[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most education professionals report their jobs as meaningful and highly satisfactory — particularly education administrators. As leaders, education administrators can often effect high-level change for students’ futures.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Professionals interested in this rewarding job should consider continuing their education with an online master’s in education administration. Read more about this degree and explore our top program picks.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Top Online Master’s in Education Administration Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How We Chose These Schools”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]At TheBestSchools, we use trusted data from the U.S. Department of Education to evaluate schools without bias. Our ranking methodology helps prospective students from various backgrounds find the best fit. We consider key factors like academic quality, online offerings, and affordability so every type of student can find the best fit for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This ranking is from 2023. Learn more about how our formula works on [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/ranking-methodology/”]our ranking methodology page[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Choosing the Right Online Education Administration Master’s Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Each online master’s in educational administration program offers a unique curriculum and focus. Students should carefully consider which school provides the program most aligned with their experience, interests, and career goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, some programs take a general approach to [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-educational-leadership/”]education leadership[/hen-ui-link], while others offer principal, special education, or higher education administration specializations. Admission requirements also vary.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools commonly expect each applicant to have an active teaching license and professional experience. However, some schools accept students with non-teaching backgrounds, particularly for general or policy concentrations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other important considerations include accreditation and cost. Institutional accreditation confirms that the entire school offers high-quality coursework, while programmatic accreditation indicates that a department or program within the school meets quality standards from third parties like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Tuition rates for online master’s degrees in educational administration vary depending on the number of required credits, the school’s prestige, and state residency. Additional expenses like technology and book fees can also impact the total cost.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can apply for federal loans and grants by filling out the [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/online-college-financial-aid/”]Free Application for Federal Student Aid[/hen-ui-link] (FAFSA), provided their chosen school holds institutional accreditation. They can also apply for [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/college-finances/scholarships/”]merit- and need-based scholarships[/hen-ui-link] to help cover the costs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Find out how to become a teacher in your state” href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-article-card title=”Explore the best online master’s in teaching” href=”/rankings/masters/best-online-masters-teaching/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect From an Education Administration Graduate Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Explore the Education Administration Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Coursework varies by program, but the following list covers several common master’s in education administration classes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Principalship: This course introduces students to school principals’ requirements and obligations. Students explore how responsibilities differ for elementary, middle, and high school principals. They may also roleplay and participate in discussions to identify solutions.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Human Resource Management: Enrollees explore how to recruit, hire, and place professionals in educational settings. They also may consider management theories and practices that prepare them to effectively place and compensate personnel.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Instructional Strategies and Models: This course explores the different ways young people learn. Enrollees may review research that explains students’ learning orientations and which instructional methods are most effective.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Staff Evaluation and Development: This course offers an overview of development and supervision strategies. Students may perform classroom evaluations, create staff development plans, and communicate with professionals under their supervision.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Understand Certifications and Licenses[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many education administration careers require licensure. For example, a principal typically must hold a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link] and a state-issued license to qualify for job opportunities. However, most higher education administrators do not need licenses. [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/teaching-requirements-by-state/”]Requirements vary by state[/hen-ui-link], so prospective school administrators should research the terms in the state where they plan to work.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Master’s in Education Administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master of education administration degree can pave the way for school or program management careers. Degree-seekers typically choose this degree to enter administrative roles outside the classroom that still positively influence student outcomes, curriculums, and programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Career options for graduates with master’s degrees in education administration have varied salary potential. For example, a preschool director earns a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/preschool-and-childcare-center-directors.htm” target=”_blank”]median salary of $54,290[/hen-ui-link], according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, postsecondary education administrators and school principals each earn median salaries of [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm” target=”_blank”]more than $100,000[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing credentials, like certifications, licensure, or a doctoral degree, may also affect job prospects and salaries for education administrators. For instance, admissions officers may only need a master’s degree for employment, but a Ph.D. may be required for a dean position. Similarly, some school districts may prefer superintendent candidates with doctorates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Careers for Education Administration Graduates[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Annual Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth Rate (2023-2033)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Principal[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$103,460[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]-1%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Preschool Director[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$54,290[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]-2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Instructional Coordinator[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$74,620[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]+2%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Counselor[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$61,710[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]+4%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]School Library Media Specialist[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$64,370[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]+3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Postsecondary Education Administrator[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job”]$102,610[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Annual Salary”]+3%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”border-b-4 border-primary-700 pb-1″]Popular Questions About Master’s in Education Administration[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is a master’s in education administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A master of education administration prepares students to pursue advanced roles in education as instructional coordinators and school principals. Programs vary among schools but typically require 30-40 credits, with courses exploring multicultural education, school administration, and public school law.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the best master’s degree for a principal?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A principal usually needs a master of education administration or a similar degree, which includes courses like personnel administration, school and community relations, and school leadership. Some states may require principals to have a school administration license in addition to a master’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Is a master’s in Education Administration worth it?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes — salaries for professionals with educational administration degrees are strong. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes119032.htm” target=”_blank”]The BLS[/hen-ui-link] reports that kindergarten through secondary education administrators earned an average annual wage of $111,060.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]How long does it take to get a master’s in education administration?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Program lengths vary for online master’s degrees in education administration. Typically, students can finish their coursework in around two years. Most programs require 30-36 credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]What is the difference between educational administration and educational management?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]School management involves overseeing operations for an educational institution, while education administrators direct and organize on a higher level. For instance, school managers might monitor teachers’ work performance, while educational administrators create educators’ policies and standards.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”1405,1361,10652″][/hen-ui-article-row]