Online Master's in Educational Leadership

A principal's license comes from a state education agency, not a university, and that fact sorts online leadership programs faster than any ranking. A fully online master's can prepare you for certification in your state, but only if its coursework and clinical hours match that state's administrator standards.

Admission has loosened too. Many educational leadership master's programs now waive the GRE for licensed teachers with classroom experience, putting a two-year degree within reach of someone who cannot attend campus.

What stays fixed is the practicum. No online format shortens the field hours a state requires before it issues a principal's license.

Which Accreditations Matter Before You Apply: CAEP, Regional and State Approval

University of West Florida's online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership holds CAEP accreditation through spring 2030 and Florida Department of Education approval.¹ Both stamps matter, and both are worth checking before you apply.

The three layers

• Institutional accreditation: covers the whole university and governs federal aid and credit transfer, not licensure.
• CAEP accreditation: the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation reviews the educator preparation provider. It is a quality signal.
• State program approval: your state education agency authorizes a specific program for its principal or building-level administrator license.

State approval decides eligibility

CAEP is not a license and is not legally required in every state, though states may weigh it. State approval is what makes a graduate eligible for the credential. Mississippi State's online M.S. in School Administration holds CAEP provider accreditation through 2029 and Mississippi Department of Education approval through March 2027.² Cincinnati's online M.Ed. is CAEP-accredited and Ohio-approved, and the university tells out-of-state candidates to confirm their home state's rules.³

A three-step check

• Step 1: Read the school's accreditation page for dates, not logos.
• Step 2: Search your state agency's approved-program list for the program by name.
• Step 3: Ask admissions in writing whether it leads to the license where you teach, and keep the reply.

Status for the programs named here was confirmed from university and state sources; expiration dates move and reciprocity varies, so verify both yourself. Online delivery refers to coursework only: Southeastern Oklahoma State still requires an internship with a faculty mentor.⁴

Best Fully Online Educational Leadership Master's Programs of 2027

Every program below is delivered fully online, so no full campus residency is required; only Texas A&M and the University of Virginia ask for a short campus visit, one weekend and one summer session respectively. What separates them is fit: the state licensure each degree feeds, the credit load, and how much of the program happens in the field.

Rank	School	Location	Net price	Best for
#1	Florida State University	Tallahassee, FL	~$11,000/yr (est.)	Florida teachers pursuing principal certification
Florida State University runs its educational leadership master's fully online, with a cohort model and field assignments completed at the student's own school. Two majors let candidates aim at a building-level principalship through leadership and administration, or at district, agency and nonprofit policy work through education policy and evaluation. The administration route is state-approved, aligns to the Florida Principal Leadership Standards, and leads to Florida Level 1 certification, and the program carries a strong national ranking from U.S. News. Educational Leadership & Policy, MS — Online 33 to 36 credit hours, fully online Tracks: Educational Leadership/Administration, Education Policy & Evaluation U.S. News ranks the program No. 12 nationally Administration track prepares for principal and district roles Policy track points to agency and nonprofit roles Each major has a dedicated program specialist Visit Website Educational Leadership/Administration, MS — Online Built for Florida PK-12 educators in a cohort model Aligned to the Florida Principal Leadership Standards Leads to Florida Level 1 certification Six part-time semesters at 6 credits per term No GRE required starting spring 2026 3.0 GPA and two years of Florida teaching experience required Median earnings one year after finishing: $51,647 Visit Website
#2	University of Virginia	Charlottesville, VA	~$24,000/yr (est.)	Working educators who need part-time evenings
The University of Virginia delivers its administration and supervision master's part time and online, with evening classes and a cohort that moves through the program together. Two routes let first-time master's students take 30 credits while educators who already hold a master's finish in 24, and both include an embedded administrative internship. The degree prepares graduates for PreK-12 administration licensure in Virginia and for the School Leaders Licensure Assessment, and Virginia educators pay a discounted rate. Administration & Supervision, M.Ed., Master's — Online 30 credits for first-time master's students 24-credit route for educators who already hold a master's Embedded administrative internship in both routes Part-time evening online classes with an annual summer residency Prepares for PreK-12 administration licensure and the SLLA Four to five semesters with a cohort model Median earnings one year after finishing: $63,369 Visit Website
#3	Texas A&M University-College Station	College Station, TX	~$12,000/yr (est.)	Aspiring principals who want internship depth
Texas A&M's educational administration master's runs as a two-year online cohort that pairs 36 credits of coursework with two semesters of internship, so candidates practice the job while they study. The curriculum covers instructional leadership, school culture, legal and fiscal management, and community engagement, all pointed at Texas principal certification. Distance students come to campus for one weekend in their second year, and admission runs on a teaching certificate, two years of classroom experience and a faculty interview rather than an entrance exam. M.Ed. in Educational Administration (PK-12 Educational Leadership and Policy), Master's — Online 36 credit hours over a two-year cohort Two semesters of internship built into the degree One required weekend on campus during the second year Leads to Texas principal certification and the TExES exam Requires a PK-12 teaching certificate and two years of experience Faculty interview in place of an entrance exam Fall start with an April 1 application deadline Median earnings one year after finishing: $60,647 Visit Website
#4	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities	Minneapolis, MN	~$22,000/yr (est.)
Minnesota's online master's in leadership in education is built for K-12 educators who want a broad leadership degree rather than a single licensure track. Thirty credits across 11 courses, half of them electives, let students shape the degree around technology, staff development, reading or administration, and there is no thesis or capstone to finish. Graduates move into principal roles, instructional coaching, special education directorships and teacher leadership, and the program admits students without an entrance exam. MEd in Leadership in Education — Online No entrance exam 30 credits across 11 courses, finished in under two years No thesis or capstone required 14 elective credits for a self-designed focus No entrance exam required Fall, spring and summer start terms 2.8 GPA minimum and two recommendation letters Up to 9 transfer credits accepted Visit Website
#5	Western Governors University	Salt Lake City, UT	~$9,000/yr (est.)
Western Governors University runs a competency-based master's in educational leadership that lets licensed teachers move through 13 courses at their own pace, with most graduates finishing within 23 months. Flat six-month terms mean faster completion costs less, and a program mentor stays with each student from the first day. The curriculum aligns with national leadership standards and closes with a capstone project, and the degree is not available in a handful of states, so licensure eligibility is worth checking before applying. Master of Science in Educational Leadership — Online Rolling admissionsMilitary benefits Competency-based and self-paced, 13 courses total About 60% of graduates finish within 23 months Flat-rate tuition per six-month term Rolling admissions with 12 start dates a year Aligned with NELP and PSEL standards, capstone required Not available in AL, CT, GA, HI, IA, KS or MN Median earnings one year after finishing: $71,905 Visit Website
#6	The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley	Edinburg, TX	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has built one of the quickest routes to a principal certificate in this group: 30 credits, 10 courses and 10 months, delivered in 7-week online terms with new start points running into 2027. The curriculum leans on data-driven decisions, ethics and diversity, curriculum leadership and budgeting, and students complete 160 hours of field-based practicum. The program is designed for educators serving diverse learners, including English language learners, and principal certification is included in the degree. Master of Education in Educational Leadership — Online 30 credits, 10 courses, 10 months 7-week terms with start points running into 2027 160 field-based practicum hours Principal certification included in the degree 3.0 GPA minimum and no application fee Focus on English language learners and diverse schools Median earnings one year after finishing: $61,569 Visit Website
#7	Indiana University-Bloomington	Bloomington, IN	$12,000 – $33,000/yr (est.)
Indiana University Bloomington's online master's in educational leadership targets experienced teachers moving into administration and carries an Indiana principal's license inside the coursework. Students study organizational effectiveness, community engagement and the practical side of running a building, then move into roles as building-level administrators, directors of exceptional needs or superintendents. Admission is test optional and does not require the GRE for U.S. degree holders, and employer tuition reimbursement is supported. M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Master's — Online Military benefitsTest optionalEmployer tuition reimbursement 100% online, with the Indiana principal's license embedded No GRE for U.S. degree holders, test optional 2.8 GPA minimum and two recommendation letters Fall, spring and summer start terms Prepares for building-level administrator, superintendent or director roles Employer tuition reimbursement supported Median earnings one year after finishing: $62,611 Visit Website
#8	University of West Florida	Pensacola, FL	$5,000 – $10,000/yr (est.)
The University of West Florida offers a CAEP-accredited leadership master's that is approved by the Florida Department of Education and mapped to the state's leadership standards. The 30-credit curriculum threads field experience through every course and assigns a faculty mentor for career guidance, and graduates sit for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam. Candidates need a valid teaching certificate and at least two years in the classroom, and the degree prepares them for principal, assistant principal, district supervisor or curriculum developer roles. Educational Leadership Certification, M.Ed., Master's — Online CAEP accredited and approved by the Florida Department of Education 30 credits across 10 courses Field experience embedded in every course Prepares for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam Faculty mentor assigned for career guidance Requires valid teaching certification and two years of experience 3.0 GPA minimum with a letter of intent Median earnings one year after finishing: $60,344 Visit Website
#9	Southern Utah University	Cedar City, UT	$9,000 – $25,000/yr (est.)
Southern Utah University's leadership master's concentrates on administration and supervision and finishes in 14 to 18 months, one of the shorter timelines here. The 36-credit curriculum builds on at least two years of classroom experience and prepares graduates for Utah administrative licensure, with coursework in strategic planning, instructional leadership, school improvement and community engagement. A personal advisor and recruiter supports students from first inquiry through graduation, and transfer credits may be accepted. Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Administration and Supervision) — Online 36 credits, finishable in 14 to 18 months Leads to Utah administrative licensure $363 per credit, with departmental tuition waivers available 2.5 GPA minimum and two years of teaching experience Transfer credits may be accepted Personal advisor and recruiter assigned Visit Website
#10	George Mason University	Fairfax, VA	$15,000 – $20,000/yr (est.)
George Mason's leadership and human development master's is a 30-credit, CAEP-accredited degree that prepares educators for PK-12 school and district administration in Virginia. Cases, simulations and an internship sit alongside coursework in organizational theory, curriculum, supervision, education law and finance, and faculty include current and former district leaders. The same degree also carries a non-licensure path for independent and private school leaders and a K-8 mathematics specialist option, so it can point at a principalship or at a specialist role. Master of Education in Leadership and Human Development — Online Employer tuition reimbursement 30 credits, CAEP accredited, about two years to finish Tracks: Independent School Leadership Case studies, simulations and an internship Prepares for Virginia administration and supervision endorsement 3.0 GPA, two letters and work experience required No GRE or GMAT required Visit Website Master of Education in Leadership and Human Development (Independent School Leadership) — Online 100% online, non-licensure path for independent and private schools Built for charter, private and education nonprofit leaders 30 credits, with a January 20, 2026 start date Pathway to a PhD in Education Leadership University Career Services support available Visit Website Master of Education in Leadership and Human Development (Mathematics Specialist Leader, K-8) — Online Synchronous online classes with no campus visits required Awards the Virginia mathematics specialist endorsement Aligned to Virginia Department of Education competencies Prepares math interventionists, coaches and curriculum facilitators 15% tuition reduction for Virginia educators Visit Website

What Fully Online Leadership Degrees Cost, School by School

Published prices for online educational leadership master's programs vary with credit load, fee policy and pricing year, so treat these totals as starting points rather than a strict ranking. Arkansas State, Northwest Missouri State and the University of West Florida post some of the lowest full-program tuition figures. Programs with 39 or more credits, like LSU and Eastern Washington, cost more overall even when the per-credit rate looks modest.

How Do Completers' Earnings Compare With Their Debt?

Tuition shows what a program charges. Outcomes show what completers earned and owed afterward. This chart compares program-level median earnings one and four years after completion with median debt at completion for each school here that publishes those figures. George Mason University and Western Governors University post the highest four-year earnings, at about $89,900 and $84,500. Median debt stays at or below $20,500 at every school shown, well under each program's first-year earnings.

Can You Become a Principal With an Online Degree?

Because a state education agency, not a university, issues the principal's license, most of this question answers itself. If an online program is approved for administrator preparation in the state where you intend to lead, and your credential reads as a master's in educational leadership rather than a degree flagged as online, the delivery format is not the obstacle.

What the License Usually Requires

The requirements are consistent in shape, though rarely in detail: an approved preparation program, a teaching license, a set number of years in a school role, a supervised internship, and a state exam.

• Experience: Massachusetts asks for at least three full years in a teaching, supervisory or administrative role;¹ Illinois two years of full-time teaching or school service;² Connecticut 50 school months;³ Pennsylvania's Administrator I 27 months.⁴
• Internship: Massachusetts requires 500 supervised hours at the specific role and license level, with a trained mentor.¹
• Exam: Pennsylvania's Administrator II requires the School Leaders Licensure Assessment at 165.⁴

Reciprocity Rarely Means Automatic

NASDTEC's interstate agreement eases recognition of a state-approved program or an equivalent license, but receiving states still apply their own degree, testing, experience and background-check rules.⁵ Massachusetts participates with every state and the District of Columbia and still does not waive degree, testing or prerequisite requirements. Reviewers do not weigh delivery format by itself; what matters is approval where the program is offered and equivalence in the receiving state.

Pick the State First

Choose a program approved in the state where you will work, and get written confirmation of your licensure eligibility there before you enroll. Requirements change often, so verify current rules with your state education agency.

Related Articles

Master's, Ed.S., Ed.D. or Certificate: Matching the Degree to Your Goal

The right credential depends on what you already hold and where you want to work. A master's builds the foundation for a building-level job, an Ed.S. or certificate adds focused preparation after a master's, and an Ed.D. points toward the most senior roles. Figures below come from individual published programs, so your school's numbers will differ.

Early Earnings Reported by Program Completers

George Mason University's leadership master's reports the highest early earnings among the programs here.

More Online Educational Leadership Programs to Consider

The directory below widens the search beyond the programs ranked above. Each entry is a regionally based, fully online master's program with its own licensure rules, credit total and clinical requirements, so check the state certification path before you apply. Programs are listed without ranking to help you compare format and focus side by side.