By TED Staff
The following list of the Top 20 Online Master’s in Education Administration programs will be of interest to all teachers and administrators wishing to reach their greatest potential. A master’s degree is required for all principalships and positions of administrative leadership in the field of education and can be the key to a fulfilling career as a principal or assistant principal, dean of student affairs, or other leadership role.
Programs at the schools reviewed below are aligned with professional standards and allow students a variety of opportunities to utilize the lessons they are learning within the schools where they are currently employed. Many programs offer a capstone project the during the final semester, so that students can explore significant issues based on real experiences and challenges in schools.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the rate of job growth for educational administrators will be about 8%, as fast as the national average for all occupations. Employment growth, as always, is a factor of the number of students and the number of educational institutions. In 2017, the median annual wage for education administrators was $94,390. The average salary for post-secondary administrators was $101,910.
Ranking Criteria
US News and World Report Online Graduate Program in Education Ranking
- Top 20 – 5 points
- Top 50 – 4 points
- Top 100 – 3 points
- Top 150 – 2 points
- Top 200 – 1 point
Hourly Tuition Rate
- Under $300 – 5 points
- Under $450 – 4 points
- Under $600 – 3 points
- Under $750 – 2 points
- Under $900 – 1 point
GPA requirement
- 3.01 to 4.0 – 3 points
- 2.51 to 3.0 – 2 points
- Above 2.0 – 1 point
GRE requirement
- Not required – 3 points
- Waiver accepted for exceptional GPA/work exp. – 2 points
- Required – 1 point
#20 – Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, North Carolina
Online MSA in School Administration
Points: 2
US News Ranking: unranked
A 36 credit online program, the master of school administration at Western Carolina University uses its own cohort system. GRE scores are required for the admission process. While there is only one admit date per year, there is a required, limited-residency component (four Saturdays a term). Program involves a competency-based internship. Full-time study or part-time allowed, but full-time involves no summer sessions. $756.52 per credit, out of state, is the tuition rate for the online MSA in school administration at Western Carolina University.
#19 – Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
MS in Education with a Concentration in School Administration and Supervision Online
Points: 5
US News Ranking: unranked
The online master of science in education with a concentration in school administration and supervision at Johns Hopkins University requires 39 credit hours at $840 per credit. Students can attend part time or full time, but applicants must have 27 months full-time teaching experience as a certified teacher for a school district or certified independent school to be eligible for the three admit dates a year. The online MSE with a concentration in school administration and supervision at Johns Hopkins University expects an admissions essay and two letters of recommendation. Since the program is an advanced one, its students will need to be employed as an administrator to be a mentor in the final internship course.
#18 – Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts
MEd in Higher Education Administration Online
Points: 5
US News Ranking: unranked
During Boston University’s master of education in higher education administration program, students can attend part-time, and with no residency requirement. The program is structured into two seven-week terms per semester, about two courses per term. To finish you must complete 36 credits, which typically takes five semesters. Note that the program does not lead to licensure. You will need to plan around its three admit dates per year and be prepared for a tuition of $825 per credit hour. Also, you will need to write a statement of qualification and sign an equity and inclusion statement for admission into Boston University’s online MEd in higher education administration program.
#17 – University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Online MA in Educational Leadership
Points: 5
US News Ranking: 173
To get into the online master of arts in educational leadership at the University of Wyoming, no GRE is required, though you will need at least a bachelor’s GPA of 3.0. The school allows for two admit dates per year for the 33 credit hour program. If you are an out of state graduate student, the tuition rate is $780 per unit. Discounted tuition is available for children of alumni of the school. Letter of intent and copy of current teaching certificate are required for admission to the MA in educational leadership online at the University of Wyoming.
#16 – University of Houston Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
MS in Educational Management Online
Points: 6
US News Ranking: 5
The University of Houston Clear Lake features an online master of science in educational management. The school charges out of state graduate students tuition that starts at $1,172 per credit hour, while the in-state rate for Texas residents is just over $510. To complete the 30 credit hour program students attend five 8-week terms per year, the coursework for which includes school law and school resource management. The University of Houston Clear Lake MS in educational management online is recognized in the US by NCATE/CAEP. GRE is required.
#15 – University of Oklahoma Norman
Norman, Oklahoma
Online MEd in Educational Administration, Curriculum and Supervision
Points: 6
US News Ranking: 125
The University of Oklahoma’s online master of education Educational Administration has a rolling admissions system and uses the cohort model. For admission into The University of Oklahoma’s online MEd, students need a BS in education or equivalent. You can complete a thesis or non-thesis program, where a non-thesis requires comprehensive portfolio by the time you have completed its 36 credit hours. GRE or GMAT scores are required, as is a GPA minimum of 3.0. Occasional non-online interaction is necessary, including in-person classes one Saturday per month on Norman campus. The school charges $957.45 per unit of instruction.
#14 – Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas
Online MEd in Educational Administration, PK-12 emphasis
Points: 7
US News Ranking: 53
Texas A&M University offers its online master of education in educational administration, PK-12 emphasis with only one admit date per year. The program runs a cohort model that, once fulfilled, is a 36 semester hours degree that should take 2 years or about five semesters. The school charges students from outside Texas $1,418 per unit of instruction while students from in-state are charged less than half that rate for the online MEd in educational administration, PK-12 emphasis at Texas A&M University. If you cannot prove that you have full-time employment, a residency component is required.
#13 – Appalachian State University
Boone, North Carolina
MA in School Administration Online
Points: 7
US News Ranking: 36
Appalachian State University charges $895.50 per unit of instruction for out of state graduate students. This 36 credit hours program is part-time study only and leads to licensure, depending on requirements in the state where you live. While a GRE or MAT waiver is available, you must submit three references, one from a current supervisor, and you must have at least three years of public school teaching experience to be considered for admission to the online MA in school administration at Appalachian State University.
#12 – Brandman University
Irvine, California
Online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration
Points: 7
US News Ranking: 115
Brandman University charges $650 per credit for its master of arts in educational administration. The program is only available to California residents with a valid CCTC approved Preliminary Administrative Services Credential. For admission, you will need to provide two letters of recommendation and to meet one of four GPA options for admission, which depends on your experience, GPA, or whether you would prefer to represent your writing skills by submitting a professional portfolio. Brandman University’s online MAE in Educational Administration is 30 credits long. Acceptable GRE score in combination with a lower GPA is one of the four options.
#11 – University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina
Online MEd in Educational Administration
Points: 7
US News Ranking: 76
The online master of educational administration degree at the University of South Carolina is a 24-month program consisting of 36 units that costs $618.69 per unit of credit. A helpful discount is available for SC certified teachers, but the program is open to non-licensed applicants. Graduate students may choose between an elementary or a high school focus. The online MEd in educational administration at the University of South Carolina is not designed to lead to licensure. Admission to the program requires at least 2.5 minimum undergrad GPA and a recent GRE or MAT score.
#10 – The George Washington University
Washington, District of Columbia
M.A. Ed. H.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration Online
Points: 8
US News Ranking: 31
The online master of arts in education in human development in educational leadership and administration online at The George Washington University has been named one of NCATE’s programs of distinction. Admission to the program requires two recommendations from people who can speak to the applicant’s academic abilities, a statement of purpose essay of 250 to 500 words, and a minimum one year of teaching experience. The school features a rolling admissions calendar and three start dates a year. GRE or GMAT is required. Most students who are accepted submitted a GPA of 3.5 or higher. The George Washington University’s online MA Ed HD in educational leadership and administration is a 30 credit hour program that can be completed in two years. Tuition is $1,025 per credit hour.
#9 – Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online MEd in Educational Administration
Points: 8
US News Ranking: 115
Lamar University’s online master of arts in educational administration requires a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Also, the school requires two years of teaching experience and a teaching certificate for admission. The school offers multiple start dates per year for its 16-month program duration. Lamar University’s online MEd in educational administration costs $275 per credit hour for its 30 credit-hour program, which requires a capstone internship. The university only charges $25 for its application fee. You may be required to pay $180 to undergo a teaching credential review. No GRE is required.
#8 – Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
MS in Educational Leadership Online
Points: 9
US News Ranking: 13
At Florida State University, the online master of science in educational leadership runs for six terms in length, which is two courses a semester to complete its 36 hours. The degree affords degrees with Florida principal certification and without. To be admitted you must have a 3.0 undergraduate GPA, a recent GRE score, and two years of full-time classroom experience. Florida State University’s online MS in Educational Leadership will cost out of state students $1,075.66 per unit of credit.
#7 – University of Massachusetts Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts
MEd in Educational Administration Online
Points: 9
US News Ranking: 8
The online master of education in educational administration at the University of Massachusetts Lowell is 30 credits in length and charges $470 per credit hour. Students making an application must submit a statement of purpose and letters of recommendations. GRE scores are required and do affect acceptance. The coursework for the University of Massachusetts Lowell online MEd in educational administration includes the inclusive school and program evaluation. In the final term, you will need to team up in a Capstone project.
#6 – Wayne State College
Wayne, Nebraska
Online MSE in School Administration
Points: 9
US News Ranking: unranked
Wayne State College’s 100% online master of science in education in school administration has three focus areas: 7-12, PK-8, and PK-12. This is a 36-45 hour degree, depending on focus area. To be accepted, you must possess a valid teaching certificate. Also, you may write an essay in lieu of qualifying examination. Minimum 2.75 GPA. While Wayne State College offers a reasonable $442.50 per credit unit rate for in-state students, states adjacent to Nebraska get a reduced rate on the online MSE in school administration.
#5 – Mississippi College
Clinton, Mississippi
Online Master of Higher Education Administration
Points: 9
US News Ranking: 224-291
Mississippi College has designed its online master of higher education administration as two practicum experiences and 27 hours of coursework. It should take 18 months to complete the 31 credits in total. For admission into Mississippi College’s online master in higher education administration, you will need to compose a statement of purpose and a bachelor’s degree. The college allows for 6 transfer hours of graduate coursework, if applicable. The college has rolling admissions, and students pay a very reasonable $625 per credit hour.
#4 – Liberty University
Lynchburg, Virginia
Online MEd in Administration and Supervision
Points: 10
US News Ranking: 190
Liberty University allows students to transfer in up to half the credits for the 36-hour master of education in administration and supervision that can be completed 100% online. Optional on-campus intensives are offered. The program receives National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education accreditation through Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. With full-time tuition of $415 hourly, the online MEd in administration and supervision at Liberty University can be completed in just two years. No GRE is required.
#3 – Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
Online MAE, P-12 School and Postsecondary Leadership Concentration
Points: 11
US News Ranking: 31
Michigan State University offers an online master of arts in education, P-12 school and postsecondary leadership concentration that does not charge out of state tuition fees, though the tuition is $755.50 per credit hour. The program is not designed to lead to certification and is 30 credits long. Completion and exhibition of an online portfolio are required for graduation. No thesis is required. To get into the online Michigan State University’s MAE, P-12 school and postsecondary leadership concentration, you will need a minimum 3.0 GPA. The school does not ask for GRE or MAT scores, but you may submit your score if you think it will strengthen your case for admission.
#2 – Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, New York
MA in Higher Education Administration Online
Points: 12
US News Ranking: 88
To qualify for entry into the 36 credit online master of arts in higher education administration at Stony Brook University, you need to have an undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0, and you need to submit a personal statement. Whether full-time or part-time, the program is $555 per credit hour out of state. While a GRE is not required for this program, it may be advisable if you happen to test well and/or feel the need to increase the competitiveness of your application. Once in, your online course calendar for the online MA in higher education administration at Stony Brook University is three 10-week terms, with a 3-week winter term.
#1 – University of Illinois Urbana Champaign
Urbana, Illinois
MEd in International Educational Administration and Leadership Online
Points: 13
US News Ranking: 25
To be ready for the online master of education in international educational administration and leadership at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, you will need three letters of reference from individuals with direct knowledge of your academic prowess, 3.0 minimum GPA, and a minimum 500 word personal statement. The 32 credit hour degree costs a modest $473 per credit hour. The online MEd in international educational administration and leadership at University of Illinois Urbana Champaign has a generous eight admit dates/terms per year.
