Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership Online

This online master’s program prepares you to expand your influence beyond the classroom and into the broader education system.

Apply by 1/3/25
Start class 1/13/25 Apply Now

Program Overview

Learn more about our master’s in educational leadership online

Become a transformational educator with the Northern Kentucky University Master of Arts in Education in Educational Leadership online. You will learn the fundamentals of student development theory, how to examine higher education policies and their impact on institutions and students, and how to lead in a higher education setting. Curriculum features a practicum experience that is supervised by seasoned professionals who empower you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

The online M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is designed for leaders pursuing a career in nonprofit, education, or college leadership. When you join the NKU community, you gain a lifelong network of like-minded professionals committed to excellence in education.

As a graduate of this online educational leadership master’s program, you will:

  • Apply foundational leadership theories and practices to effectively manage and lead educational institutions
  • Understand the major institutional policies and regulatory bodies that shape higher education
  • Apply best practices for creating positive student experiences and outcomes at higher education institutions
As a graduate of this online educational leadership master’s program, you will:+
  • Apply foundational leadership theories and practices to effectively manage and lead educational institutions
  • Understand the major institutional policies and regulatory bodies that shape higher education
  • Apply best practices for creating positive student experiences and outcomes at higher education institutions

Careers in Educational Leadership:

  • Student Affairs Professional
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Education Consultant
  • Non-Profit Leader
Careers in Educational Leadership:+
  • Student Affairs Professional
  • Higher Education Administrator
  • Education Consultant
  • Non-Profit Leader
+

Online education programs also available:

Northern Kentucky University offers a variety of graduate education programs online. Check out our other quality online education programs.


Total Tuition $12,840
Program Duration As few as 12 months
Credit Hours 30

Accreditation

CAEP Accredited

The Northern Kentucky University College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

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Need More Information?

Call 800-985-7215

Call 800-985-7215

Tuition

The online education leadership M.A.Ed. offers affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition

The M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program offers the same affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.

View additional tuition information+

Program Per Credit Hour Required Fees Total Program with Fees
M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership $412 $480 $12,840

Tuition and fees subject to change at any time.

Tuition Breakdown:

Total Tuition $12,840
Per Credit Hour $412
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“Top Public College”

Ranked among the “Top Public Colleges” by Forbes, 2022

Calendar

Don’t miss these important dates and deadlines

With six start dates a year, the M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program is flexible and convenient. View the calendar to find the best start date for you, along with corresponding deadlines.

View full calendar  + 

SessionProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment Due
Fall 210/16/2410/3/2410/8/2410/11/2410/16/24
Spring 11/13/251/3/251/7/251/10/251/13/25
Spring 23/17/253/5/253/10/253/14/253/17/25
Summer 15/12/254/30/255/5/255/9/255/12/25
Summer 26/30/256/18/256/23/256/27/256/30/25

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 1/3/25
Class Starts 1/13/25
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Admissions

Applying for the online master’s in educational leadership is streamlined and simple

The admission process is the first step to earning your M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree.

Admission Requirements:

  • Official transcripts of all coursework from accredited institutions
  • 3.0 GPA or higher on a 4.0 scale
  • Three years of teaching experience
View all admission requirements +

M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership Online Admission Requirements

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $40 non-refundable application fee
    • If you are an NKU alum or active/veteran military member, your application fee will be waived
  • Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) coursework from accredited institution(s)
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Three years of documented teaching experience
  • Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (general test) taken within the past five years
    • The GRE requirement is waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and for applicants who have already earned a master's degree from an accredited institution
  • Statement of purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation attesting to the candidate’s leadership skills
    • A letter of recommendation from a superintendent is required for clinical placement approval
  • Supplemental application

Official documents may be mailed or emailed to:

NKU Office of Graduate Education
302 Lucas Administrative Center
Highland Heights, KY 41099

[email protected]

Have a question? Call us at 800-985-7215.

Courses

What you’ll study in the education leadership online coursework

To earn the M.A.Ed. in Educational Leadership online, students must complete 14 courses for a total of 30 credit hours. This includes 15 hours of core courses and 15 hours of elective courses.

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Students must take the following core courses (15 credit hours):

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Orientation to the Master of Arts in Education program including graduate policies and procedures, selection of a specialization/endorsement, advising services, certification, educator dispositions, professional behaviors, online learning, and the action research sequence.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to school leadership. Students will engage in a thorough investigation of contemporary leadership research, scholarship, theory, and practice. This course will introduce the concept of “transformative” change in schools, classrooms, and in individuals. Participants will create personal and professional growth plans to enhance their effectiveness.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to education research enabling candidates to become effective consumers and users of research in education. It will improve candidates’ ability to apply research findings appropriately in school settings and will lay a foundation for an original action research project.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research, theory, policy, and practice in multicultural and diversity education; recognizing race, class, gender, learning, and linguistic diversity within home, schools, and community settings; developing and demonstrating culturally relevant and responsive approaches to meeting the needs of students.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Research-based best practices and models of instructional design to meet the needs of all learners in a school setting.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 690.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Methods and skills needed to design, conduct, interpret and apply action research to address issues in classrooms and schools through data driven decision making; develop a research proposal related to a specific P-12 educational issues, secure permission from a local educational agency to conduct research, comply with regulations related to human subjects research, and develop an implementation plan for the proposed research project. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 689 is taken.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This class must be taken in the first 7-week of a semester and followed by 692.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 0.5
This course examines various aspects of conducting applied educational research. Students will complete a research project addressing a specific educational issue leading to enhanced P-12 student learning, including data analysis, written summary of research findings, and present their findings to faculty and peers. This course should be taken in the second 7-week period of the same semester in which 691 is taken.

Students must take the following elective courses (15 credit hours):

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth examination of American higher education development from its origins to its current state, this course explores trends, characteristics, and features that have shaped American higher education, including the emergence of different types of institutions, the evolution of academic disciplines, and the impact of social, political, and economic forces.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course delves into critical issues of access and equity for contemporary US college students, examining the evolving demographics and characteristics of this population. Participants analyze challenges and opportunities, exploring strategies to enhance inclusivity and address disparities in higher education, fostering a deeper understanding of student experiences. 
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores theories of adult learning and student development, delving into the affective and cognitive aspects that shape the educational experiences of post-secondary students. Participants gain a deep understanding of how students acquire and refine knowledge, skills, and values, blending theoretical exploration with practical applications. 
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This specialized course explores current trends and emerging issues in higher education leadership. Each iteration focuses on specific topics, offering in-depth insights through theoretical exploration, case studies, and real-world applications. Participants develop strategies to address contemporary challenges, gaining knowledge crucial for effective educational leadership in their professional contexts.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A practicum experience in higher education administration. Participants apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, gaining practical experience in diverse administrative tasks. Supervised by seasoned professionals, students develop leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and a nuanced understanding of higher education management.

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