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Leadership in Educational Administration
Master of Science in Education
You have the potential to advance in your role as a leader in the classroom and beyond. The MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration from Capella can equip you with vital leadership knowledge and skills for today’s dynamic school environments.
You’ll focus on developing and implementing a school vision aligned with district priorities. Build skills for continuous school improvement while also protecting the interests of school and community stakeholders. Develop expertise to translate theory into effective leadership practice, and apply advanced problem-solving skills to create positive change in P–12 settings.
Classes start July 8
Apply today with no application fee.
At a glance
- Online
- CAEP-accredited
- 3 Core Courses
- 7 Specialization courses
- 1 Internship (2 courses)
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership in educational administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete three core courses, seven specialization courses and one internship
| Course number & name | Course description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ED5322 School Leadership: Data, Decision-Making, and School Improvement | Learners investigate improving P-12 schools by emphasizing the use of data to inform ethical decisions about teaching and learning. Learners gain an understanding of instructional strategies to support a diverse student population, technology integration, and Professional Education Unit (PEU) dispositions. Learners also interact with practicing school administrators to gain direct insight into the field of school leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite ED5010, ED5320 | 4 quarter credits |
| ED6822 The Funding of Educational Institutions | Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the allocation of resources at all levels of government. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED6823 Education and the Law | In this course, learners analyze the laws and legal issues affecting P-12 school systems and their constituents and study the tools and methods used to prevent and resolve legal problems. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED6852 P–12 Principalship | Learners in this course gain an understanding of the responsibilities and issues associated with the role of the 21st-century P-12 principal. Topics include effective P-12 school leadership and management, curriculum and instruction planning and assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. | 4 quarter credits |
| ED6857 Personnel Administration | Learners in this course study school policy making, staffing assignment, salary negotiation, grievance procedures, records, supervision, and the evaluation of professional and non-professional employees. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. | 4 quarter credits |
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration specialization is aligned with nationally recognized leadership standards and is designed to help students develop and strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to successfully meet the challenges of an ever-changing educational system as ethical and innovative leaders.
The curriculum focuses on translating theory into effective leadership practice and includes an emphasis in school leadership, which offers focused exploration of the leadership, management and problem-solving skills the current student achievement-focused P–12 environment requires of school leaders. Upon successful completion of this specialization, students have developed the knowledge and skills necessary for providing school leadership within P–12 institutions.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning
- Promote the success of all persons
- Lead the development of a culture of learning
- Manage effective learning environments
- Effectively collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Lead the field of education in an ethical manner
- Advance the field of education through influence
Review the Capella career exploration guide to learn more about this program and career paths to explore.
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
A structured learning format with an active peer community and faculty guidance. We’ll set the schedule, you meet the deadlines.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
$15,980
MAX TRANSFER CREDITS
$21,620
AVERAGE TRANSFER CREDITS
$470 per credit, $150 resource kit fee, 46 total quarter credits, 12 max transfer credits
*This is only an estimate, effective July 8, 2024, and is subject to change. Your price will vary depending on your specialization, transfer credits and tuition discounts. Books, supplies and other fees are not included in this estimate. GuidedPath prices show the tuition you would pay if you brought in an average number of transfer credits or the maximum allowed transfer credits. New or recently revised program estimates are based on comparable programs.
Capella is committed to transparency in its tuition and pricing. In addition to tuition, you will be responsible for additional costs, which may include travel expenses and practicum costs. A resource kit fee of $50–$200, charged quarterly or per billing session, covers the cost of required books, software, and other course materials. Click here to review program-specific fee amounts in our University Catalog.
Find out more about financing and payment options to help you complete your program. Federal aid is also available to help manage the costs of higher education. Learn more about financing your education.
Questions about cost?
Contact an enrollment counselor.
Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023
“The field of education is constantly changing, so as a teacher, I need to constantly be learning as much as I can to stay on the top of my game, and then give my students the best education that I can.”
Michelle Emerson* – Master of Education graduate
*Actual FlexPath graduate compensated for appearing in Capella promotional materials.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University's Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through 2024. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077)
Additional information regarding offerings in the CAEP-accredited EPP at Capella may be found here.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all educational and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the MSEd in Leadership in Educational Administration program must provide the following information for admission:
- 3 years licensed teaching experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Leadership in Educational Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Leadership in Educational Administration.
Job titles to explore*
- Dean of students
- Director of education
- Elementary assistant principal
- Elementary principal
- High school assistant principal
- High school principal
- Middle school assistant principal
- Middle school principal
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program.