Best Online Master’s In Educational Administration Degrees

A ranking of the best online master's in educational administration programs. Programs ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.

Updated on February 23, 2023

If you have a can-do spirit and a passion for education at all levels, one of the best online Educational Administration degrees is a smart choice for you.

As an educational administrator, it will be your job to make sure every aspect of a school runs smoothly. You might work at the elementary, secondary, or collegiate level, but no matter where you are placed, your daily work will allow you to monitor student success and ensure overall achievement by students, faculty, and staff. You could work at a public or private school as a principal, superintendent, dean, or admissions professional – among countless other rewarding, high-paying positions.

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What kind of Educational Administration degree should you get?

The best Educational Administration degrees will provide you with real-life experiences in all facets of the discipline. You should look for a program that includes a range of courses taught by diverse, experienced faculty members. You should also find a program that fits within your current life situation and future career goals.

That being said, an online degree is often the most realistic option for graduate students. Aspiring educational administrators often are already working as teachers or university employees, meaning they need to find a degree that will meet their career goals without requiring them to leave their current positions. An online degree will allow you to attend classes and complete coursework on your own schedule, allowing you the best of both worlds.

If you want a program that's guaranteed to take full advantage of online education, cross-check this list with College Choice's Best Online Colleges and Universities.

How much money do people make with an Educational Administration degree?

With an Educational Administration degree, you will be qualified to work in a number of settings. In general, most candidates go on to work as high-level managers in a higher education setting, or as a principal, superintendent or other administrator in a K-12 school. If you are working as a postsecondary administrator, you can expect to earn around $92,360 per year, but more as you gain experience.

As an administrator in a K-12 setting, you may earn slightly more, averaging $97,440 per year. Both of these salaries vary widely depending on the state of residence and years of experience. However, the outlook for all positions is excellent, with these fields seeing an average of nine percent growth by 2026.

What can you do with a degree in Educational Administration?

You will be qualified to work in a number of fields with a degree in Educational Administration, especially if you pursue a degree that offers the ability to concentrate in a particular area. For example, if you have a concentration in Higher Education Administration, you may find yourself working behind the scenes at a college or university. You could work in admissions, financial aid, student services, or even athletics.

If you have a concentration in Elementary or Secondary Administration, you might work as a building principal, director of special education services, or even superintendent of schools. You may be in charge of athletics, buildings and grounds, or another important aspect of a school's overall functioning.

What do all areas, regardless of location, have in common? On a day to day basis, you will be charged with ensuring a school is running properly. You will be in charge of curriculum and program development and budgeting, as well as managing students and other personnel concerns.

What are the requirements for a degree in Educational Administration?

To be eligible for admission to a graduate program in Educational Administration, you will usually need to have a background in another education-related field. That might mean you already possess an undergraduate degree in teaching, learning, curriculum development, or a similar content area. You may already be working as an educator and have experience in a real classroom.

Most programs will require you to submit evidence of a bachelor's degree, along with standardized test scores and a teaching certificate. While enrolled in a program, you will take classes in topics like management, school finances, and educational law and policy. Look for a program that includes hands-on practicum hours so that you can log some experience in a real school. A capstone course may also be required.

What are the best Educational Administration degrees?

Not all programs are built alike. When we compiled our rankings, we looked at factors like student satisfaction (as determined by retention rates and the quality of student services), tuition costs, faculty credentials, and class sizes.

We also valued student job placement and postgraduate success in compiling our rankings.What results is a list of the highest quality and highest value programs in the country for you to consider as you begin your journey to become an educational leader.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

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Best Online Master's In Educational Administration Degrees