This is a list of schools and programs that focus on the Top 15 Cheapest Online Master’s in Education Administration in the United States. Professionals in the world of academia understand how important it is that accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration programs are now becoming commonplace.
With schools requiring more qualified candidates to provide students with a properly run educational institution, working professionals are heeding the call by going back to school. Now that they have access to online programs, the field will evolve to ensure that every student is given an adequate education so that they can reach their own goals.
But in order to do that, working educators need access to accelerated and flexible online programs to get an educational leadership degree. This demand for affordable online master’s comes from the fact that many educators work full-time or even over-time in their careers and need a program that can fit their needs. They also need programs that are affordable to ensure they can graduate; all three factors can be found in each of the schools listed below.
Methodology
The National Center for Education Statistics served as the source of all research for this ranking. An astounding 200 schools made the initial cut for this ranking just by meeting the criteria for being fully online or low-residency programs.
Other factors, such as time to completion rates and tuition rates were also considered. The final 15 schools were chosen based on in-state graduate tuition rates. They are listed below in descending order.
Ranking Low-Cost Accelerated Master’s in Educational Administration
15. Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana
Online Master of Arts in Education in Educational Administration and Supervision
Tuition: $14,760
Ball State University confers a two-year accelerated online master’s in educational administration that is perfect for students seeking advanced licensure. Ambitious students may be able to complete this degree in as little as 18 months.
This 100 percent online degree that will provide students with a pathway towards earning Indiana’s K-12 building-level administration and supervision license. It is also consistently recognized by both U.S. News and World Report and the Educational Leadership Constituency Council.
Students will complete the majority of their curriculum requirements through asynchronous and synchronous courses, all of which follow the traditional 16-week term schedule and are found through the school’s virtual portal. The affordable online master’s program requires a two-term internship that takes place in both an elementary and secondary school.
Students can expect to complete 36 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Educational Finance and Ethics, school improvement, educational and psychological research, teacher leadership, Supervision of Instruction, and Introduction to Educational Leadership.
14. Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration Online
Tuition: $14,655
The affordable accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that can be earned at Sam Houston State University is perfect for working professionals who are ready to move into administrative positions within the education industry. Please note that this degree does not offer access to advanced licensure in the state of Texas. It is for licensed educators only. This is a career-focused practical degree that also comes with the option for students to pursue an additional Academic Advising Certificate or the Certificate in Higher Education Assessment and Institutional Research.
Students will find that this program is offered 100 percent online with no residency requirements. All courses are available on the school’s virtual platform and are held in live or on-demand courses. The school follows the traditional academic term format, enabling part-time students who also take part in the summer term to complete this degree in as little as two years.
Full-time students may be able to complete the degree in less than 18 months. This degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours without certification and 36 credit hours with certification, a thesis or creative project, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. More information on program requirements and course offerings can be found by calling the graduate admissions office.
13. The University of South Dakota
Vermillion, South Dakota
Online Master of Arts in Educational Administration
Tuition: $14,429
The University of South Dakota provides students with the chance to take on a two-year accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that can lead to certification in the state. There are two concentrations: Adult and Higher Education or Pre-K-12 Principal Specialization.
The latter offers a pathway to licensure. This degree is offered 100 percent online with the exception of the internship that may accompany a student’s specialization; this internship will take place in a student’s community within South Dakota and must be under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
Courses are offered asynchronously and synchronously through the school’s learning management system and feature flexible scheduling, small class sizes, and professors and faculty who regularly interact with students. The program follows the traditional academic term format and its possible for students to meet all of the requirements within two years.
This degree requires a minimum of 33 credit hours of coursework, an internship or field experience, a portfolio, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Elementary School Administration, Special Education Law for School Administrators, school improvement, teacher leadership, and School and Community Relations.
12. The University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville, Texas
MEd in Educational Leadership Online
Tuition: $13,750
Students at the University of Texas of the Rio Grande Valley are offered a one year Master’s in Educational Administration online degree that has a focus on diversity and multicultural learners. It is important to note that at this time, the degree does not lead to principal or advanced licensure; it will not be a good fit for professionals who do not already hold this licensure.
Students will be given access to an affordable online master’s program that is delivered 100 percent online with no residency requirements. Courses are offered either as live or on-demand offerings and run in 7-week blocks.
This makes it possible for students to take either one or two courses per term and graduate in less than a year. While this degree does not require an internship, students should be aware that some of the more advanced courses do require evidence of field-based experience.
Other requirements for this degree include 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone seminar, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Ethics and School Law, Instructional Leadership for Diverse Learners, school improvement, ethical leadership, teacher leadership, and Administration of Human Resources and Budgeting.
11. The University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership Certification
Tuition: $13,745
The University of West Florida is home to an exceptional accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that is designed to prepare educators for advancement in their career. With most students completing the degree in as little as 18 months, this program is perfect for those who are interested in moving into roles such as dean, vice principal, or principal.
This program is fully accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Preparation. While this degree does not lead to licensure in the state of Florida, students who already hold advanced licensure will be prepared for administration roles.
The program is conferred 100 percent online and features six start dates every year. Students will find that courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously on the school’s virtual platform and can be completed in eight-week blocks.
This makes it possible for an ambitious student who takes on two courses per term to turn this program into a one-year online Master’s in Educational Administration. This degree requires 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone seminar, and a comprehensive exit exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Measurement, Principles of Curriculum Development, school improvement, teacher leadership, and Data-Driven Decisions Using Standardized Student Achievement Data.
10. Indiana State University
Terre Haute, Indiana
MEd in Online School Administration and Supervision Online
Tuition: $13,596
Educators who are interested in an accelerated online Master’s in Educational Leadership that can be completed in two years will want to research Indiana State University. The program features a curriculum that adheres to the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards and is fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
This is a low-residency program that requires students to attend campus three weekends every semester. The internship that accompanies this program must also be completed in Indiana, meaning that only students in the state will be eligible for this degree.
Students will find that the majority of the curriculum is delivered online through asynchronous and synchronous courses that are held in 16-week sessions. An internship is also required for graduation and must be completed in a student’s community under the supervision of a preceptor.
Students who take two or three courses a term will be able to graduate within two years. This program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework, a culminating experience, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Foundations of Educational Leadership, school improvement, Legal Aspects of Educational Administration, curriculum management, and Research in Education.
9. Wayne State College
Wayne, Nebraska
Online Master of Science in Education in School Administration
Tuition: $13,005
Wayne State College offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that comes with a variety of options. Students can choose to earn certifications in School Administration (7-12), School Administration (PK-8), School Administration (PK-12), educational leadership programs, and Athletic Administration.
It is also possible to earn endorsements in these areas as well. The program and all of its certificates are fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation as well as the Nebraska Department of Education. This is a wholly online program that is open to educators and pre-service professionals who wish to work in the state.
Students will find that their curriculum is delivered through the school’s virtual portal and is either asynchronous or synchronous. Courses run in the traditional 16-week session and full-time students will be able to complete this degree in two years.
The degree also requires an internship that will take place in a student’s community with the supervision of an approved preceptor. Requirements for this degree include 36 credit hours of coursework, internships, the ETS Praxis II Exam, and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Principal as an Instructional Leaders, public school law, multicultural education perspectives, professional learning communities, school improvement, School Law, and Supervision of Instruction.
8. The University of North Texas
Denton, Texas
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership, Texas Principal Certification
Tuition: $11,000
The 12-month online Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of North Texas was built for working Texas educators who are ready to advance in their career but don’t want to have to attend a traditional program in order to do so.
The affordable online master’s program will provide a pathway for students to sit for the Texas Examination of Education Standards for Principal Certification. This is a wholly online program that features five start dates every year and full accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
Students will find their courses are generally asynchronous and can be accessed at any time. Courses are found on the school’s virtual portal and run in eight-week sessions, making it possible for a student who takes just two courses per term to complete the degree in 10 months.
Students can expect to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, an internship in their community, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include Professional Development and Supervision, Administration of the K-12 Curriculum, educational leadership programs, school improvement, public school law, and Administration and Leadership for Student Educational Services.
7. Emporia State University
Emporia, Kansas
Master of Science in Educational Administration Online
Tuition: $10,296
Emporia State University confers a 12-month master’s online in educational administration degree that will provide students with the chance to earn building-level licensure in the state of Kansas. This degree was built specifically for working educators and features a curriculum that can be taken part-time in order to be more convenient for students. This degree is fully accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Students will complete their asynchronous and synchronous courses 100 percent online through the school’s learning management system and will never have to attend campus. Courses run in six-week sessions, making it possible for students who study part-time to complete the degree in as little as one year.
This program requires 33 credit hours of coursework, an internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written and oral exit exam. Sample courses include Educational Law and Regulations, educational leadership programs, school improvement, Supporting Technology Integration for School Leaders, and Supervision and Evaluation.
6. The University of Texas at the Permian Basin
Odessa, Texas
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Tuition: $9,722
The one-year accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that is provided by the University of Texas of the Permian Basin is perfect for students who have their sights set on becoming leaders in their community. This degree is fully accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and is consistently ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
It is possible to earn principal licensure with this degree; however, this option is only open to students with a Texas primary teaching license and who complete the internship requirement within the state. This is a 100 percent online program with no residency requirements.
Students will complete their asynchronous and synchronous coursework online on the school’s virtual platform. The program features six start dates a year and eight-week sessions, making it possible for students who take just two courses per term to complete the degree in 10 months.
Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a practicum or internship, a capstone project, and a comprehensive written an oral exam. Sample courses include School Public Relations, School Human Resources Management, educational research, school improvement, educational leadership program, and Instructional Leadership Management.
5. The University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
Tuition: $8,613
The University of Wyoming is home to an accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that can be completed in as little as two years. Students will find that this is a comprehensive practical education degree.
There are two options: Educational Administration and K-12 Educational Leadership. It is possible for students who work and reside in the state to sit for principal certification. All courses available in this degree are asynchronous and can be found on the school’s learning management system.
Students will complete their courses in the traditional 16-week term format; all requirements are generally met within two years when students study part-time and take advantage of the summer term. This degree also requires an internship that must be completed in the student’s community under the supervision of an approved preceptor.
Other requirements include a capstone seminar and a comprehensive written exit exam. Sample courses include Leadership for School and Community Relations, educational leadership program, Special Education Law, educational research, school improvement, and Leadership for Democratic Schools.
4. Concordia University Chicago
River Forest, Illinois
Online Master of Arts in Educational Administration
Tuition: $8,100
Students who are interested in an accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration will find a great program at Concordia University Chicago. This school provides a 100 percent online program that is available to be completed in as little as one year for full-time students and two years for part-time students.
This affordable online master’s program will not lead to state licensure, so students who are interested in certification as a principal will want to look elsewhere. All courses are available online through the school’s virtual portal and may be asynchronous or synchronous.
Courses run in eight-week, 12-week, or 16-week sessions and are marked with their session length in the registration process. Students will also be required to complete 33 credit hours of coursework, a capstone experience, the School Evaluation and Change Process, and a comprehensive exit exam. Sample courses include Ethics of School leadership, School Finance and Business Management, educational leadership program, school improvement, and Research in Education.
3. Henderson State University
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
Online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership
Tuition: $8,070
Henderson State University offers students the chance to earn an accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that comes complete with the chance to earn building-level or district-level administrative licenses within the state of Arkansas. Students will find that this program’s curriculum is aligned with the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium, the Educational Leadership Constituent Council, and and the International Society for Technology in Education.
This is a 100 percent online program that does not require campus residency. All courses can be completed online through the school’s learning management system and follow the traditional academic term structure.
Students will be able to complete this degree in two years. This program requires 30 credit hours of coursework, 217 internship hours, a portfolio review, and an exit interview. Sample courses include Organizational Leadership, school improvement, School and Community Relations, and School Law.
2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Durant, Oklahoma
Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership — Academic Track
Tuition: $7,950
The accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration at Southeastern Oklahoma State University was designed for educators who need access to a degree that can be completed in one year. Students should note that this degree will not lead to principal licensure. This is a wholly online course of study that requires no campus residency.
Students will complete their assignments and attend classes through the school’s virtual portal and will find that their courses run in eight-week sessions. This makes it possible for students to attend class part-time and still graduate within one year.
Students will be expected to complete 30 credit hours of coursework, a capstone seminar, and a comprehensive written and oral exam. Sample courses include School Operations Management, School Counseling Orientation and Ethical Practice, and Older, educational research, school improvement, Struggling Readers and English Language Learners.
1. Lamar University
Beaumont, Texas
Online Master of Education in Education Administration
Tuition: $7,050
Lamar University is home to an affordable accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration that was built for working educators who require access to a two-year degree that will lead to licensure in the state of Texas. This degree was the first one offered 100 percent online at the university and remains the largest online graduate program at the school.
Courses for this most affordable online master program are delivered through the school’s learning management system and feature interactive synchronous courses, asynchronous courses that can be downloaded for further studying, small class sizes, and experienced professors who have been trained to teach online courses.
Students will find that courses last 16 weeks during the academic year and range from four to eight weeks during the summer. It is possible to complete this degree in less than two years if students take three courses each term, including the summer term. Internships are required for this degree and will take place in a student’s community with supervision from an approved preceptor. Other requirements include 30 credit hours of student learning coursework and a competency exam. Sample courses include Instructional Leadership, educational research, Human Resource Development, and School Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Career Options for an Accelerated Master’s in Educational Administration Degree?
- Elementary and Secondary School Administrator
- Instructional Coordinator
- Post Secondary School Administrator
- Principal
- Academic Officer
- Dean of Students
- Assistant Principal
- Academic Advisor
- Assistant Dean of Students
- Education Program Coordinator
- College Admissions Counselor
- Instructional Designer
- school principals
How Much Can You Earn in this Field?
The current salary range for the field of educational administration ranges from $30,000 to $130,000. The lower range of salaries correlates to entry-level positions, public school administration posts, and nonprofit education program employment. The higher range of salaries can be found at the college and university level in supervisory positions, or as the heads of private secondary schools.
Professionals should note that higher salaries require additional education and training past the master’s level in the form of qualifications such as certifications and endorsements. Many schools provide a pathway to sit for these qualifications, but it falls to the student to research their educational leadership degree program to ensure it meets the requirements for the endorsement they are seeking. It is also important to note that higher salaries do come with more work experience, so those who are interested in higher wages should focus on earning work experience in that field.
What are the various disciplines of educational administration?
Educational administration is a subfield found in educational leadership; most employers do not recognize the difference between the two. However, this field requires more attention to the daily operations of education because professionals have direct client contact, most often with students and their parents. An educational leadership master is one of the online graduate education programs
Educational leadership is a field where students must understand education, administration, leadership, lifespan development, computers, the internet, psychology, and sociology. Additionally, students will need to be competent in both hard and soft skills as they are working with students on a regular basis. They are also tasked in some cases with understanding human resources, accounting, finance, and grant writing.
Educational administration is key to an institution providing the best possible service to its students. Whether this includes young children or working adults, every elementary school, secondary school, college, university, and educational institute requires professionals who can keep the programs running. An accelerated online Master’s in Educational Administration is the best way for these busy working professionals to advance their careers while working to ensure that the educational needs of their students are also being met.
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