licensure in Texas will need to achieve an 80% or better on a practice examination within six months of testing approval request as outlined in the Texas Approval to Test Policy.

International Transcript Requirements

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

• Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES -recommended agency.
• Texas applicants may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency .
• International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.

English as a Second Language Applicants

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

• Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
• Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
• The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
• The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
• The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
• Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C) .

Texas Admission Requirements

• Complete an interview
• Have their school district submit a sealed and signed Teacher Service Record
• To comply with the Texas Education Agency requirements, admits must confirm, in writing, acceptance of the admission offer
• Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit scores from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. A minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading, and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based (IBT) TOEFL. Or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C)?

        Notes for Texas Educational Leadership Students ?

• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program performance over the past five years is available on the Texas Education Agency’s (TEA)  Educator Preparation Compliance Reports  website. 
• Information about the effect of supply and demand forces on the educator workforce can be found  on the EPP website  and from  Texas Workforce Commission
• Information about ACE’s Educational Leadership program accreditation status is available on the  EPP website  and on the TEA  Educator Preparation Data Dashboard.
• A criminal background check is required prior to employment as an educator (Per Texas Education Code (TEC), §22.083) and candidates must undergo a criminal history background check prior to clinical teaching or practicum (Per TEC, §22.0835).
• Individuals who have been convicted of an offence as listed in  Section 249.16.  Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter 21 may be ineligible for issuance of a certification on completion of an educator preparation program. An individual has the right to request a copy of the criminal history evaluation letter as provided in  Chapter 227, Subchapter B  (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).
• Texas Educational Leadership Students who wish to seek principal licensure in Texas will need to achieve an 80% or better on a practice examination within six months of testing approval request as outlined in the  Texas Approval to Test Policy .?

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Learn foundational skills for successful leadership.

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Cultivating trust through courage, integrity and a heart rooted in Scripture

Educational Leadership Masters Degree

Bob Jones University’s accredited Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree will equip you with the relevant theories, practical outcomes, and transformational skillsets to more effectively lead your staff and school.

Leaders are responsible for those they lead, and will give a greater account to God for how they used their position in leadership. That’s why with BJU’s educational leadership program, you’ll learn not only the technical skills to be an excellent leader, but also the biblical truths that transform your character.

And with the program’s flexible option of distance learning available through SCOPE, you’ll be able to continue working where God has placed you.

BJU’s master’s program in educational leadership equips you to be an excellent instructional leader in varied educational settings.

You’ll begin your program by exploring the historical and philosophical foundations of American education. As you broaden your perspective, you’ll begin formulating and expressing your own educational theory, practice and philosophy of Christian school management. You’ll also learn how to implement the various business principles of running an educational institution, from finance to philosophy to personnel development to decision making.

In addition, you’ll explore educational technologies and learn how to use them in a variety of settings. You’ll learn how to construct tests and develop testing programs and how to interpret test results and other educational data so you can better meet students’ educational needs.

Throughout your time in the program, you’ll build your leadership portfolio with coursework and practical hands-on experience through the capstone’s action research project. Most importantly, you’ll be equipped with a well-rounded education from a biblical worldview that will benefit and guide you for years to come.

This program is designed to expand your skillset and extend your professional reach, but does not lead to state licensure. During your studies in this program, your faculty can advise you about pursuing licensure if that is one of your goals. 

All of our courses are online and are designed for the busy professional. You will be able to listen to lectures, participate in discussions, and complete practical projects at a time and place that works best for your schedule.

• EAS 660: Foundations of Leadership (3)
• EAS 663: School Business Management (3)
• EAS 670: Pupil Personnel Services (3)
• EAS 676: Personnel Admin & Supervision (3)
• EAS 678: Organizational Leadership (3)
• EAS 695: Ed Leadership Action Research (3)
• Ed 605: History & Philosophy of Education (3)
• Ed 638: Curriculum Development & Design (3)
• Ed 661: Assessment of Learning (3)
• Ed 667: Technology in Education (3)
• Ed 690: Research in Education (3)

Students will be able to:

• Apply readings and research findings in areas of instructional leadership and Christian school management.
• Acquire skills to initiate, supervise and lead spiritual, instructional and management principles in Christian schools.
• Develop biblical based philosophies of instructional leadership and management practices.
• Apply knowledge of content areas and curriculum goals to design, supervise and assess appropriate instruction in the Christian school.
• Integrate appropriate technology and resources to support instruction in the Christian school.
• Demonstrate skill in critical thinking, problem solving and leading stakeholders.

Educational Leadership courses cost $450 per credit.

The total program cost for 33 credits is $14,850.

To be considered for federal financial aid, talk to a financial aid counselor.

Students who are current teachers or administrators at Christian schools are eligible for a 50% tuition discount.

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UOG's first doctoral program in education set for launch in Fall 2024

Pacific daily news.

• Apr 22, 2024

The University of Guam said it received approval from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges’ Senior College and University Commission to begin offering its first ever online doctoral program — a Doctor of Education in Instructional and Academic Leadership.

The new EdD program emphasizes development of the “scholar-practitioner” who will integrate their professional experiences with research and theory to improve educational practices within their cultural contexts and to influence change in their educational and organizational settings, UOG said in a press release.

“UOG was founded as a teaching college in 1952 and has since developed tremendous capacity for teachers, counselors, and school administrators for our island and region,” UOG President Anita Borja Enriquez said in a statement. “This new doctoral program is our commitment to advancing education, elevating the focus on research agendas relevant to our region, and addressing improvement to instructional areas and overall educational leadership.”

School of Education Dean Alicia Aguon noted that the new doctorate responds to the needs of educators and school systems across the region.

“Our survey had nearly a thousand respondents including alumni, education professionals, and stakeholders throughout Micronesia, and overwhelmingly, there was a stated need for a program geared toward instructional and academic leadership,” Aguon said. “This doctoral program is groundbreaking as it has been developed with a cultural competency unique to our region.”

The School of Education will begin accepting applications to the doctoral program this summer with its first courses starting this October.

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UOG will release more details in the coming weeks about information sessions and the application timeline.

“This isn’t just a milestone for UOG. It’s a milestone for education across the region,” Enriquez said. “I am thrilled to see the meaningful, diverse conversational and collaborative synergies unfold from our inaugural cohort.”

• The EdD program is an online program with 20 required courses and a total of 60 credit hours.
• The dissertation is built in as coursework in the program of study.
• The program is expected to take four years to complete without pausing.
• The UOG Board of Regents approved the program in June 2023 and the WASC Senior College and University Commission approved the program in March 2024.
• Up to 25 students are projected for the program’s inaugural cohort.
• The program will launch in Fanuchånan (Fall) 2024.

To express interest or for more information, email [email protected] .

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Harold Washington College President Joins the Chicago Architecture Center Board, will Serve as Trustee

April 22, 2024

By City Colleges of Chicago

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Dr. Daniel Lopez Brings a Depth of Knowledge to Drive Architectural Education and Community Engagement

CHICAGO —(April 22, 2024) -The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), a national leader in architecture and design education that offers tours, exhibitions and programs for all ages and levels of design expertise, announced today that Dr. Daniel Lopez, president of Harold Washington College, has joined the CAC’s board of trustees.

“Great architecture and design strengthen and beautifies our communities,” said Dr. Daniel Lopez. “It also inspires minds and hearts, especially in our young people. As a leader of an educational institute that is open to everyone and offers certifications and degrees in architecture pathways, it is my honor to join the CAC as one of its Trustees. With this new appointment, I hope to serve our city well and bring the thoughts and ideas of our students to the forefront so they can help guide those who are building, creating and reimagining our great city.”

“Dr. Daniel Lopez’s dedication to fostering architectural education and inclusivity resonates deeply with the mission of the Chicago Architecture Center,” said Eleanor Gorski, CEO of Chicago Architecture Center. “As we welcome him to our esteemed board of trustees, we embrace his vision of empowering young minds and enriching communities through architecture and design. Daniel’s diverse perspective and passion for the field will be an invaluable addition to our Board, and I look forward to working together to shape the future of our city’s built environment.”

The CAC Board of Trustees is charged with guiding and advising the nonprofit organization as it continues to serve Chicago.

The Department of Art and Architecture at Harold Washington College takes pride in offering degrees and certificates in Studio Art, Architecture, and Digital Multimedia Design. Courses are offered in the areas of painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography, printmaking, architecture, and digital multimedia.​  ​​

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