Education leadership program rankings

The University of Missouri is known as the first university west of the Mississippi. It is the flagship of the University of Missouri system and home to approximately 35, total students. Indiana University — Bloomington offers an online M. The online masters program is designed for students who are interested in school leadership. Typically, students in the program are teachers.

However, applicants without teaching experience who are convincing in their personal statements about why they are interested in educational leadership are considered. The program requires 36 credit hours and begins with required courses.

Examples of courses include:. Once these are complete, the student will choose a nine-hour, three-course strand with the approval of their advisor. It should be noted that this program is one of the top ten most affordable programs on the list. The flagship campus of Indiana University System, Indiana University — Bloomington offers degree programs, and over research centers and institutes.

The online Master of Arts program in Educational Administration at California State University — San Marcos connects theory and practice to prepare future administrators to serve in their educational environments. The degree is entirely online and provides advanced training to earn your Master of Arts in Educational Administration as well as your preliminary Administrative Credential in only 12 months.

The program builds on the course work and preparation for the Cal APA testing, which is now required in California. This is embedded in the program to allow graduates to move directly from the program to a California administration position. The faculty consists of experienced school administrators. There are no more than 25 students per class to ensure a high level of interaction with faculty.

An important aspect of the program is for students to conduct meaningful field experience work in school settings. One downfall of the program is to be considered for admission; you must reside in one of the following states:. Should you fall into this residency requirement, you are in luck, as this is the second most affordable program on the list.

It is a public university located in San Marcos, California. The University offers 62 degrees through four colleges. The program offers aspiring leaders the opportunity to develop the foundations and application of educational leadership. A bit different than other programs on the list, this program is for individuals who are interested in receiving a degree that is focused on leadership but who are not seeking administrative or another licensure.

Students will work with an advisor to develop an individualized program of study that aligns with their professional goals. The program is a blended format of both face-to-face and online learning. Admission is available each term, and students can apply year-round. In addition to this program, Ohio University also offers a Principal Preparation Program that uses both online and in-class instruction.

Founded in , Ohio University is a public research university which resides in Athens, Ohio. Not only is Ohio University the oldest university in Ohio, but it is also the eighth oldest public university in the United States. There are currently almost 35, who attend Ohio University. The program requires 36 credits and can be completed in as little as months. There is a required internship that is worth six credits. This principal internship can be served at an elementary school, middle school, or high school.

For the working teacher, the internship can be served at your workplace, making it convenient for those who are still in the workforce. Elementary and secondary internship experience will be needed as both are required for licensure. Even though classes are entirely online, students have access to the full services of the university, including library services, tutoring, The Writing Center, and technology support. There are 33 credit hours of required courses including:.

Once these classes are complete, the degree is finished with three elective courses. Founded in as a teacher training school, Ball State University is now a large university with approximately 21, students and almost majors. The University of Northern Colorado offers students three Educational Leadership online masters degrees.

Students may choose from three options:. All three programs are designed in accordance with the Standards for Principals through the Colorado Department of Education and State Board of Education. They will satisfy the requirements for a Colorado Principal K license. Students from other states need to check with the standards in their state. Both of the Educational Leadership degrees require 30 credit hours, while the Principal Licensure only requires 27 credits.

You can begin the programs at the start of any term, and it takes an average of 15 — 20 months to complete them. The University of Northern Colorado offers one of the ten most affordable degrees on the list, making it worth looking into for your Educational Leadership degree.

Founded in under the name of State Normal School of Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado has a long history of teacher education. There are almost 12, students enrolled in six colleges. The program desires for teachers and school administrators to be leaders at the PK classroom, school, or district level and to lead the revolution in training students to use technology along with critical thinking.

The program can be completed in as little as a year. There are several other required seminars and a special study class, and then you are on your way to graduation. The program consists of newly designed courses that are designed to take a broad view of leadership beyond the traditional education and training of school administrators.

Students who are looking to earn their Kansas licensure as a building administrator principal or a district school administrator superintendent will need to complete 36 credit hours. Students who are not looking for licensure, but a masters degree only, will need to complete 30 credit hours. Classes are delivered hybrid style with web-enhanced components as well as face to face sessions or synchronous video conferencing sessions. The program consists of three segments: A nine-credit Leadership Core, six credits focused on Student Learning Needs, followed by 21 credits of Leadership Operations.

All courses are three credits, and your specific path of study will be determined with your advisor. With more than degree options, Kansas State University is pleasantly situated among rolling hills and tall grasses. It is classified as one of research universities with high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. The University of Cincinnati offers an online masters degree program for the working professional.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is designed to prepare students for educational leadership roles in education administration or within the classroom. There are no GRE requirements for qualified applicants, and there is the flexibility to complete the program both part-time and full-time, offering maximum flexibility for the working adult.

Students in the Master of Education in Educational Leadership will choose from four concentration areas:. There are 15 credit hours of the required core courses and 15 credit hours of concentration-related courses, making the entire program 30 credit hours. The University of Cincinnati is known for research and has a reputation for successful innovation. Admission requirements include official transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a resume, a statement of goals, and an essay.

One of the more unique programs on the list, this program offers an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience to fulfill course requirements. The global focus is evident in their curriculum. The largest and most well-known, the University at Albany is one of 64 campuses that are in the State University of New York system.

There are approximately 18, students in nine schools and colleges. Focused on current theory and research, students will learn to make decisions regarding school culture, student achievement, and effective teaching practices. The Texas Principal as Instructional Leader certification can be earned in less than one year. Students typically only take one or two courses at a time, making the workload doable for the working adult. The hour M. T he hour Principal as Instructional Leader program consists of seven Educational Leadership courses.

It is the sixth-largest university in the state. The Teacher Leader emphasis allows students to continue teaching in the classroom while pursuing roles such as mentor teacher, lead teacher, or department head. The School Leader emphasis is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and meets Pennsylvania State educational requirements for school principal certification.

It should be noted that only Pennsylvania-certified educators are eligible to apply for the Graduate Certificate for Principalship or the School Leader emphasis. The third emphasis is a School Leader emphasis.

This program does not lead to principal certification. All degrees require 30 credits for graduation, and students typically take three or four courses per year. Students from more than countries around the world come together with those from every state and participate in more than student groups and organizations.

Both pathways will take two years to complete. Founded in with its inaugural class attending in , Iowa State University now enrolls around 33, students annually, with more than majors on offer. A number of graduate level certificate programs are also offered alongside the main degree programs. This allows students to tailor the structure of their degree program in line with career aspirations.

Application deadlines vary from one program to another. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, too. Over 50, students study from a wide range of more than majors and concentrations. In rankings by the aforementioned U. The curriculum covers essential topics including turnaround strategies for underperforming schools, the correct use of school data, ethical and political issues impacting school leadership, and the theory surrounding effective educational program models.

The University of South Florida offers some of the lowest graduate tuition rates in the country; the institution has even made rankings for affordability, including those by U.

In a recent ranking by U. The institution also snagged the top spot for global impact, in addition to ranking in various positions across a host of other lists, including first-year experience and being a top choice for international students. This Master of Education in educational leadership will lead into potential careers as a teacher or administrator in a K school or organization.

Comprising 36 total credit hours, the program will take semesters to complete if studied fully-online, or 4 semesters as a hybrid course. Upon graduation, you will also be qualified for an Arizona certification known as the Pre-K Principal Certification, though you may need to take an additional examination as set out by the state.

Depending on your choice of program, housing, and so on, your costs can vary. Minnesota State University, Mankato provides students with a choice from over undergraduate and 75 graduate areas of study. Your core courses will include essential topics, such as ethics in leadership and organizational and systems change. The workshop is a unique course that consists of an experience whereby students learn from one another, with a facilitator present.

Ferris State University is a stunning campus, but if you have to see if for yourself, check out the virtual tour of the Bulldog homelands. Another great insight into the university can be found in Ferris First , a pride initiative that showcases students and faculty alike, and the reason they chose to make Ferris their home. Learning is split between on-campus and online courses, with a two-semester internship that partners you with local district schools.

However, the admission process for Ferris involves no personal essays or statements, or interviews. Application is via an online form with no application fee required. Graduate tuition for U. Based in St. Cloud, the campus has undergone many transformations, previously being located within a refurbished hotel building and with just 5 members of staff.

Today, the university boasts a program of more than programs at every level. Cloud University is available to both students who hold teaching licensure and those who do not.

There are three start dates in fall, spring, and summer, and students are expected to have a minimum GPA of 2. Graduate students at St. More than 18, students enroll at Baruch College, speaking a collective languages between them. Applications can be made following completion of 24 credits, though after completion of a further 15 credits, students can apply for School District Leadership Certification, too.

Five additional partnership programs are also offered, which are the aspiring principals program, leaders in education apprenticeship program, scaffold apprenticeship model, new leaders for new schools program, and teacher education leadership program. Part-time students taking less than 12 credits are also charged on a per-credit basis.

The University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign dates back to Today, the university has numerous locations including Illinois Online , the distance learning program that takes place via a modern elearning platform. The university has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since This allows for a highly customizable program of study that you can align to your specific career aspirations. If living on-campus, you will also pay fees including a general fee, service fee, health service fee, and library and information technology fee.

A full breakdown of all applicable fees can be found here. In addition to championing technology, the institution is committed to sustainability and this is reflected in courses, research, and programs. Teachers who want to assume leadership roles such as department chair can earn a Master of Education in School Leadership from Bethel College Indiana.

The college also has a program for students who want to earn the Indiana K Building Level Administrator license. Applicants for the administrator license must already have a master's degree and should have at least three years of teaching experience.

The administrator license curriculum requires students to complete 20 credits. The master's program is open to students who have a valid teaching license and three years of experience, and all applicants must submit three recommendations.

Classes for both programs are typically offered in the evenings. Iowa State University's School of Education offers several master's, doctoral and certificate degree options in educational administration and higher education. The master's program in educational administration allows student to earn either MEd or MS degrees in educational administration and receive principal certification.

Students working toward a PhD in Educational Administration can earn principal or superintendent licensure, or, if they already have licensure, complete additional advanced coursework. Students interested in studying higher education can earn an MEd, MS or PhD degrees in community college leadership, as well as a community college teaching certificate.

Through its School of Education, Ferris State University offers a Master of Science in Educational Leadership that is designed for secondary and elementary teachers looking to become school administrators. Core requirements also include a three-credit, two-semester internship in which students receive administrative mentorship from local school districts. Additionally, M. After students complete the program, they can apply for a School Administrator Certificate from the Michigan Department of Education.

This is a hybrid program that combines online classwork with some class meetings held over the weekend each term at the campus or other convenient locations. The program uses a cohort model and is set up so that students take one course at a time and complete the program in as few as 15 months. The internship requirements allow candidates to work with leaders in their district to fit their internship around their work schedule so that students can continue to work full time.

This post-master's program requires 30 credits, including the internship. Midwestern State University has several programs in educational leadership, including a Master of Education in Educational Leadership with principal certification in Texas or with an emphasis in bilingual education for educators in districts where many students are English language learners. Students can take these programs on campus or in a blended format that includes online classes and videoconferencing.

The programs require a graduate internship. Educators who already have a master's can take a standalone program leading to principal certification. Midwest uses informal cohorts of at least five students for its educational leadership program. The curriculum includes coursework that cover a wide range of topics that include educational policy development, communications in educational leadership, public school law, and organizational leadership in education.

Students can pursue a master's program that leads to Florida Principal Certification or one that does not lead to certification. Doctor of Education Ed. The Ed. The College of Education provides fellowships for new enrollees as well as assistantships and scholarships for continuing students.

The Walsh Fellowship does the same for incoming doctoral students from underrepresented groups. Students can also save time and money before becoming Illini - the school doesn't require master's degree applicants to submit GRE scores.

Students have the option of earning a superintendent endorsement or principal licensure. The department does not offer financial aid to MA seekers, but EdS and PhD candidates qualify for funding via assistantships.

In fact, the MA requires all students to have one, though remuneration varies. Master's degrees are offered in educational leadership and higher education administration. Doctoral degrees are available in educational leadership for K schools , higher education administration, and educational evaluation and policy analysis. A graduate certificate is available in community college leadership.

The department houses the National Initiative for Leadership and Institutional Effectiveness, which researches leadership and ways to improve student outcomes. To make a graduate degree more affordable, the department offers assistantships and grants and encourages students to apply for external research grants.

The certificate program is designed for experienced PreK teachers who already hold a master's degree and want to attend school part-time. The program curriculum requires 32 credit hours of graduate coursework that includes seven required courses and one elective. In order to be admitted into the program, students must have at least three years of paid, full-time classroom teaching experience.

After completing the program, students are eligible to receive School Building Leader and School District Leader certification. The Master of Science in Educational Leadership degree at Minnesota State University Mankato consists of 24 credits and follows a hybrid delivery system. Students are required to complete 24 credits within the department by taking courses such as organizational and systems change, ethics and leadership, and equity and education.

A Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership is also available. The program is comprised of 56 credits beyond the master's degree and designed for educational professionals seeking advanced administrative positions in school settings or in non-profit organizations.

Students who complete this program are eligible to apply for the K principal licensure or the Director of Special Education licensure. The Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations at UNC - Greensboro offers a Master of School Administration, Specialist in Education degree in Educational Leadership, doctoral degrees in educational leadership and educational studies with a concentration in cultural studies, and three post-Master's certificates.

The ELCF department offers several scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to students in need of financial assistance. The program is designed for experienced certified educators who are seeking to complete the requirements for principal, curriculum supervisor or special education leadership certificate. Classes are offered in a blended format 50 percent online and 50 percent on campus.

VCU is packed with quality markers. It has a School of Education SOE that earns glowing student reviews and excellent national rankings e. Even so, the part-time, month online doctorate is well-worth a look.

This cohort-based program begins in the summer and includes 2 courses per semester, with 2 Saturday classes each summer. Within the program, you can choose to participate in Learning Communities in:. Education leaders in learning communities take the same courses as other Ed. This is also one of the rare online doctorates in educational leadership that includes a capstone project in lieu of a dissertation. In their final year, Ed. See the Student Handbook for more info. Note: Keep in mind that part-time tuition is charged for under 8 credits per semester and students enrolled in an online course are charged an additional online course fee.

As a Jesuit University, this private research institution has made a name for itself among educators—the Graduate School of Education is often ranked in the top 40 Schools in the country. Coursework is online, but you will be expected to take part in 2 immersions on the Westchester campus in West Harrison, New York. Although this is an expensive doctorate, Fordham has done its best to ensure that Ed. The curriculum includes 4 Laboratories of Practice LoP —these practicums complement 4 core content areas in the coursework e.

Policy and Advocacy. In addition, the last year is devoted to a solutions-oriented Dissertation of Practice. The College of Education is top-notch, with great national rankings, Experienced CPED membership, and outstanding graduate student reviews on independent sites. Unlike some other leadership programs, the 3-year Online Ed. The majority of the coursework is online, but the curriculum does include Laboratories of Practice and 3-day immersion experiences each summer usually the third week of June.

The last year is devoted to your Dissertation in Practice DiP. See the Student Handbook under Degree Requirements for details. One final thing to mention—this online Ed. This public university began as a teacher preparation college and it continues to achieve consistently good reviews from graduate students for its education degrees.

As a Global Learning student at Rowan, you can choose from one of four leadership-focused concentrations in the online Ed. The structure of this cohort-based program is fairly straightforward. P —and finish with a Dissertation in Practice. In the online version, there are 3 on-campus residencies: a 2-day orientation in August at the beginning of the program; a 1-day visit for a Benchmark Exam; and a weekend stay at the end of Year 2 that focuses on dissertation work.

Note: : In , Rowan began a process of redesigning the Online Ed. So it may be undergoing exciting changes in the year you apply. Northeastern makes our list thanks to its Experienced CPED membership and flexible approach to the doctorate in educational leadership.

It can also be customized to your specific needs with plenty of electives 5 courses and five concentrations 4 courses :. All of the coursework is online, but there are 2-day residencies in the first 2 years.

Work on the Dissertation in Practice DiP begins at the onset of the program; students are expected to address a compelling educational or organizational challenge in their workplace.

Note: Ed. The Reich College of Education is well-known in the state, with one of the largest teacher preparation programs in the Carolinas. Online classes meet in synchronous sessions 2 times per week and collaboration is encouraged. Recommended campus requirements include a 2. Note: The concentration in Expressive Arts Education is not available online. The Ed. The only thing stopping this Ed. Standard Ed. In past years, this 3-year, cohort-based doctorate has consisted of hybrid courses that meet 4 weekends on Friday and Saturday evenings.