Best online masters programs in Educational Leadership and Administration

The University of Southern California offers an EdD in Educational Leadership. Tailored to suit the schedules of working professionals, the program is designed to cultivate critically conscious leaders equipped with the competencies necessary to tackle educational disparities. Prospective students seeking an online doctorate in education are required to hold a master's degree and possess a minimum of three years of pertinent full-time work experience, including leadership roles.

To fulfill the requirements of the EdD in Educational Leadership online program, a minimum of 43 units is mandatory. Typically, students can complete the program in three years by enrolling in two courses during most semesters. Within the EDL online program, students are presented with the opportunity to choose from four concentrations, each allowing them to cultivate specialized knowledge and proficiency within a particular domain:

1. K-12 Leadership in Urban School Settings
2. Leading Instructional Change
3. Higher Education Administration
4. Educational Psychology

The EdD in Educational Leadership online program equips individuals with the skills to:

1. Engage in critical self-reflection concerning their societal position and worldview's impact on their leadership effectiveness.
2. Examine institutional oppression and formulate strategies for promoting equity.
3. Spearhead organizational enhancements and guarantee adherence to relevant laws, policies, and mandates.
4. Apply evidence-based research to enhance educational practices for all students.
5. Demonstrate exemplary ethical standards in their professional conduct.

The Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy, offered by the University of Florida, has been meticulously crafted to offer working professionals across the nation the opportunity to attain a master's degree in Educational Leadership through one of the leading online graduate education programs in the country.

Some unique features of the Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy program are:

• Students are required to complete 36 hours of coursework in 24 months.
• The program features coursework delivered by a dedicated faculty known for their student-centered approach and the expertise of experienced administrators.
• It encompasses mentoring, requisite field experience as mandated by the Florida Department of Education, and comprehensive support tailored for practicing school leaders.
• Within the MEd program, students have the option of pursuing one of two tracks: the degree that aligns with eligibility for Florida Level 1 certification in Educational Leadership, or the degree without corresponding eligibility for Florida certification in Educational Leadership. Those with a minimum of three years of teaching experience upon entry qualify for the certification track, while individuals with less experience can transition to the certification track after completing three years of teaching.
• For students aiming to obtain their Florida Principal Certification, the M.Ed. Online program facilitates the acquisition of practical experience through the course EDA 6948, titled "Supervised Practice in School Administration." Typically, this course is scheduled during the final two semesters of the degree program. Within this practicum course, students collaborate with both a site supervisor possessing principal certification from the State of Florida and a university supervisor who serves as the course instructor.
• Students have the option to pursue the M.Ed. degree without certification. Instead of engaging in field experience, students can choose to complete an additional elective course or participate in a practicum.

University of Georgia's MEd in Educational Administration and Policy is a 36-credit part-time, online program that can be completed in 2 years. The curriculum is structured to explore various subjects, including research within educational administration and policy, practical projects in the same field, educational policy analysis, organizational theory and leadership, human resource management, school business operations, and legal aspects related to schools.

The Master's in Educational Administration and Policy Program equips its students with the expertise, abilities, and attitudes required to assume impactful leadership roles in a variety of contexts, such as PreK-12 schools, districts, the nonprofit sector, and government. The University of Georgia acknowledges the demand for leaders who are both bold and transformative.

The MEd in Educational Administration and Policy offers two tracks:

1. School Leadership: The Educational Administration and Policy Tier I leadership certification courses offered at the University of Georgia are designed to ready students for their initial leadership certification. These courses place a significant emphasis on fostering an understanding of effective instructional leadership practices that have a direct influence on the quality of teaching and learning experiences. The foundation for the Tier I Program is rooted in the Georgia Educational Leadership Standards, encompassing the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions.
2. Law and Policy: The law and policy track within the program equips individuals with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to excel in educational policy roles within government, nonprofit organizations, or academia. It focuses on providing individuals with the expertise to design, execute, and assess policies across different levels of the educational landscape.

The EdD in Educational Leadership Pre-K to 12 offered by Pepperdine University is a 51-credit program (+2 units per term for dissertation). It is designed to prepare leaders in PreK to 12 education roles, enabling them to establish and maintain robust learning communities. The EdD program is well-suited for educational leaders who aspire to assume dynamic leadership positions within public or private PreK to 12 school settings, as well as district or county education offices. The program length is 3 years.

Some unique attributes of the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership program are:

• Participants acquire the skills to blend, integrate, and apply theories and practices that contribute to the research and development of national and global policies. They also drive leadership and change initiatives within organizations.
• Ideal for both full-time students and working professionals, this program structure includes 70% of coursework conducted in-person and the remaining 30% completed online. The online component offers flexibility, while the in-person classroom experience enhances the learning process, providing a personalized, hands-on approach, fostering relational interactions with peers, and ensuring a higher quality of education.
• This cohort-based doctoral program follows the practitioner-scholar model, intertwining academic knowledge, practical experience, and research. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on learning experiences, students deepen their understanding of leadership, education, policy, and various other subjects. Emphasizing experiential learning, students engage in two trips—one international and one domestic. The program culminates in the completion of a doctoral dissertation.
• Graduate School of Education and Psychology's core values of academic excellence, social purpose, and meaningful service empower students to create a lasting impact.

The program offers a curriculum designed to prepare professionals in educational and learning technology, encompassing comprehensive leadership theory and practice courses, advanced technology, learning theory, design principles, and a range of other subjects. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on experiential learning, including domestic and international travel experiences. Research design, analysis methods, and their practical applications are covered through coursework and culminate in the completion of a final dissertation.

Within the Florida State University Educational Leadership & Administration program, students cultivate dynamic and high-performing leadership capabilities aimed at revitalizing and enhancing educational systems. The program, currently holding the #3 national ranking by U.S. News & World Report, equips individuals for fulfilling careers in educational leadership. Prospective students have the flexibility to select from a range of degree options, including a master's, specialist, Ed.D., or Ph.D. in educational leadership. The master's, specialist, and Ed.D. programs are available online, while the Ph.D. program in educational leadership is conducted on-campus. Master's and Ed.D specialist programs requires 33 credits, whereas certification requires only 27 credits. Furthermore, students require 165 hours of fieldwork. Students seeking Florida Principalship Certification need to complete an additional 80 hours of internship.

Certification in Educational Leadership & Administration

Applicants who have completed a master's degree but require Level 1 certification are encouraged to explore the specialist (Ed.S.) program. Successful completion of the specialist degree makes individuals eligible for certification in Educational Leadership at all levels, as well as for positions within Florida K-12 school districts, and it qualifies for financial aid. Both master's and specialist students enroll in courses designed to enhance their principalship skills. The programs at this institution hold the top rank in Florida for pass rates on the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) among their students.

Master's Program in Educational Leadership & Administration

In the online educational leadership master’s program, participants will acquire a foundational understanding of professional and theoretical knowledge while demonstrating expertise in applied research and leadership practice. This program places significant emphasis on rigorous academic training, practical content application, and collaboration with industry experts. Program objectives are rooted in core content derived from research and theory on educational leadership, as well as partnerships between practitioners and department faculty.

Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership & Administration

The online Ed.D. in educational leadership and policy provides practicing professionals and aspiring students with additional training and opportunities to expand their knowledge. This innovative program accommodates individuals already active in the field, allowing them to pursue further education while retaining their employment. Specializations are available in either K-12 or higher education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership & Administration

Finally, for individuals interested in conducting advanced research and teaching educational leadership at universities, the institution offers an on-campus Ph.D. program. Under this program, participants work closely with esteemed faculty members and engage in original research endeavors. Upon successful completion of the doctoral program, individuals will possess comprehensive expertise in educational leadership topics and will lead discussions through their teaching and research endeavors.

Offered by George Washington University and tailored for working professionals aspiring to assume roles in K-12 school-based and central office leadership, supervisory positions, and positions entailing greater teaching responsibilities, the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration program is dedicated to equipping its graduates with the readiness to confront contemporary challenges in education. These challenges encompass the realms of school reform, burgeoning school enrollments, and the escalating number of retirements.

The Master's in Educational Leadership and Administration program at GW comprises 30 credits and offers an accelerated option that allows completion in as little as 2 years. Some unique features of the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration program are:

1. Tradition of Excellence: Become a part of the community of outstanding educational leaders that GW has nurtured for over three decades.
2. Team Leadership: Acquire valuable experience and immerse oneself in diverse perspectives through evidence-based courses and leadership activities. Coursework includes group collaboration to replicate the skills and competencies necessary in professional settings.
3. Applied Coursework: Broaden one's understanding, expertise, and enrich their professional portfolio by implementing course concepts in a series of real-world educational leadership projects and activities.
4. Internships: Develop genuine leadership acumen by engaging in observation and active participation in leadership opportunities and administrative internships within a variety of diverse learning environments.
5. Practice-Based Instructors: Receive instruction from GW faculty members who actively hold various PK-12 education positions in the field, providing practical and pertinent insights into educational leadership.

The program boasts national accreditation and has earned recognition as a distinguished program by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Its core objective is to cultivate intellectual leaders who possess a deep understanding of curriculum and instruction, the ability to inspire and support classroom educators, and the capacity to offer practical insights essential for guiding thriving educational communities.

The successful culmination of GW's Master's in Educational Administration program equips graduates for professional advancement as leaders in PK-12 education. Graduates emerge with a robust skill set encompassing technical, conceptual, political, and leadership abilities, including:

• Proficiency in both theoretical and practical facets of leadership, planning, and change processes.
• A demonstrated grasp of critical issues related to supervision, instructional evaluation, resource allocation, and policy.
• The capacity to champion excellence, equity, and efficiency within the educational sphere.
• The capability to cultivate and sustain educational administration through the application of research and practice within methodological, historical, social, economic, and political contexts.

The Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) program in Educational Leadership and Change (ELC) at Empire State College of Stony Brook University is tailored to equip mid-career professionals with the necessary skills for leadership roles within higher education, where they will drive transformative change.

Some unique features of the EdD in Educational Leadership and Change are:

• Students have to complete 54 units of coursework.
• Graduates of this program are trained to serve as catalysts for change. The ELC program follows a scholar-practitioner model, grounded in the belief that collaborative and self-directed learning is paramount among researchers, educators, practitioners, and students, fostering the development of scholar-practitioners.
• A key pillar of this program is the concept of learning within a community of practice, achieved through the formation of cohorts. This collaborative learning environment is facilitated through both face-to-face and online interactions among students and faculty.
• Additionally, the program incorporates four residencies, typically consisting of intensive two-day, face-to-face meetings featuring workshops and course sessions, which further enhance the community-based learning approach.
• They hold accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

The online Master's in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.) program, offered by Gonzaga University and spanning four semesters, is meticulously crafted for educators currently in the field who aspire to advance as more proficient leaders, both in formal and informal capacities within K-12 education.

Students have to complete 30 credits of coursework in 18 months. Drawing from the perspectives and expertise of educators and administrators, the program's curriculum delves into theory and practice, delivering professional training to enable participants to:

• Cultivate their identity as a reflective educational leader, dedicated to the principles of inquiry and social justice.
• Steer their educational community towards achieving a comprehensive, equitable, and enriching education for all students.
• Foster a school environment that empowers every individual to unlock their potential.
• Apply research and theory into practical, real-world experiences.
• Engage in a process of self-discovery, personal growth, and professional development.

The program provides a dynamic and immersive learning environment that exposes each participant to the collective experiences of their peers and accomplished faculty members. Upon graduation, individuals emerge well-prepared to pursue a diverse array of career prospects, which encompass roles in education administration, training and development, education consulting, as well as curriculum development and instructional design.

The program spans four semesters, equipping students with the requisite professional training to achieve several significant outcomes:

• Cultivate their growth as reflective educational leaders, devoted to the principles of inquiry and social justice.
• Harness research and theory, translating them into practical applications and experiences.
• Employ systems thinking and critical analysis to address local challenges.
• Develop a portfolio that incorporates concrete action plans aimed at enhancing student learning and the professional environment for stakeholders.
• Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
• Identify opportunities to exert positive influence within a school setting, rallying others toward a shared vision.

Saint Louis University offers a Master of Arts in Education Leadership. It requires 33-34 credits to be completed in 2 years. Utilizing solution-oriented leadership strategies, students will embark on a curriculum firmly rooted in the body of literature concerning effective practices. They will actively participate in professionally guided practical experiences within educational institutions and undertake comprehensive internships in schools, all while receiving guidance from on-site supervisors.

Outcomes for the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership program include:

1. Graduates will evaluate data, pertinent literature, administrative methods, and educational theories to scrutinize matters associated with practices in building-level administration.
2. Graduates will employ their understanding of evidence-based leadership, communication, financial management, legal matters, curriculum development, instructional strategies, assessment techniques, and management practices in the realm of building-level educational administration.
3. Graduates will articulate comprehensive explanations regarding leadership, communication, legal considerations, financial management, curriculum design, instructional approaches, assessment methods, and management principles within the context of educational administration.
4. Graduates will demonstrate educational leadership practices that reflect a commitment to professional ethics.

The Master's in Educational Leadership equips students to assume diverse leadership positions, encompassing roles such as principal, assistant principal, program director, administrator, instructional coach, curriculum coordinator, or department- and grade-level chair or director.

Students can prepare for a career in educational leadership by enrolling in the online Education Specialist (EdS) program, offered by The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, which focuses on Educational Administration Concentration. This program is designed to equip them with the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary for leading in the K-12 environment.

Some unique features of the Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Administration program are:

• The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, presents a 36-hour Specialist in Education (EdS) program featuring options for licensure and non-licensure tracks.
• This program is intended for individuals who hold a master's degree in education or a related field. The courses in this program are asynchronous, offering the flexibility required to complete the studies.
• UT's principal preparation pathways emphasize the role of leaders as stewards and servants, teachers as facilitators of growth and development, and administrators as rigorous evaluators of their organizations' effectiveness. They continually challenge the ideas and assumptions that underlie practice and policy.
• With the increasing demands for excellence and the growing challenges and opportunities in K-12 leadership, the top priority is to offer a comprehensive principal preparation program that includes both coursework and fieldwork experiences for those aspiring to lead Tennessee schools.
• The faculty members at UT are experienced educational leaders and scholars who devote their expertise to nurturing future leaders in various areas, such as educational law, school finance and budgeting, human resources and supervision, and principalship, among others.
• Students also have to complete a field experience during the course of their degree.