Teachers who want to advance in their career beyond the classroom to become a principal or school administrator need to learn leadership and management skills by completing an advanced degree. Choosing one of the programs on this list of the Best Online Masters in Education Management Degrees means you will get a high-quality program without having to take time away from work to upgrade your own education.
Ranking the Top Accredited Online Master’s in Education Management (M.Ed.)
#1 University of CincinnatiExecutive Summary
The University of Cincinnati is one of the top-ranked public universities in the U.S. It has been named as one of the Top 100 “Elite Values” in Higher Education by Money Magazine.
Tuition
In-state students pay $450.00 per credit hour, and out-of-state students are charged $1,076.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The online MSN in Education Leadership program can be completed in as little as two years. The curriculum operates on a cohort system. The pass rate for graduates of this program for the principal licensure exam is 100 percent.
#2 Western Governors University
Executive Summary
Western Governors University was founded by the governors of 19 states. The school operates on a competency approach and its teachers college is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Tuition
Tuition is charged at a flat rate of $2,890.00 per six-month term.
Unique Features
The online Master’s in Educational Leadership program is for licensed teachers who want to become school principals. Students are expected to devote a minimum of 15 hours per week to their studies. In this program, students complete competency units, as opposed to specific numbers of hours in class. A student may be able to complete the program in less time than a standard university degree program.
#3 Liberty University
Executive Summary
Liberty University is a non-profit institution. It is regionally accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Tuition
Tuition is $465.00 per credit hour for full-time students and $505.00 for part-time learners.
Unique Features
The online Master of Education – Administration and Supervision degree prepares students for careers in leadership roles in public, private and Christian schools. Students complete a three-hour internship as one of the requirements for graduation.
#4 Nova Southeastern University
Executive Summary
Nova Southeastern University is a private, not-for-profit educational institution. Its Fischer School of Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Tuition
Students at NSU pay $730.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MS in Education – Management and Administration of Educational Programs degree is open to practicing teachers and trainers, as well as applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree and wish to learn about educational programs. The curriculum includes courses in ethical school leadership, problem solving and visionary leadership, human resources, educational research for practitioners and educational budgeting.
#5 Strayer University
Executive Summary
Strayer University has been offering degree programs for 120 years. The school is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Tuition
Tuition is $2,350.00 per course.
Unique Features
Students must complete 12 courses to graduate from the MS of Education – Teacher Leadership program. It can be completed in as little as 2.25 years of full-time study or 4.5 years of part-time work. Classes run for 11 weeks with a short (one-two week) break between quarters.
#6 Seton Hall University
Executive Summary
Seton Hall is a Catholic university that was founded in 1856. Most students attending the school receive some type of financial aid.
Tuition
The University charges an all-inclusive rate of $25,000, which includes all fees, the cost of the room and meals for the required on-campus visits.
Unique Features
Students enrolled in the MA in Education, Leadership, Management and Policy degree program start their coursework during the summer. The program can be completed in two years of study. Students are required to make two separate residency visits to the campus as part of the requirements for graduation.
#7 LeTourneau University
Executive Summary
LeTourneau is an interdenominational Christian university. It has been ranked as the top online Christian College & University by the Best Colleges for 2011.
Tuition
Graduate students in Education pay $530.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The Master of Education – Education Administration program is available to applicants who have a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a Pre-K-12 school prior to applying for admission. Each course in the program lasts from three-seven weeks.
#8 Brandman University
Executive Summary
Brandman University is a private, non-profit school that has been offering degree programs since 1958. Brandman’s School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Tuition
Graduate students pay $600.00 per credit hour.
Unique Features
The MA in Education – Educational Leadership program is designed for students who wish to become principals or education administrators. Students complete courses in collaborative leadership, 21st century human resource management, and comparative education. They also complete a capstone project.
#9 American College of Education
Executive Summary
The American College of Education is a private, for-profit school. It is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.
Tuition
Tuition is $215.00 per credit hour, making it the cheapest online master’s in education management in this list.
Unique Features
Courses are five weeks in length, and the College offers monthly enrollment. Students take courses in classroom management, community engagement, informed research, and strengthening literacy.
#10 University of New England
Executive Summary
The University of New England has a reputation for academic excellence. It has been ranked as one of the “Best Universities” in the North by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition
Tuition at UNE is $480.00 per credit hour, making it one of the more affordable master’s in education leadership in this ranking.
Unique Features
The online MS in Education – Educational Leadership program is for K-12 teachers who want to move into administrative positions. Students take courses in school law, supervision and evaluation of instructional personnel, organizational theory and strategic planning, and school finance.
EmoticonEmoticon