Most Affordable Online Master's In Educational Administration Degrees

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $637
Out-of-State | $637

Credits to Graduate: 36

The online master's in higher education administration from SNHU has a flexible format with no set class times, allowing learners to complete assignments on their own schedules. The program requires 27 major-specific credits covering program evaluation, contemporary issues in education, and data-driven decision-making. 

Each student also chooses nine elective credits to round out their program, with options like educational policymaking, community college administration, and human behavior in organizations. 

This program doesn't require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Programmatic Accreditation: Texas State Board for Educator Certification

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $367
Out-of-State | $1,030

Credits to Graduate: 30

Students can complete TAMIU's online master of science in educational administration in just 10 months, thanks to its accelerated format with seven-week courses. The program prepares enrollees to pursue principal certification in Texas through courses in public school law, curriculum evaluation, and issues affecting educational leaders. Each learner also completes an 80-hour practicum shadowing a school administrator.

For program admission, an applicant must have a valid Texas teaching certificate with at least two years of teaching experience.

Programmatic Accreditation: Texas State Board for Educator Certification

Cost per Year:
In-State | $8,026
Out-of-State | $18,084

Credits to Graduate: 36

Texas A&M's master's in educational administration offers a preK-12 educational leadership concentration for diversity-focused educational leaders. Students move through the program with a cohort, with each learner required to hold a valid Texas teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience.

The online program takes two years to complete, including three one-semester internships, which must occur in person in an approved educational setting. Learners must also attend a one-weekend on-campus training during their second spring semester.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $661
Out-of-State | $1,507

Credits to Graduate: 33

UMSL's M.Ed. in educational administration prepares current K-12 teachers to pursue roles as principals, superintendents, and higher education leaders. Key courses include character education and development, data-driven instruction and team leadership, and leadership for equity.

Each student also completes a 300-hour clinical experience in a K-12 educational setting, with 50 hours in their choice of elementary or secondary-level education. UMSL requires an applicant to have at least three years of preK-12 teaching experience. The university gives preference to students minimum GPAs of 3.0 GPA in their undergraduate coursework.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Cost per Year:
In-State | $11,934
Out-of-State | $11,934

Quarter Units to Graduate: 45

The MS in educational administration from NU offers a preliminary administrative services credential option for teachers interested in pursuing educational administration roles in California. The online program is open for enrollment throughout the year, allowing students to begin when it best fits their schedules.

Classes are just four weeks long each, covering instructional leadership and strategies for professional growth, school improvement, and community involvement. Students can also opt for internship placements to receive supervised administration experience.

Programmatic Accreditation: Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $342
Out-of-State | $342

Credits to Graduate: 30

Known as the school's largest online graduate program, LU's master of education in administration explores school law, human resource management, and accountable leadership for future principals and administrator roles. A two-part internship helps students learn the responsibilities and expectations of school leaders while under the direct supervision of faculty, campus mentors, and school administrators.

An applicant must have at least two years of teaching experience and be employed at a Texas Education Agency-approved school. LU also requires a minimum 3.0 GPA throughout the program. 

Programmatic Accreditation: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Cost per Unit:
In-State | $530
Out-of-State | $530

Credits to Graduate: 30

Students enrolled in CSUSM's MA in educational administration can also receive a California preliminary administrative services credential for K-12 administration roles. The online program is cohort-based and can be completed in about 12 months. School finance, teaching culture, and leadership in diverse societies are among the topics covered in the curriculum.

Through a three-part seminar, each learner researches, improves, writes, and defends a thesis. The program also requires two in-person field experiences, during which students work with supervisors on leadership-focused tasks and projects. 

Programmatic Accreditation: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Cost per Unit:
In-State | $1,542
Out-of-State | $1,542

Credits to Graduate: 32

The MA in school administration from LMU allows learners to pursue California's preliminary administrative services credential, which can open the doors to leadership positions in public and private schools. While all courses are online, the program requires students to attend a synchronous online class on Saturdays for its six core classes, like business of education and responding to diversity. 

Each applicant must have a valid California teaching credential and at least five years of full-time teaching experience for admission. 

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $1,110
Out-of-State | $1,110

Credits to Graduate: 30

GW's master's in educational leadership and administration prepares learners for administrative licensure in Washington, D.C. Enrollees can take two online eight-week courses at a time to finish the program in about two years or less. 

Key courses include administrative issues in education and resource management for school leaders. An in-person internship wraps up the program as students get firsthand experience completing tasks and making decisions as a school administrator.

Each applicant submits transcripts, a resume, a statement of purpose, and two letters of recommendation and may be required to complete an interview.

Programmatic Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Cost per Credit:
In-State | $319
Out-of-State | $319

Credits to Graduate: 30

CU's MA in educational administration focuses on principalship for preK-12 grades. The online program typically takes two years to complete, but students can transfer up to 12 credits from other institutions to decrease their time to completion.

The online program explores curriculum design, diversity, human resources, school law and finance, and staff evaluation. Learners also complete 50 intern hours in person, divided among elementary, middle, and high school settings. 

An applicant must have at least three years of classroom teaching experience for admission.