Educational Administration and Leadership, MA, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 30 | Estimated Time to Completion: 1-2 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $500 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- graduate
- Academic Pathway
- major
- Degree/Program Type
- MA Master of Arts
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- School of Education, The LeBron James Family Foundation (Director's Office)
Program Contact
- Dr. Lynne M. Pachnowski
-
Professor
(330) 972-7115
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Master of Arts (MA) in Educational Administration and Leadership for educators seeking to advance into leadership roles within schools and school districts. Whether you're preparing to become a principal, curriculum leader, instructional supervisor, or district administrator, this 100% online program develops the knowledge and leadership skills needed to support student success and organizational excellence.
Built on the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and Ohio Standards for Principals (OSP), the curriculum combines educational leadership theory with practical application. Students explore school leadership, human and financial resource management, instructional supervision, school law, community engagement, and organizational decision-making as they prepare to address today's educational challenges.
The 30-credit-hour program can also prepare eligible Ohio educators for Principal Licensure* through a supervised two-semester internship and successful completion of state licensure requirements.
*Learn more about our Principalship program here.
What You'll Learn
The Educational Administration and Leadership curriculum prepares educators to lead schools and educational organizations through strategic decision-making, instructional leadership, organizational management, and collaborative problem-solving.
Skills Gained
Educational leadership and organizational management
Strategic planning and instructional supervision
School finance and resource management
Communication, collaboration, and team leadership
Policy development and legal decision-making
Data-informed problem-solving and continuous improvement
Core Practice
Lead school improvement initiatives that support student achievement
Supervise instruction and promote effective teaching practices
Manage school personnel, budgets, and organizational resources
Build partnerships with families, communities, and educational stakeholders
Apply educational law, policy, and ethical leadership principles to school decision-making
Key Topics
Organizational leadership
School law and educational policy
School finance and resource management
Human resource leadership
Community engagement
Instructional supervision
Student services and disability law
Principal internship experiences
Career Outcomes
Educational leadership extends beyond the principal's office to include a wide range of administrative, instructional, and district-level roles. Graduates are prepared to pursue leadership opportunities that support schools, educators, and student success.
Job Titles
Principal
Assistant principal
Curriculum director
Instructional supervisor
Superintendent
Educational consultant
Professional development coordinator
Education policy analyst
Where You’ll Work
Public school districts
Private and independent schools
Charter schools
Educational service centers
State and local education agencies
Higher education institutions
Educational consulting organizations
Nonprofit education organizations
Additional Program Information
Online Educational Administration Curriculum
The 30-credit-hour curriculum combines educational leadership, organizational management, instructional supervision, school administration, and practical field experiences to prepare graduates for leadership positions in education.
Leadership Foundations
Develop leadership skills through coursework in organizational leadership, human resource management, school finance, physical resource management, and strategic decision-making. Coursework emphasizes effective school leadership, ethical practice, and continuous organizational improvement.
→ View leadership core courses
Educational Leadership & School Administration
Study instructional supervision, school law, student services, disability law, and community engagement while learning to lead schools in alignment with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) and Ohio Standards for Principals (OSP).
→ View educational leadership coursework
Principal Internship Experience
Complete two supervised principal internships that provide hands-on leadership experience in educational settings. Working alongside experienced administrators, you'll apply classroom learning to authentic leadership responsibilities while preparing for Ohio Principal Licensure, where applicable.
Leadership Preparation
Prepare to Lead Schools and Districts
Develop the leadership, management, and instructional expertise needed to support educators, improve school performance, and create positive learning environments for students and communities.
Principal Licensure
Pathway to Ohio Principal Licensure
Eligible Ohio educators can complete the academic requirements for Principal Licensure through coursework, supervised internships, and successful completion of applicable state licensure requirements.
Accredited Education
Learn From an Accredited School of Education
The LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education prepares future educational leaders through accredited programs that emphasize equity, collaboration, innovation, professionalism, and evidence-based practice.
Admissions Information
Learn about admission requirements, tuition, financial aid, and Ohio Principal Licensure eligibility for the online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership.
To apply to the online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership program, you'll need to:
- Submit a graduate application
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA for full admission
- Submit your application at least six weeks before the start of the term (domestic applicants) or six months before the start of the term (international applicants)
Applicants pursuing Ohio Principal Licensure must also:
- Hold a valid Ohio teaching license
- Have at least two years of teaching experience
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
To apply to the online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership program, you'll need to:
- Submit a graduate application
- Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative undergraduate GPA for full admission
- Submit your application at least six weeks before the start of the term (domestic applicants) or six months before the start of the term (international applicants)
Applicants pursuing Ohio Principal Licensure must also:
- Hold a valid Ohio teaching license
- Have at least two years of teaching experience
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis for graduate programs.
- Ohio resident tuition: $500 per credit hour
- Online students benefit from a reduced out-of-state surcharge of $1 per credit hour
→ View tuition and fees for graduate students
→ Estimate your cost of attendance
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a variety of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Graduate student loans
- Scholarships
The University of Akron provides financial aid to a significant number of graduate students each year.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid offers support throughout the process, including assistance with FAFSA completion, understanding your aid package, and planning for educational costs.
Online Education Faculty
Learn from the same expert faculty who teach on campus while receiving personalized guidance and support throughout your graduate studies.
Online MA in Educational Leadership FAQs
A Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership prepares educators for leadership positions in K-12 schools, school districts, and educational organizations. Graduates often pursue roles such as principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, instructional supervisor, superintendent, and education consultant. The program develops leadership, organizational management, instructional supervision, and decision-making skills that support student success and school improvement. It also provides a strong foundation for continued leadership opportunities throughout your educational career.
Salary potential varies by role, experience, employer, and geographic location. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, education administrators in kindergarten through secondary education earn a median annual salary of approximately $103,000. Professionals who advance into district leadership, superintendent, or specialized administrative positions may earn higher salaries depending on their responsibilities and years of experience. A master's degree can help prepare educators for these advanced leadership opportunities.
The online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership consists of 30 credit hours. Completion time varies based on your course load, transfer credits, and professional commitments. Many working educators complete the program while maintaining full-time employment, thanks to flexible online coursework that fits busy schedules. An academic advisor can help you develop a personalized plan for degree completion.
Yes. Eligible students may complete the academic requirements for Ohio Principal Licensure through the Educational Administration and Leadership program. In addition to completing the required coursework, candidates must hold a valid Ohio teaching license with at least two years of teaching experience, complete a supervised two-semester principal internship, and successfully meet applicable state licensure requirements. Students should review current Ohio licensure requirements to confirm eligibility.
Tuition for the online Master of Arts in Educational Administration and Leadership is charged per credit hour. Ohio residents pay $500 per credit hour, while out-of-state online students benefit from a reduced $1 per credit hour surcharge. Financial aid, scholarships, graduate student loans, and employer tuition assistance may also help reduce your overall educational costs.
Earn Your Master's in Educational Administration Online
Develop the leadership skills to lead schools, support educators, and create meaningful change in your community.