How long does it take to get a master's in educational leadership?

A master’s in educational leadership program often takes two to three years to complete. However, some universities offer accelerated and part-time programs so you can study at the best pace for your needs.

Is a master's in educational leadership useful?

Yes — a master’s in educational leadership develops educators into leaders for roles outside the classroom. As a leader and administrator, you make decisions that improve more students’ lives and strengthen your community.

Is getting an online educational leadership degree worth it?

An online educational leadership degree is often a wise investment in your career. A flexible online program can allow you to study as you work. This means you can still teach while you study to qualify for higher-paying jobs like principal, administrator, or program director.

What is the difference between an MBA and a master of educational leadership?

Although both master of business administration (MBA) and master's in educational leadership programs focus on preparing learners for administrative roles, MBAs focus on business skills. An MBA curriculum may include courses on management, marketing, and strategizing, while a master of educational leadership may include classes on instructional design, school finances, and education law.

Master’s in educational leadership

Are you ready to graduate to the next step in your education career? A master’s in educational leadership can help you land administrative roles. Learn more online.

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Why earn a master's in educational leadership online?

Higher paying roles

Online master's in educational leadership programs can prepare you for jobs like administrator, principal, and human resources director.

Professional fulfillment

Decisions you make as an administrator with a master's in educational leadership can impact more students.

Flexible scheduling

Schools often offer master's in educational leadership programs part time, full time, and/or online.

If you're a working teacher, a master's in educational leadership can help you advance your career without taking time away from your classroom. These full- and part-time master's programs enable educators to pursue opportunities as superintendents, principals, and administrators.

Are you interested in exploring the next steps in your education career? This guide discusses the master's in educational leadership application process and outlines what you can do with the degree.

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What can you do with a master's in educational leadership?

A master's in educational leadership gives educators the skills to make overarching policy, budget, and curriculum decisions.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 2% job growth for instructional coordinators from 2023 to 2033, with about 20,100 job openings yearly. For principals at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, the BLS projects a 1% decrease in jobs during the same period. Both careers have slower-than-average job growth over the next decade.

Below are some potential career paths to pursue, with 2023 salary data from the BLS:

Elementary, middle, or high school principal

Public and private school principals oversee daily school functions. As a principal, you create and enforce security measures, compile and report testing data, and coordinate educational and behavioral strategies for parents and students.

Median annual salary: $103,460

Instructional coordinator

Instructional coordinators implement a school system's curriculum. As an instructional coordinator, you choose each grade's pacing, materials, and benchmarks. You also uphold state education standards while helping teachers stay on track in the classroom.

Median annual salary: $74,620

School and career counselors and advisors

School counselors address students' behavioral and educational needs, while career counselors help students prepare to enter the workforce. Both career and school counselors offer resources for students that impact their lives in and out of the classroom.

Median annual salary: $61,710

What should you expect from an online master's in educational leadership program?

Master's in educational leadership programs aim to give educators the knowledge and resources necessary to support students from all backgrounds.

In a master's of educational leadership program, students generally complete 30-36 credit hours and an in-person internship. Many students graduate in one to three years but, depending on optional licensure courses, may take longer.

Specialized tracks within a master of educational leadership degree may include:

Administration and policy
Special education
Principal licensure
Human resources

Online MS in educational leadership curriculum

The curriculum for an online master's in educational leadership often includes two types of coursework: core classes and elective classes. Learners also have the option to study full or part time to earn their degrees.

Core classes build on the foundation from undergraduate study but expand on concepts and techniques. Courses may include:

Human resources in educational settings
Leadership theory
School finance
Educational law

Elective classes often focus on communications, special education, and curriculum and instruction.

Many online master's in educational leadership programs also include in-person internships, as well as practicum courses.

Outside of the master's in educational leadership curriculum, there are many classes available for and , as well as . Learning online offers a great amount of flexibility but requires self-discipline. There are many available to learners.

Admissions requirements for online educational leadership programs

Admissions requirements for master's in educational leadership online programs vary by school. While most programs are accredited, it is important to research any program you're interested in to ensure its accreditation is current. Most programs require applicants to have a from an accredited college or university, with a minimum grade point average.

Most programs also ask for a statement of purpose to ensure that you would be a good fit.

The specific admissions requirements for an online master's in educational leadership programs vary by school. However, many require the following:

Résumé or CV
Letters of recommendation
Official transcripts
Valid teaching credentials
GRE scores

The best way to determine the specific requirements for a program you're interested in is to directly request information from that program. edX hosts a variety of .

For learners interested in education but considering all of their options, there are also other and , as well as master of arts in teaching programs. edX offers many resources you can take advantage of before applying, including a guide on .

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Frequently asked questions

Not ready to start a full Master's program yet?

Earn a MicroMasters® program certificate instead! MicroMasters programs are a series of graduate-level courses from top universities designed to advance your career. MicroMasters program certificates showcase deep learning and in-demand skills to employers and can help you get started on a path toward completing an advanced degree.