Online Educational Leadership Degree
Academic title: Educational Leadership, M.A.
30 Credits
to Graduate
January 13
Next start date
*Recommended apply date is minimum 6 weeks prior to next start date.
Looking for an educational leadership degree online?
A master’s in educational leadership program prepares you for advancement in schools and school districts. It can help teachers move into school administration or principals move into central office roles. Plus, having it offered completely online means you can keep working and still earn your degree.
U.S. News and World Report ranks CMU as among the best online master’s of education programs in the nation.
Our online master’s in educational leadership program prepares you to take the Michigan Administrator Certification exam needed for building-level and district-level positions.
Online educational leadership degree overview
| Core credits | 24 |
|---|---|
| Emphasis credits | 6 |
| Total credits to graduate | 30 |
How much does an online educational leadership degree cost?
The cost shown below is based on the current tuition and fee estimate. Your actual cost of attendance for financial aid purposes may vary based on your assigned tuition rate, the number of credits you're enrolled in and the length of your enrollment period. If you're enrolled in a single module instead of a full semester, your housing and food, transportation and personal expenses will be adjusted based on the number of weeks you're enrolled (for example, 12-week or 8-week modules). If you're enrolled less than half-time, your cost of attendance will not include housing and food, personal expenses or loan fees.
- Military tuition benefits: Active duty, veterans and military-affiliated students may qualify for reduced tuition, waived fees and need-based awards.
What can you do with an online educational leadership degree?
With courses taught by faculty with extensive experience as school and district leaders and authentic leadership simulations and practice in complex leadership scenarios, you'll graduate prepared for a wide variety of leadership roles.
Graduates go on to elementary and secondary school administration, principalship and central office administration.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary, middle and high school principals have a median pay of $104,070 per year. The job outlook has seen a slight decline of about 2%. However, about 20,800 openings are projected each year, on average, over the next decade.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| Principal | $104,070 |
| Elementary & Secondary School Administrator | $111,020 |
| School Athletic Director | $60,250 |
All data and statistics in this section are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online educational leadership emphases
Supervision
Dig deeper into organizational change in educational Institutions and how to develop policies and guidelines for leadership of the instructional program in a school.
Charter school leadership
Study the history of charter law and policy, charter school governance and the unique role of charter school leaders. Then focus on emerging issues and reform efforts in educational leadership.
Admission requirements
- You must have either a valid teaching certificate and three years of experience, or three years of other qualifying experience in an educational or related setting.
- You must meet the requirements for admission to Graduate Studies.
- Regular admission in the program requires an undergraduate grade point average of at least 3.0 (on a 4-point scale).
- You must provide evidence of promise as an administrator by preparing and submitting an admission portfolio directly to the Department of Educational Leadership. The following items must be included in the contents of the portfolio:
- A current résumé identifying training, experience, and professional accomplishments
- A minimum of two letters of reference (dated and submitted on organizational letterhead) from individuals who can appropriately address your potential as an administrator and attest to your potential for success in the program
- A two-page statement incorporating how your program goals and beliefs about leadership connect to the Educational Leadership program and these principles:
- Vision for student success and achievement
- Involvement of all stakeholders
- Leadership for a diverse and complex society
- Demonstration of ethical behavior
- Identification of at least two significant activities which indicate your experiences, abilities and potential for educational leadership. For each activity identified, you should clearly describe the activity and the role and responsibilities you assumed, include the number of people involved or impacted by the activity, describe the budget (if applicable) or resources used, and summarize with a self-reflective statement addressing the insight and learning that occurred.
- Regular admission will be granted only after your admission portfolio has been reviewed and deemed acceptable by a committee of Educational Leadership faculty. Acceptability will be judged on the appropriateness of the contents of your admission portfolio relative to the degree program to which application is being made. Your statements about beliefs, professional goals, and activities must show evidence of thoughtfulness, thoroughness, and congruence with the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership.
- It is advantageous for you to submit your admission portfolio as early as possible. You must submit a complete admission packet, and it must be approved before you are granted regular admission.
Advance with a Michigan Administrator Certification
Earning your master’s in educational leadership qualifies you for the Elementary and Secondary (ES) K-12 Administrator Certification. This certification is required for Michigan principals and school administrators whose primary responsibility is administering instructional programs.
