If you're a teacher looking to break into leadership positions, a master's in educational leadership program can prepare you for jobs both inside and outside of the classroom.
The leadership-focused curriculum can help you build on your teaching experience, step into instructional design and school administration careers, and can also set you up for success as a corporate trainer. Online programs are often focused on flexibility to help you pursue your degree around your work and personal life.
We ranked the best online master's in educational leadership programs using factors like student outcomes and affordability to help you choose the best program for you.
Educational Leadership Highlights
Most degrees take two years or less to complete.
Some programs include concentrations in areas like school leadership.
92% of online psychology, education, and social sciences students we surveyed graduates say their degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Alternative jobs, like corporate trainers, are projected for much faster than average growth.
Source: BLS, BestCollege
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Top Online Educational Leadership Master's Programs
Why You Should Get a Master's in Educational Leadership
Learn leadership skills: Master's in educational leadership programs include instruction in management and can help prepare you to lead teams.
Shape the future of education: Instruction in educational policy can prepare you to make changes in the educational landscape.
Work outside of the classroom: An educational leadership program can prepare you for instructional design and corporate training programs.
Boost business acumen: You'll learn key concepts like organizational finance and law in addition to core education coursework.
Benefits of Getting a Master's in Educational Leadership Online
Out of more than 100 online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed, 100% said they would recommend online education to others.
92% of those students said they think earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Online degrees may be offered in asynchronous formats, allowing you to work toward your degree on your own schedule.
Get a degree without leaving the workforce.
How to Choose the Best Educational Leadership Program for You
Make sure to pursue a degree at an accredited institution that fits your flexibility and affordability needs. If you want to pursue a degree while staying in the field, you might want to consider an asynchronous format.
How Much Does an Online Master's in Education Cost?
An online graduate degree in education can cost under $7,000 yearly after grants and aid, but prices vary widely by program format and institution type. Degrees from private, selective institutions tend to be more expensive than those at regional public universities, and full-time programs are typically more costly than part-time programs.
Filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid can help you get loans and grants to help pay for your master's degree. However, note that the Grad PLUS loan program sunsets on July 1, 2026, meaning graduate students will need to rely on the Direct Loan program, which caps borrowing at $20,500 per year.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Master's in Educational Leadership Online?
Typical # of Credits
30 Credits
Typical Program Length
1 Year
Most master's in educational leadership programs take 30 credits and between one and two years to complete, although some programs are offered in a self-paced or accelerated format to allow you to finish the degree faster. That's about on pace for a typical master's degree.
If you aren't studying full-time, your program might take longer than two years to complete.
What Can You Do With a Master's in Educational Leadership?
A master's in educational leadership degree can prepare you for administrative roles, such as a principal or administrator, or can help you step into a leadership position within your teaching role.
But that isn't all you can do with an educational leadership graduate degree: The financial and management focus of the degree will also open up doors in the corporate world, such as a corporate trainer or instructional coordinator.
While principal positions are projected for a decline over the next decade, the BLS projects corporate trainers to grow much faster than average.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Principal | $104,070 | Oversees operations at elementary, middle, and high schools |
| Corporate Trainer | $65,850 | Upskills workers and offer programming to train employees across industries |
| School and Career Counselor or Advisor | $65,140 | Helps students succeed academically and prepare them for post-graduate education and careers |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | Teaches students beyond high school, including at universities and community colleges |
| Instructional Coordinator | $74,720 | Manages a school's curriculum and ensure teaching is at a high standard |
Source: BLS
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Is a Master's in Educational Leadership Worth It?
While employment of principals is projected to see an overall decline as the U.S. sees a demographic cliff in education, a master's in educational leadership can position you as a leader in your field and prepare you for careers both inside and outside of traditional education.
Corporate trainers, for instance, made a median annual salary of $65,850 as of May 2024. A master's degree can also boost your earning potential within your current career. Ninety-two percent of online psychology, education, and social sciences students and graduates we surveyed said that earning an online degree has had or will have a positive return on investment.
Most online educational leadership master's degrees are designed for working professionals, meaning you won't have to sacrifice work or family obligations to get your degree.
Education Beyond a Master's in Educational Leadership
A master's in educational leadership can also position you to pursue a doctorate in that field or a related discipline. A doctoral degree has a heavy research and theory focus and can position you to pursue a professorial or research career.
A doctoral degree in educational leadership coupled with work experience can also open up high-level leadership positions, such as a district superintendent or administrator at a university. It can also position you for leadership positions within a university's faculty.
Keep in mind that a doctoral degree doesn't guarantee any of those highly competitive positions, but rather prepares you with the right skills to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Educational Leadership Programs
A master's in educational leadership can qualify you to teach in college. While many colleges require a doctoral degree to become a full-time professor, a master's in your field can qualify you for adjunct positions and position you to eventually pursue a professorship.
