Fastest Online Master's Programs in Educational Leadership for 2025

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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An online master’s in educational leadership can equip you with the leadership and management knowledge and skills necessary to take on added responsibilities and guide a community of educators and students toward success. Earning this advanced academic credential can help you increase your income or qualify for a promotion.

For comparison, preschool, elementary, middle, secondary and special education teachers in the United States had a median annual wage of $61,960 in May 2024. Meanwhile, education administrators for kindergarten through secondary school had a much higher median wage in the same period, at $104,070, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025).

To help you get started on building your career, I created this in-depth guide to online master’s in educational leadership programs. Explore program curricula, tuition rates, financial aid options, salary potential, and the career outlook of related occupations.

What are the benefits of completing an online master’s program in educational leadership?

• An online master’s in educational leadership can help you land different administrative roles in the academic community, such as elementary school principal, middle school principal, high school principal, postsecondary education administrator, and training and development manager.
• In May 2024, elementary, middle, and high school principals in the US had a median annual wage of $104,070 (US BLS, 2025).
• Earning a master’s degree in educational leadership online prepares educators for administrative roles while integrating innovative, tech-driven learning strategies.

What can I expect from online master’s programs in educational leadership?

Students enrolling in online master's in educational leadership can expect an engaging, structured curriculum designed to develop strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership skills. These programs often include coursework in school law, ethics, curriculum development, and organizational management. Students can also anticipate interactive online discussions, group projects, and access to experienced faculty with real-world expertise.

Most programs incorporate practical components, such as internships or capstone projects, which allow students to apply theory in real educational settings. Additionally, many institutions offer academic advising, career services, and peer networking opportunities. Despite being online, these programs aim to create a supportive, collaborative learning environment that equips graduates to lead schools and educational institutions effectively and confidently.

Where can I work with an online master’s in educational leadership?

In 2023, around 316,600 elementary, middle, and high school principals were employed in the United States (US BLS, 2025). The distribution of these professionals was as follows:

• Local Elementary and Secondary Schools: 75%
• Private Elementary and Secondary Schools: 20%

Meanwhile, about 216,400 postsecondary education administrators worked across the country in the same year. The employers with the largest employment shares of these academic leaders were the following (US BLS, 2025):

• Private Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: 41%
• State Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools: 39%
• Local Junior Colleges: 6%
• State Junior Colleges: 5%

How much can I make with an online master’s in educational leadership?

Education administrators for kindergarten through secondary school in the United States had a median annual wage of $104,070 in May 2024. The figure has a relative percentage difference of nearly 51% when compared with the $61,960 median annual wage of preschool, elementary, middle, secondary, and special education teachers across the country in the same period (US BLS, 2025).

Moreover, education administrators also had a significantly higher median annual wage than the $49,500 median annual wage of all U.S. occupations in May 2024 (US BLS, 2025).

Table of Contents

1. List of Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs in Educational Leadership for 2025
2. How long does it take to complete an online master’s in educational leadership?
3. How does an online master’s in educational leadership compare to an on-campus program?
4. What is the average cost of an online master’s in educational leadership?
5. What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online master’s in educational leadership?
6. What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online master’s in educational leadership?
7. What courses are typically in an online master’s in educational leadership?
8. How does program accreditation influence the quality of online master’s in educational leadership?
9. What types of specializations are available in online master’s in educational leadership?
10. How do you choose the best online master’s in educational leadership?
11. What career paths are available to graduates of online master’s in educational leadership?
12. What is the job market like for graduates of online master’s in educational leadership?
13. Is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership a strategic next step?
14. Other Things You Need to Know about Online Master’s Degree Programs in Educational Leadership

List of Accelerated Online Master’s Degree Programs in Educational Leadership for 2025

Below, I created a list of reputable online master’s in educational leadership programs in the US. The list is based on the research methodology that my team and I established. We collected and analyzed recent data from the IPEDS database, Peterson's database, the College Scorecard database, and the National Center for Education Statistics. Explore these programs and academic institutions to get started on your career.

1. Fitchburg State University

A public academic institution in the state of Massachusetts, Fitchburg State University offers an online non-licensure Master of Education in Education Leadership and Management. The program curriculum consists of 11 courses, including educational law for administrators, using data to improve student learning, as well as school, family, and community partnerships.

• Program Length: 1 year
• Areas of Concentration: Education Leadership and Management
• Program Cost: $12,705
• Required Credits to Graduate: 33 credits
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Students in the program take their foundational teaching skills, develop them, and use them to take on educational-leader roles effectively. The program makes graduates qualified to take the Oklahoma principal certification examination.

• Program Length: 1 year
• Area of Concentration: Educational Leadership
• Program Cost: $9,540
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30 credits
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

3. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University offers an online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership program. The program curriculum includes school and community relations, planning and resource allocation, ethical leadership, curriculum management, as well as leading school improvement.

• Program Length: 20 months
• Areas of Concentration: Elementary School Curriculum; Secondary School Curriculum
• Program Cost: $11,220
• Required Credits to Graduate: 33 credits
• Accreditation: CAEP

4. American Public University System

The American Public University System offers an online Master of Education in Educational Leadership. Students are taught skills in personnel recruitment, mentoring, and management. The program curriculum includes different perspectives on teaching and communicating, personnel and human resource management, as well as emerging issues and trends in education leadership.

• Program Length: At least 1 year
• Areas of Concentration: K-12 Athletic Administration; K-12 Professional Administration; K-12 Virtual School Administration
• Cost per Credit: $455
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36 credits
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Tarleton State University

Tarleton State University offers an online Master of Education in Educational Administration program. The program includes an EC-12 leadership principal certification concentration, which prepares students for the TExES Principal Exam. A superintendent certification concentration is also available, providing students with opportunities to interact with scholar-practitioners.

• Program Length: At least 1.5 years
• Areas of Concentration: EC–12 Leadership Principal Certification; Higher Education Leadership; Educational Technology Leadership
• Cost per Credit: $509.27 (Resident); $775.37 (Non-resident)
• Required Credits to Graduate: 30 to 33 credits
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

How long does it take to complete a fast-track online master’s in educational leadership?

For those wondering, “What is a MED degree, and how long does it take to finish one?” It is a graduate-level credential designed to deepen knowledge in the student’s choice of specialization, including education leadership, teaching, or administration. Those aiming to get an online master's in educational leadership typically finish the program between 1.5 and 3 years, depending on the academic institution, program structure, and a student’s pace.

However, for students who want to obtain their credential faster, several universities offer accelerated online M.Ed. programs in educational leadership that can be completed in as little as 12 to 18 months. These programs are designed for highly motivated individuals and typically require a full-time commitment, heavier course loads, or year-round enrollment.

Most programs require between 30 and 40 credit hours, including core coursework, electives, and a capstone project or internship. Online formats often offer additional flexibility through multiple start dates throughout the year.

Regardless of the pace, students can expect a comprehensive education that prepares them for leadership roles in schools, districts, or other educational settings by the time they complete the program.

How does an online master’s in educational leadership compare to an on-campus program?

When choosing between on-campus and online master's in educational leadership programs, including accelerated master of arts in teaching programs online, prospective students should consider several key differences. The following can impact their learning experience and lifestyle:

• Learning Format: Online master’s in educational leadership programs offer asynchronous or live virtual classes, allowing students to learn from anywhere. In contrast, on-campus programs require physical attendance, which may appeal to students who prefer face-to-face interaction.
• Schedule Flexibility: Online programs usually provide more flexible schedules, enabling students to balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities. On-campus programs often follow a fixed schedule that may be less accommodating for working professionals.
• Networking Opportunities: On-campus students may benefit from in-person networking events, faculty interactions, and campus resources. Online students may be provided with virtual networking tools and discussion boards.

For budget-conscious educators looking to advance their careers, an affordable master's in adult education online offers a practical path. These programs often combine low tuition rates with flexible learning options, making graduate education more accessible without sacrificing quality or credibility.

What is the average cost of an accelerated online master’s in educational leadership?

The cost of an accelerated online master's in educational leadership can vary widely, depending on several key factors. Those seeking the cheapest online educational leadership programs should consider the following:

• Institution Type: Public universities often offer lower tuition rates, especially for in-state residents. Private academic institutions may have higher costs but also have additional resources or prestige.
• Program Length and Credit Requirements: Programs that require more credit hours or offer extended timelines may result in higher overall tuition and fees.
• Additional Fees and Materials: Technology fees, course materials, and licensure preparation costs can add to the total expense.

The chart below provides a visualization of the cost of online master’s in educational leadership programs, according to current tuition data from the featured academic institutions.

What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in an online master’s in educational leadership?

Students pursuing an online master’s in educational leadership, including those exploring accelerated online physical education degrees, have access to financial aid options to help manage tuition costs. These include scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance programs, all of which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket expenses and make graduate education more affordable.

Federal TEACH Grant

Offered by the US Department of Education, the Federal TEACH Grant gives recipients a maximum of $4,000 per student per year. Recipients must be completing or planning to finish coursework for a teaching career. Notably, eligible graduate students must work as a full-time teacher for four elementary or secondary school years at a school or educational service agency (ESA) serving low-income students.

James Madison Graduate Fellowships

The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation provides qualified individuals with educational assistance amounting to $24,000. The foundation aims to give out one fellowship per state each year. Applicants must meet the following requirements to become eligible:

• Be a US citizen
• Be a teacher, or plan to become a teacher, of American history, American government, or civics at the secondary level
• Have a bachelor’s degree or plan to get one before August 31 of the year of application

Minority Teacher Education Scholarship

The Minority Teacher Education Scholarship (MTES) is offered by the Florida Fund for Minority Teachers, Inc. (FFMT). Applicants must be Florida residents enrolled as upper-division undergraduate or graduate students of teacher education programs at participant-institutions. Qualified students get an annual scholarship of $4,000 during their junior or senior years.

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in an online master’s in educational leadership?

Before enrolling in an online master’s in educational leadership program, applicants, including those interested in an accelerated master's degree in instructional design and technology online, must meet several common prerequisites to ensure they are prepared for advanced graduate-level work and leadership responsibilities. Key requirements usually include:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field from an accredited academic institution to demonstrate foundational academic preparation.
• Teaching License or Certification: Most programs require a valid teaching license or certification, as the degree is designed for current educators seeking leadership roles.
• Professional Experience: Many programs expect at least 1 to 3 years of teaching or educational experience to ensure that students bring real-world context to leadership training.
• Letters of Recommendation: Applicants usually need to submit two or three professional or academic references who can attest to their qualifications and leadership potential.
• Statement of Purpose: A written personal statement is often required, explaining the applicant’s motivations and goals for pursuing the degree.

What courses are typically in an online master’s in educational leadership?

Online master’s in educational leadership programs, including an accelerated master’s degree in technology education online, typically offer a comprehensive curriculum designed to prepare educators for leadership roles in schools and districts. Common courses include:

• School Law and Ethics: This course explores legal issues and ethical responsibilities in education, including student rights, teacher liability, and school policy development.
• Educational Leadership and Administration: Students learn about leadership theories, strategic planning, and effective school management practices to lead educational institutions successfully.
• Curriculum Development and Instructional Leadership: This course focuses on designing, implementing, and evaluating curricula, with an emphasis on improving teaching and learning outcomes.
• Organizational Management in Education: Students learn how to manage school operations, including budgeting, resource allocation, and staff supervision, to ensure smooth and effective functioning.
• Research Methods in Education: This course equips students with the skills to analyze educational data, evaluate programs, and apply research findings to drive school improvement.

For those interested in technology integration and leadership, an affordable masters in ed tech online may include similar foundational coursework while emphasizing digital tools, instructional design, and innovation in education.

How does program accreditation influence the quality of online master’s in educational leadership?

Accreditation validates the academic and operational standards of an online master’s in educational leadership program by ensuring adherence to rigorous quality benchmarks set by recognized agencies. Institutions with proper accreditation typically offer updated curricula that align with current educational practices, thereby enhancing student readiness for leadership roles and streamlining credit transfers and financial aid processes. For educators interested in accelerated pathways to advanced credentials, specialized programs like fast online EdD offer a credentialing process that meets these high standards.

What types of specializations are available in online master’s in educational leadership?

Online master's in educational leadership programs often offer specializations or concentrations that allow students to align their studies with specific career goals. Common concentrations include the following:

• Principal or School Administration: This concentration prepares students for leadership roles as principals or assistant principals by focusing on school operations, staff management, and student achievement strategies.
• Higher Education Leadership: Designed for those interested in working at colleges or universities, this specialization explores essential topics, such as postsecondary administration, student affairs, and institutional policy development.
• Curriculum and Instruction Leadership: This track emphasizes the design, implementation, and assessment of instructional programs. It is ideal for educators who want to lead curriculum development or become instructional coordinators.

The chart below provides a visualization of the employment levels of educational leaders in the US in 2023, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

How do you choose the best online master’s in educational leadership?

When selecting the best accelerated online master's in educational leadership program, students should consider several key criteria to ensure that the program aligns with their goals and needs. Important factors include the following

• Accreditation: Choosing a regionally accredited academic institution ensures that the program meets quality standards and that the degree will be recognized by employers and state licensing boards.
• Curriculum and Specializations: Students should review the curriculum to ensure that it covers key leadership topics and offers specializations that match their career interests, such as principal licensure or curriculum leadership.
• Support Services and Flexibility: Strong academic advising, career services, and technical support can greatly enhance the online learning experience. Moreover, programs with flexible scheduling options help students balance coursework with professional and personal responsibilities.

With the growing number of online education degree programs available, taking time to evaluate these elements can help students choose a high-quality, career-aligned program that meets both their academic and practical needs.

What career paths are available to graduates of online master’s in educational leadership?

Graduates of online master's in educational leadership can pursue a variety of impactful careers in education administration and curriculum development. Common career paths include the following:

Instructional Coordinators

These professionals develop and implement curriculum standards, train teachers, and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional materials and teaching techniques. In May 2024, instructional coordinators working in the US had a median annual wage of $74,720 (US BLS, 2025).

Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

Principals oversee daily school operations, manage staff and budgets, enforce discipline policies, and work to create a safe and effective learning environment for students. In May 2024, these educational leaders had a median annual wage of $104,070 (US BLS, 2025).

Graduates interested in this role should also be aware of school principal certification requirements, which vary by state and typically include licensure exams, teaching experience, and completion of an accredited educational leadership program.

Postsecondary Education Administrators

Working at colleges and universities, these administrators handle student services, academic programs, admissions, or departmental management, depending on their role within the academic institution. In May 2024, postsecondary education administrators employed in the US had a median annual wage of $103,960 (US BLS, 2025).

The chart below provides a visualization of the median annual wages of educational leaders in the US in May 2024, according to 2025 data from the US BLS.

What is the job market like for graduates of online master’s in educational leadership?

The job outlook for academic leaders with an online master's in educational leadership in the US remains steady across several key roles. Employment for postsecondary education administrators is projected to grow by 3% from 2023 to 2033, resulting in an average of 15,200 job openings annually.

Moreover, instructional coordinators are expected to see a 2% employment increase during the same period, which translates to about 20,100 job openings each year. And while employment for elementary, middle, and high school principals is forecasted to decline slightly by 1%, approximately 20,800 annual job openings are still expected for these roles.

These figures suggest a decent demand for educational leaders, particularly in curriculum development and higher education administration. An online master’s in educational leadership can position graduates well for opportunities in both growing and stable areas of the education sector.

Is pursuing a doctoral degree in educational leadership a strategic next step?

While a master’s degree lays a strong foundation in leadership and administrative skills, earning a doctoral degree can offer an even more advanced scope of research, policy analysis, and strategic innovation in educational settings. Doctoral programs provide opportunities to engage in high-level research, contribute to academic discourse, and influence systemic change, which may qualify graduates for roles in higher education leadership, policymaking, and consultancy. For professionals seeking an affordable and flexible pathway, exploring cheap online doctoral programs in educational leadership can be a viable option to further enhance career advancement without compromising quality.

Other Things You Need to Know about Online Master’s Degree Programs in Educational Leadership

Is it worth getting a master's in educational leadership?

A master's in educational leadership is worth it if you aim for administrative roles, higher salary, and greater impact in shaping school policies and student outcomes. The degree not only prepares you for positions like principal or curriculum coordinator but also enhances your ability to lead school improvement initiatives.

With growing demand for strong leaders in the education sector, this credential can open doors to long-term career growth and meaningful change in your school community.

What is the best master's degree to get as a teacher?

The best master’s degree for a teacher depends on career goals. A master of education (M.Ed.) degree, curriculum and instruction, or educational leadership enhances teaching skills, opens doors to administrative roles, and increases earning potential. Special education or subject-specific degrees are ideal for deepening expertise in a content area.

What is the highest paying Master's degree in education?

The highest paying master’s degree in education is usually educational leadership or administration. Graduates often become principals, superintendents, or district administrators, earning significantly more than classroom teachers. Other high-paying options include instructional design and education policy, especially when combined with experience and leadership responsibilities.

In May 2024, postsecondary education administrators across the US had a median annual wage of $103,960 (US BLS, 2025).

What is the best leadership style in education?

One of the best leadership styles in education is transformational leadership. It inspires and motivates staff, fosters collaboration, and encourages innovation. By focusing on shared vision and professional growth, transformational leaders create a positive school culture that supports student achievement and teacher development.

References:

• Ma, J., Pender, M., & Oster, M. (2024). Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2024. CollegeBoard. https://research.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/Trends-in-College-Pricing-and-Student-Aid-2024-ADA.pdf
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Instructional Coordinators. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Industry: Cross-industry, Private, Federal, State, and Local Government. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Query System. https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/industry/000000
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, April 18). Postsecondary Education Administrators. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm