masters degree in education management

Education Leadership (online)

Graduate Program

The Master’s in Education (Ed.M.) prepares students with the skills needed to change the world through education. The online Master’s in Education Leadership is a part-time, two-year Ed.M. program from the Harvard Graduate School of Education with Higher Education and PreK-12 pathways. The program is specifically designed for mid-career working education professionals and is career-embedded—so students can immediately apply what they are learning. Through this program, students will strengthen the invaluable skills they’ve already developed and develop the tools to propel themselves to new leadership opportunities and to even greater impact.

• Master's in Public Education Management

Master's Degree in Public Education Management

Developing visionary leaders for urban schools, students and communities.

The Master’s in Public Education Management gives highly motivated, accomplished K-12 education professionals the skills and broad perspective to grow as education leaders who make real, lasting impact for students and families. Master's students keep equity and excellence at the forefront of their work while turning persistent challenges over in a new way.

The Master’s in Public Education Management  is a 14-month, tuition-free program leading to a master of management studies degree. The program is designed for early- to mid-career school system leaders with extraordinary leadership potential who wish to increase their impact in key K-12 systems. Offered in modules accessible to working professionals, the Master's program allows students to earn a Master of Management Studies while working full-time in large, urban school systems. Students immediately apply practical classroom learning to their real-world work environment. Cohorts leverage the knowledge and support of their classmates, as well as SOM faculty, to sustain meaningful initiatives and have ongoing impact in their systems. 

Get updates about future cohorts of the Master's in Public Education Management

Share a candidate you recommend with The Broad Center at Yale SOM.

Through a small cohort size, supportive culture, and emphasis on working together toward a shared mission, Master's students learn as much from each other as they do in the classroom. 

Students in the program bring wide-ranging expertise to the cohort. Whether they hold functional roles in finance, talent, operations, or strategy, students are intellectually curious and eager to re-frame issues with a new perspective. Participants work in public school districts, charter network organizations, and state education agencies across the country with a common vision to serve the interests of America’s students and families. We strongly believe that cohorts at The Broad Center at Yale SOM must reflect the diversity of the urban school communities where they serve.

Learn from Yale experts, education trailblazers, and your classmates to develop the skills and vision you need to maximize your leadership impact on K-12 systems.  

The curriculum will build strong functional management skills that are necessary to successfully lead complex organizations, including operations, data analysis, finance, accounting, performance measurement, organization design, human capital development, innovation, and technology. Students will also explore stakeholder perspectives to understand the interaction of schools, students, teachers, parents and caregivers, communities, boards, administrators, and unions, among other stakeholders invested in educational outcomes. The course of study asks students to reflect on the power of public education to serve as a critical lever for a society invested in diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Application Information

The application for the 2024-25 cohort closed  November 1, 2023. If you are interested in applying for a future cohort, please  check out our admissions page for information about candidate eligibility; traits and characteristics of strong applicants; application process; and requirements. 

Our Community

The Broad Center at the Yale School of Management is located in New Haven, Connecticut, a place rich with history, culture, and community. Approximately 20 square miles with nearly 130,000 residents, New Haven has been called a “city of neighborhoods,” each with residential, shopping and recreation areas and distinctive histories. The city has a thriving arts and music scene, as well as a growing array of small businesses that are deeply connected to city residents and to the Yale community. New Haven is a hub for innovation, not only in business, but also in education. The New Haven Public School District has a population of over 20,000 students and remains one of the largest School Choice Programs in the State of Connecticut. 

Our home city is convenient to Boston and New York with easy access from Philadelphia and Washington. Yale SOM is located at 165 Whitney Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut, at the north east corner of Yale University’s campus. During program sessions, accommodation will be provided to students in the cohort at a hotel in downtown New Haven, just steps from the heart of Yale University, the New Haven Town Green, and museums, restaurants, and shopping. 

Your Classroom

As a student at Yale SOM, you will benefit from a facility tailored to maximize the strengths of our program. The 242,000-square-foot Edward P. Evans Hall, designed by Foster + Partners, chaired by Lord Norman Foster ARCH ’62, features classrooms designed to encourage discussion as well as breakout rooms and other communal spaces designed to support working with teams. The transparency of the overall design combined with social spaces positioned at significant hubs strengthen the sense of community.

Community Blog

Broad Alumni Spotlight: Mary Elizabeth Davis (TBA 2014-16)

The Broad Network Gathers in New Orleans for Forum 2024

Yale SOM Welcomes New Master’s in Public Education Management Cohort

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Master of Science

Educational Leadership Master's

Make an impact on the future of education by becoming a school principal.

Are you an experienced, licensed teacher eager to take on new challenges? Perhaps it’s time you prepared to lead an institution of your own. Becoming a principal or educational administrator with this online educational license program will prepare you to change the future of education and impact students, teachers, and communities alike.

This online master's degree program is designed to enhance your expertise in educational governance, finance, law, leadership, and strategic planning. The program will give you the skills you need to manage a modern educational institution, including overseeing teachers, developing and implementing curriculum standards, and improving how your staff helps students achieve established academic goals. You'll also learn about school administration, how to manage educational budgets, ensure proper security, and better interact with parents, the public, and district administrators.

The Master's in Educational Leadership degree program (alternatively "Master's in Educational Administration") is aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL). Although it adheres to national educational standards, due to state-specific programming and licensure requirements,  this program is not accepted in Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota.

60% of graduates finish within 

WGU lets you move more quickly through material you already know and advance as soon as you're ready. The result: You may finish faster.

*WGU Internal Data

Tuition per six-month term is

Tuition charged per term—rather than per credit—helps you control the ultimate cost of earning your degree online. Finish faster, pay less! 

Average salary increase

 Graduates of this program report an average salary increase of $12,314 after completing their WGU degree.

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COURSES & COMPETENCIES

Educational leadership courses, curriculum that ensures you’ve mastered the skills you’ll need as a leader among students and staff..

Program consists of 13 courses

At WGU, we design our curriculum to be timely, relevant, and practical—all to help you show that you know your stuff.

This online Master of Education program provides the essential skills, knowledge, and field experience you need to successfully manage a modern educational institution, be it public or private. It will prepare you to be certified as a principal or educational administrator.

The WGU M.S. Educational Leadership program was designed (and is regularly updated) with input from the experts on our Education Program Council . These respected authorities know exactly what it takes for a graduate to lead a staff of educators, administrators, and support personnel in a modern educational setting.

This program comprises the following courses. You will typically complete them one at a time as you make your way through your program, working with your Program Mentor each term to build your personalized Degree Plan. You’ll work through each course as quickly as you can study and learn the material. As soon as you’re ready, you’ll pass the assessment, complete the course, and move on. This means that you can finish as many courses as you're able in a term at no additional cost.

Leadership of Curriculum Design and Instruction prepares candidates to evaluate and implement curricular programs and instructional methods observed at the school level. Candidates focus on the knowledge and skills needed to develop, align, and implement cohesive systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Importance is placed on responding to student needs, embodying high expectations for student learning, aligning with academic and non-academic standards within and across grade levels, and promoting students' academic and non-academic success and social and emotional well-being. This course also explores the use of data from formative and summative assessments to make recommendations to improve instruction and promote student learning and well-being. Candidates are prepared to build a professional culture of trust and collaboration to ensure they are able to work with school personnel in creating curricular programs and instructional methods that are engaging, challenging, and relevant to student needs, experiences, and interests. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D632: Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning.

Leadership Foundations and Ethics presents candidates with a variety of leadership theories and strategies used by PK–12 educational leaders to develop, sustain, and evaluate a coherent system of academic and social supports that meet the full range of students' needs. Foundational knowledge addresses the importance of developing mission, vision, and core values in collaboration with faculty, staff, and the school community to advocate for student success. The course also covers communication strategies, interpersonal skills, and using data to build community, influence school culture, and manage change for continuous improvement. In addition, candidates are introduced to the significance of following professional ethical codes and the importance of modeling and advocating ethical behavior with all stakeholders.

School Law prepares candidates to understand the appropriate application of laws, rights, policies, and regulations to promote student success. The course emphasizes the importance of understanding the history of and relationship between federal and state laws, legal decisions, local education policies, and practices at the local school level to ensure compliance. The course further focuses on understanding the legal rights and protections provided for all students, including those with disabilities, as well as school staff. It also addresses curriculum and instruction that help stakeholders understand the possible effects these rights may have on administrative decisions. Candidates are also provided the opportunity to demonstrate their capability to evaluate legal consequences of administrative decisions.

People and Talent in Educational Leadership prepares candidates to understand and implement practices used to recruit, hire, and prepare school personnel to provide students with an optimal learning environment. Various school professional development practices, such as professional learning communities, collaborative learning communities, beginning teacher induction, and mentor programs, will be covered. Additionally the course covers methods to evaluate school personnel appropriately based on data-driven decisions; providing realistic and actionable feedback to school personnel to continuously drive improvement; engaging all school personnel in the use and evaluation of competing school-wide initiatives; creating and sustaining a professional culture of engagement and commitment by developing workplace conditions that promote employee development, well-being, and professional growth; and continuously supporting school personnel to improve their instructional practices through ongoing professional development. The candidate will also reflect on leadership standards in order to develop a personal professional growth plan. A prerequisite for this course is D017: School Law.

School Financial Leadership focuses on financial policies, practices, and issues connected to PK–12 school operations. The course describes various sources of school funding, the impact these sources can have on managing school budgets, and the challenges connected to finances that are often encountered by school leaders to ensure equitable financial support for all students. Candidates learn how to analyze different types of school budgets and understand the principal's role in the budgetary process to ensure alignment to the school's mission, vision, and values. This course also identifies and explains various types of commonly used accounting regulations, rules, and professional ethical principles used to create, maintain, and evaluate school budgets to ensure the equitable and ethical use of financial resources. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D017: School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Professional Practices provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the first of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas directly or indirectly affecting students. Collaboration within the school and local community is a focal point for this course. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Systems management and school operations instruct candidates on the operational aspects of school leadership that are essential to developing, monitoring, and evaluating school management, school systems, and services that address and support the needs of students and school personnel. Topics presented in this course include systems thinking; development, implementation, and evaluation of data-based strategic planning; and school improvement processes. Candidates will evaluate the use of appropriate operational technology and the development of communications systems that provide actionable information to internal and external stakeholders for use in classroom and school improvement and community engagement. Each of these topics emphasizes the importance of efficiently and effectively managing school resources to build, maintain, and evaluate a cohesive system of academic and organizational supports, services, extracurricular activities, and accommodations to meet the full range of needs for each student. Prerequisites for this course: Leadership Foundations and Ethics and School Law.

Practicum in Educational Leadership - Focus on Instruction and Operations provides candidates with an authentic, real-world work experience as an educational leader in a K–12 school environment. This is the second of a two-part experience designed to take place under the leadership and supervision of a practicing school principal or assistant principal at an approved practicum school site (K–12). This course includes an emphasis on the application of knowledge and skills to areas affecting school operations and school personnel. The course also includes the completion of assigned administrative duties in a K–12 setting, as defined by the candidate's state of residence, under the supervision of the cooperating administrator of the candidate's approved practicum site. Prior to enrolling in this practicum course, the candidate must complete a minimum of 18 CUs.

Educational Leadership Capstone serves as the culminating experience of this degree program, uniting content area knowledge with the execution of a problem-based learning project. Under the guidance of program faculty, candidates will apply their data literacy and research skills authentically and to topics appropriate to the candidate's degree program and future career goals. Projects will include action research or program evaluation and the qualitative or quantitative research methods necessitated by the project's purpose. Prerequisites include Data Literacy and Educational Inquiry, as well as all content area courses and field experiences prescribed in one's area of study. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of all courses with the exception of Educational Inquiry, which may be taken concurrently.

Leading Inclusive Schools covers a variety of topics that directly affect students who have been assessed and determined to need additional support or services to ensure their academic success and well-being. The course prepares candidates to understand and comply with applicable laws, rights, policies, and regulations as appropriate to address matters of equity, fairness, and student marginalization based on culture and language, disability, or giftedness. These include types of special education classifications and their significance, working with English learners (ELs), working with gifted and talented students, and using Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) frameworks to ensure optimum learning environments for diverse learners. This course will guide candidates in building a strong repertoire of skills and knowledge related to exceptional students. It will help them ensure that each student has equitable access to effective teachers; learning opportunities; academic, social, and behavioral support; and other resources necessary for success. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of the School Law course.

Cultural Competency and Social-Emotional Learning focuses on empowering educational leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to foster cultural competency, deepen their understanding of diverse learner populations, and apply culturally responsive pedagogy. This course places a strong emphasis on promoting social justice, equity, and inclusivity within educational contexts. Students in this course will engage in immersive learning experiences aimed at equipping them with the capacity to lead social-emotional learning initiatives that cater to the social and emotional needs of all learners. The course also empowers students with advocacy strategies to influence positive change in local and global educational environments, ensuring that educational leaders are well prepared to navigate the challenges and opportunities of today's diverse educational landscape. This course is designed to be taken after successful completion of D019: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices focuses on the development of data literacy skills educators need to improve the learning and development opportunities of K–12 students. Candidates will practice identifying educational problems and data types, generating data, analyzing data, making inferences and drawing conclusions, and creating action plans within their educational settings. Candidates will also learn best practices for data literacy, including continuous improvement planning, approaches to professional learning communities, and instructional decision-making processes. This course has no prerequisites.

Educational Inquiry focuses on practical problem solving. This course teaches candidates to use scholarly literature to inform their own practice. It also teaches candidates to engage in their own action research processes, which empowers educators to recognize opportunities for improvement and to systematically implement and evaluate changes. This course prepares candidates to conduct research for the capstone. Prerequisites for this course: Data Literacy and Evidence-Based Practices.

Capstone Project

Special requirements for this program

WGU's online master's degree program in educational leadership requires the successful completion of a capstone project. You'll take what you've learned during your studies and apply it to a real-world situation, proposing a solution to an actual issue you're likely to face in a professional academic environment. 

Skills For Your Résumé

As part of this program, you will develop a range of valuable skills that employers are looking for. 

• Presentations: Created tailored presentations that effectively address the unique needs and interests of specific audiences.
• Budgeting: Skillfully evaluated funding requests for various activities, ensuring they align with pre-authorized budget expenditures, promoting financial responsibility.
• Leadership: Established open lines of communication between leaders and team members, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Educational Leadership: Collaborated with stakeholders to identify and establish educational goals for school improvement plans.
• Ethical Standards And Conduct: Demonstrated the consistent use of responsible practices and principles, reflecting a commitment to ethical and professional conduct.
• Operations: Successfully identified key personnel and processes within organizations, leading to streamlined operations and efficient decision-making processes.

“After years of putting off getting my master's degree, I finally decided that it was time. While working a full-time teaching job and having a husband and two toddlers at home, WGU's program allowed me the flexibility of working at my own pace. I was able to earn my Educational Leadership degree in an accelerated time frame with the support of my course instructors and mentor. WGU allowed me to achieve my goals, and I love them so much that I registered for a second master's!”

—Sylvia M.S. Educational Leadership

WGU vs. Traditional Universities Compare the Difference

Traditional Universities

TUITION STRUCTURE

Per credit hour

Flat rate per 6-month term

Schedule and wait days or even weeks to meet with one of many counselors

Simply email or call to connect with your designated Program Mentor who supports you from day one

Scheduled time

Whenever you feel ready

Professor led lectures at a certain time and place

Courses available anytime, from anywhere

TIME TO FINISH

Approximately 2 years, minimal acceleration options

As quickly as you can master the material, can finish programs in under 2 years

You Aren't On Your Own

WGU has Program Mentors who work with you from the day you start, all the way through graduation. They help you chart your courses, answer your questions, and ensure you can go through your program. You're not alone when you choose an online degree at WGU.

Flexibility You Need

Students choose WGU for their online degree program because of its flexibility. Whether you already have a full-time job, have responsibilities as a parent, or just have a busy schedule, WGU can work for you.

Strong Alumni Network

When you enroll in an online master's degree program at WGU, you join an impressive network of teachers. Over 13,000 students graduated from the Teachers College in 2021 alone, taking their skills and impacting the educational system all around the United States.

Accredited, Respected, Recognized™

One important measure of a degree’s value is the reputation of the university where it was earned. When employers, industry leaders, and academic experts hold your alma mater in high esteem, you reap the benefits of that respect. WGU is a pioneer in reinventing higher education for the 21st century, and our quality has been recognized.

COST & TIME

When We Say Affordable We Mean It

By charging per six-month term rather than per credit—and empowering students to accelerate through material they know well or learn quickly—WGU helps students control the ultimate cost of their degrees. The faster you complete your program, the less you pay for your degree.

A Master's Degree Is Within Reach

There is help available to make paying for school possible for you:

The average student loan debt of WGU graduates in 2022 (among those who borrowed) was less than half* the national average.

Most WGU students qualify for financial aid, and WGU is approved for federal financial aid and U.S. veterans benefits. 

Many scholarship opportunities are available. Find out what you might be eligible for.  

* WGU undergraduate students have approximately half the debt at graduation compared to the national average, according to the Institute for College Access and Success (2022).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE

A Different Way to Learn: Degree Programs Designed to Fit Your Life—and All the Demands on Your Time

Professional responsibilities. Family obligations. Personal commitments. At WGU, we understand schedules are tight and often unpredictable for adult students. That’s why we offer a flexible, personalized approach to how education should be. No rigid class schedules. Just a solid, career-focused principal preparation program that meshes with your current lifestyle. You'll be challenged. You'll work hard. But if you commit yourself and put in the hours needed, WGU makes it possible for you to earn a highly respected degree as a busy working adult.

"My experience at WGU was excellent. My mentors and professors where there when I needed them. There ability to keep me on track and to answer questions in a timely matter allowed me to get my master's faster than I thought possible.”

—Jerry Nielson M.S. Educational Leadership

CAREER OUTLOOK

Pave the Way to the Next Step in Your Career as an Educational Administrator

If you're a licensed classroom teacher with at least three years of experience under your belt, and you have a passion for positive influence in an academic setting, you are ready to advance in your career by becoming an instruction-based principal, vice principal, assistant principal or school administrator. As an educational leader, you'll have an opportunity to shape the school that you run by creating an inspiring and safe environment for educators and the students they teach.

With the deep, comprehensive education you'll receive at WGU, you will be ready to be certified and become a school principal. This position allows you to impact the overall learning environment of an institution and lead students toward a better academic future. Consider this program an investment in yourself, in your professional growth, and in the future of your students.

Return on Your Investment

On average, wgu graduates see an increase in income post-graduation.

Average income increase from all degrees in annual salary vs. pre-enrollment salary. Source:  2023 Harris Poll Survey  of 1,655 WGU graduates.

Survey was sent to a representative sample of WGU graduates from all colleges. Respondents received at least one WGU degree since 2017.

Employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow 5% from 2021 to 2031.

—U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

WGU Has Alumni Teaching Across the Country

Graduates of WGU's online Teachers College have found meaningful, rewarding teaching careers in classrooms at:

• Inclusionary K–12 classrooms
• Middle/junior high schools
• High schools
• Private and charter schools

Impressive Class of Graduates

Graduates of the WGU Teachers College include recipients of many professional honors, including:

• Gates Millennium Scholars
• Intel Grant for Mathematics and Technology
• Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award
• Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award
• Association of Public Charter Schools Educator of the Year Award

Master of Education Admission Requirements

Prior to entry into the M.S. Educational Leadership degree program, you will be required to complete a candidate interview and provide the following:

• Evidence of an undergraduate bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
• Proof of a state issued, valid, and unexpired standard professional license
• A resume showing three years of licensed professional experience in a P-12 setting (excluding probationary, temporary, and substitute teaching experience)
• A confidential recommendation
• Recent annual summative performance evaluation

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More About the M.S. in Educational Leadership

• More About This Degree

What is a master's in educational leadership?

A master's degree in educational leadership is a graduate program that prepares you for certification as a school principal or administrator. It gives you important skills and credentials to understand how to run the school in an efficient way. 

How long does it take to earn a master's in educational leadership?

Typical master's of educational leadership programs take 2 years to complete, but at some schools you may be able to accelerate and finish faster. For example, most WGU educational leadership students finish in just 18 months or less.

What can you do with an educational leadership degree?

An educational leadership degree can prepare you to become a vice principal, assistant principal, principal, or other administrator in education.

What can I expect from an online master's in educational leadership program?

What are the types of educational leadership.

Most educational leaders fall into a few categories of leadership including: servant leaders, transactional leaders, emotional leaders, and transformational leaders.

What are the functions of educational leadership?

Educational leadership is implemented to ensure that the entire school and system runs smoothly. Educational leaders are in place to create effective and robust places of teaching and learning where students feel safe and welcome. They ensure that the business end of a school runs well, while also ensuring that students and teachers feel confident as individuals.

What is educational leadership theory?

Educational leadership theory evaluates the different approaches to running schools and classrooms in ways that are effective for students and teachers alike.

What is meant by educational leadership?

Educational leadership is a joint effort utilizing the talents and expertise of educators, students, policy makers and the public at large to enhance public K-12 educational quality and systems. These enhancements are typically executed through improvements to training regiments, pedagogy, epistemology, and developmental psychology. A degree in educational leadership will focus on helping current teachers advance their knowledge and skills, giving them greater opportunities to influence policy and move into education careers that impact the future of learning.

What are the key qualities of educational leadership?

There are many qualities that an educational leader should exhibit. Qualities such as positivity, honesty, deep reflection, authenticity, integrity, passion, inclusivity, and a strong focus on community building and collaboration on educational issues are key to being a transformational educational leader. In an educational leadership degree program, you will focus on developing and honing these skills.

Should I get an online masters degree, or a graduate certificate?

Understanding your post bachelor educational possibilities is crucial if you have a specific goal in mind. For some, a post-graduate certificate can fulfill the requirements that are needed to teach a specific course or courses, by fulfilling a state or national licensing requirement, but a certificate is what is considered a non-degree award. As a result, if you have career goals that include additional advancements for your career beyond the classroom, you may need to consider if a certificate will provide you the ability to pursue those goals. 

A master’s degree in education can open the doors to school leadership roles as a principal or assistant principal, and in some states is even sufficient to be considered for roles as part of the superintendency. This is not typically true of a graduate certificate. Check your state guidelines to see your specific state’s educational requirements for leadership roles. 

Does WGU offer financial aid?

WGU is approved to offer  federal student aid . You will need to apply using the FAFSA, which is used to determine your eligibility for aid. WGU’s FAFSA school code is 033394.

Are there scholarships available?

Scholarships are available for new WGU students and returning graduates.  This video shows more  about scholarship opportunities and how they can help you pay for school. Get information on:

• How to apply
• Eligibility requirements
• Examples of scholarships
• What happens after you apply
• Other financial aid options

How does tuition work at WGU?

WGU's tuition is a flat rate that is charged every six months. You can take as many courses as you are able in that six-month term—with no extra cost. You simply pay for the term and do as much work as you can or want to during that time. This means that finishing faster helps you save money—a major benefit you won't find at most other schools. 

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College of Professional Studies

Higher education administration.

The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program provides the theoretical foundation combined with the real-world application of skills graduates need to achieve and excel in mid-level and leadership roles across higher education.

The Master of Education in Higher Education Administration program is designed to provide working professionals with the foundation to understand the structure, governance, and operation of various higher education organizations—integrating opportunities for students to discuss current trends and issues in higher education. Through the Northeastern Graduate School of Education’s commitment to practitioner preparation and experiential learning, the program brings core theoretical knowledge to current challenges, preparing students to navigate the fast-changing world of higher education.

The curriculum is completed 100% online and enables learners to connect with diverse professionals from around the world—creating opportunities to build professional networks that help solve common challenges found in their professional context.

More Details

Unique features.

• Students and alumni of the program are invited to participate in the Graduate School of Education residency poster session, a networking opportunity where attendees exchange ideas on innovation and change work in the field.
• Senior leaders in higher education contributed to the design of the program curriculum and provided input around in-demand skills they look for in new hires, providing our program industry validation and credibility.
• The program's curriculum is intentionally designed to include DEI coursework in subject matter areas such as social justice and demographics of the new college student. Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to learn about Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU’s), Tribal Colleges, and the pressing need for all-women colleges.
• Becoming part of the Northeastern Graduate School of Education connects you to a network of leaders in education—through renowned faculty and distinguished alumni. Students participate in the Graduate School of Education summer convening to connect and be inspired by fellow students and faculty.
• Through the required capstone course, students work with a “problem” within higher education for six weeks. Throughout this time, students conduct in-depth research on the topic of interest and present their findings to two to three mid- and senior-level practitioners who then provide insight on the issue. Students also have the opportunity to perform a mock interview with a practitioner in the field and are given guidance—and sometimes land jobs right on the spot. Students are then prompted to write a reflection piece at the end of the course and are encouraged to map out a life-long learning plan.

Program Objectives

• Examine law and policy regulations within a higher education context
• Analyze, generate, and propose innovative solutions to contemporary issues in higher education, driven by data and applied theory
• Integrate principles of social justice and inclusion for concrete actions in higher education
• Articulate methods to continuously hone and upgrade professional skills in key higher education competencies
• Effectively present ideas through multiple mediums for targeted audiences in higher education administration

Career Outlook

• Graduates of the program can work in a multitude of institutions, such as research universities, community colleges, public colleges and universities, liberal arts colleges, or higher education agencies.
• Program Director
• Assistant Dean for Student Services
• Executive Director of Academic Advising
• Assistant Director
• Director of Financial Aid
• Director of Admissions
• Associate Director of Financial Aid
• Assistant Dean of Admissions
• Associate Director of International Education
• International Engagement Leadership Advisor
• Assistant Director of Global Initiatives
• Academic Advisor

Testimonials

–jenny mitchell, med graduate, –alex fronduto, assistant teaching professor, –lydia young, associate teaching professor, looking for something different.

A graduate degree or certificate from Northeastern—a top-ranked university—can accelerate your career through rigorous academic coursework and hands-on professional experience in the area of your interest. Apply now—and take your career to the next level.

Program Costs

Finance Your Education We offer a variety of resources, including scholarships and assistantships.

How to Apply Learn more about the application process and requirements.

Requirements

• Online application
• Statement of purpose (500–1000 words): Identify your educational goals and expectations of the program. Please be aware that Northeastern University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to your statement of purpose.
• Professional resumé
• The Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) is a required assessment of all transcripts and documents from non-U.S. accredited post-secondary education institutions. (Review the FCE requirements by country.)
• Two letters of recommendation from individuals who have either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities such as a faculty member, colleague, or mentor, preferably one from your current employer
• Official associate or bachelor's degree transcript from an accredited college or university in the U.S., stating degree conferral and date
• TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, Duolingo, or NU Global Exam scores

Are You an International Student? Find out what additional documents are required to apply.

Admissions Details Learn more about the College of Professional Studies admissions process, policies, and required materials.

Admissions Dates

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis; however, we do recommend the application guidelines below to ensure you can begin during your desired start term:

Domestic Application Guidelines

International Application Guidelines *

*International deadlines are only applicable if the program is F1 compliant.

Industry-aligned courses for in-demand careers.

For 100+ years, we’ve designed our programs with one thing in mind—your success. Explore the current program requirements and course descriptions, all designed to meet today’s industry needs and must-have skills.

View curriculum

The MEd in Higher Education Administration has a strong foundation in experiential learning, offering ways for students to apply theory to practice through the Experiential Network (XN) or case studies. XN facilitates opportunities for students to work on short-term, real-world projects to complement their academic work. Students have worked on XN projects, including:

• Disability and Access Services for First-Year Students
• Association on Higher Education and Disability (AHEAD)–guide to enrolling higher education disability services
• The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of First-Generation Students
• Northeastern University Office of Employer Engagement and Career Design–career resources for female-identifying students
• Racial Injustice in Graduate Education:  Towards Equal Opportunity for URM Students

Our Faculty

Northeastern University faculty represents a broad cross-section of professional practices and fields, including finance, education, biomedical science, management, and the U.S. military. They serve as mentors and advisors and collaborate alongside you to solve the most pressing global challenges facing established and emerging markets.

Mounira Morris

Joan Giblin

Alex Fronduto

By enrolling in Northeastern, you’ll be connected to students at our 13 campuses, as well as 300,000-plus alumni and more than 3,500 employer partners around the world. Our global university system provides you with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally and serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions.

Below is a look at where our Education & Learning alumni work, the positions they hold, and the skills they bring to their organization.

Where They Work

• Tufts University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Northeastern University
• The City University of New York
• Bottom Line
• Harvard University

What They Do

• Academic Advising
• Enrollment Management
• Residence Life
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• College Advising

What They're Skilled At

• Public Speaking
• Problem Solving
• Critical Thinking

Learn more about Northeastern Alumni on  Linkedin .

Related Articles

How to Develop Leadership Skills for Careers in Higher Education

The Importance of Diversity in Higher Education

Professional Development Opportunities in Education

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Global higher education management (online), master of science in education, you are here, expand your expertise. build a worldwide network. advance as a leader in global higher education..

The one-year, executive-style master's degree in Global Higher Education Management prepares working individuals for university leadership challenges in a complex and changing world.  Designed and taught by internationally respected GSE faculty and active university leaders from around the world, this unique online program focuses on university management.  Join a cohort and take on pressing problems of practice in both local and international contexts, exploring how to build high-performing universities and producing a capstone project.

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

This online executive program provides the knowledge and global network to lead institutions into the future. Practice-based and problem-focused, the yearlong curriculum draws on Penn’s internationally renowned faculty and extensive practitioner network to help you develop the skills and expertise needed to lead universities today and creating tomorrow’s universities.

Culminating experience Master’s capstone project

The Global Higher Education Management program develops and connects university leaders from around the world who are committed to improving and enhancing higher education institutions. Participants in this program will: 

• Gain a deeper and broader knowledge of university leadership.
• Apply field-tested, empirically grounded ideas to understand and address local problems and international challenges.
• Develop capabilities in initiating innovation and leading institutional change
• Become part of an active global network of university leaders and academic thinkers. 

The program is geared toward full-time professionals who have at least five years of work experience in universities and education-related organizations and agencies. Some may already have advanced degrees and be moving from academic to administrative positions, and others may be looking to transition into careers in student services, strategic leadership, business and operations, international education, academic affairs, and fundraising. Penn GSE seeks to admit students from around the world to ensure a diverse class of scholars. Instruction and coursework will be in English.

Complete at brief self-assessment to help determine if this program is the right fit for you.

This executive-style master’s degree uses a condensed, modular format in which students take a structured sequence of modules as a cohort. Three modules equate to one course, and the degree program requires ten courses. The program is geared toward working adults, but it is a full-time degree program. Therefore, students will need to make a commitment to the program and balance their work and personal commitments. Each module is based on ten hours of student engagement. On top of these ten hours, each module includes additional time spent on readings, papers, and other assignments. Some modules are delivered over two-week periods, while others are delivered in a one-week condensed format. Each module will include at least two one-hour sessions of required synchronous sessions, and some modules may have more. Given the variations in time zones, program staff and faculty will work to accommodate program participants learning from around the world. We believe in the power of real-time engagement within the cohort and with program faculty and staff.

The curriculum includes the following courses and modules:

The High-Impact University This course focuses on the social and civic role universities and colleges in diverse national contexts. It explores the diverse national and social contexts in which universities both respond to and help to shape. It explores the role of university as citizen and social and economic actor. Finally, it focuses on the changing role of higher education in knowledge economies with a focus on diverse contexts:

• The Diversity of Context for Universities and Their Management
• The social and civic mission for the 21st Century
• Universities and their communities

The Evolving Global Landscape Higher education, while a national (or local) responsibility, is shaped by global forces – economic, social, political, and technological. This course focuses on the trends in globalization and the ways in which those forces impact universities positively and negatively. It addresses globalization and its discontents; the disruption and innovation that globalization creates and reinforces, and the ways in which global forces make universities more, rather than less, important in the global dialogue of human development:

• Globalization: Opportunities and Constraints
• International Higher Education Issues and Policies
• The New Power University

Magnifying the Mission The traditional mission of teaching, research and service continues to evolve in response to changing public expectations for higher education. This course focuses on ensuring meaningful and impactful student engagement; the foundational role of research and the ways new knowledge can be leveraged to address problems; and the ways in which the teaching and learning functions are changing in light of technology innovation and increased demands for measurable outcomes:

• Strengthening Research: Its Impact and Delivery
• Co-curricular Student Engagement in Global Higher Education
• Academic Innovation to Deepen Learning

Governance, Change, and Strategy Effective universities require effective management and governance to lead change and drive innovation. This course focuses on how leaders lead and affect intentional institutional change; the role of strategy and planning as vehicles for intentional long-term change; and the ways in which institutional level governance can positively impact the trajectories of institutions:

• Governance for Change
• Leading Change in Higher Education
• Strategy and Not Planning

The Human Enterprise At their core, universities are human endeavors. Their primary output is human, citizens active in social and economic pursuits. Their primary input is human, the faculty who deliver the core functions of the university. This module focuses on the human dimension of higher education with a particular focus on equity and inclusion in diverse contexts; how to effectively build and manage teams essential to deliver on the mission; and how individuals can manage and benefit from being intentional stewards of personal, professional, and organizational transitions:

• Managing People; Leveraging Talent
• Cultural-Ecology and Diversity in International Higher Education
• Leadership and Leadership Transitions

The University in its External Contexts The notion of higher education being an Ivory Tower, separate from the world, is nostalgia if not outright myth. Universities are very much shaped by the contexts in which they operate. They need to be responsive to political, economic, and social trends. What happens outside universities impacts what happens inside of them. This course seeks to understand how universities must operate in and leaders must shape the political context; the role regulation and politics play; and how university leaders must ensure quality and relevance: 

• Influencing Higher Education Policy
• Quality Assurance and Accreditation
• Rankings and their Effects

The Challenges of Leading Universities never have a slow day. There are constant demands on leaders’ time, talent, and skills. To be effective leaders must have the skills to use data to understand their problems and opportunities, the capacity to lead in times of crises, and leverage the skills and talents of individuals collectively to advance the university and its priorities. Leadership is a collective pursuit, one that requires intentionality and agility, and is shaped by context and circumstance: 

• Using Data to Understand Problems
• Leading in and Through Crises
• Leading Teams

Designing the Future University leaders need to think about and prepare for the future. Universities risk becoming stagnant and outdated if they do not continually innovate. This course focuses on the principles of design thinking, how leaders can engage campus communities to design and bring about a desired future. It will explore new models of universities and how universities, even long-established ones, can become the disruptors:

• Design Thinking and Innovation Methods for Higher Education Leaders
• New Models of University
• Leading with Data to Support Expansive Learning

The Business of the Academic Business Universities are not businesses (far from it with their social missions, academic core, and public policy ties), but they do have business functions. This module explores three areas related to the business functions of higher education. Their entrepreneurial activities, the ways they project (intentionally or not) their brand identities into the broader world, and how they engage alumni as active contributors to the university, and well beyond their simple donor role. University leaders need to understand the ways their universities can create and sustain entrepreneurial cultures to secure needed resources and leverage resources and assets to positively impact the university:

• The Entrepreneurial University
• Alumni as an Institutional Asset
• Marketing, Branding and the External Image

Capstone Action Lab: Problems/Opportunities of Practice This program is based on the premise that it will help develop knowledgeable, skills leaders to effect change in their higher education contexts. To that end, this capstone course will allow students to frame a problem of practice through an Action Lab, which is a highly engaging, problem-based, and solution-orientated, course. By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Define and contextualize a complex problem/opportunity to solve in higher education.
• Understand the depth and contours of that problem.
• Synthesize and apply relevant insights from modules delivered in this program and a problem-understanding literature review.
• Outline a change management approach to advance progress on your problem of practice.
• Deliver a persuasive presentation to stakeholders about your problem of practice.

Our Faculty

Higher Education faculty are leading the conversation about how to expand college access, equity, and affordability. These experts are routinely sought by university presidents, foundation leaders, journalists, and policymakers seeking to understand the changing landscape of higher education.

Affiliated Faculty

Ant Bagshaw Strategy Consultant, L.E.K. Consulting Ed.D., University of Sheffield

Roberta Malee Bassett Global Lead for Tertiary Education, The World Bank Ph.D., Boston College

Ahmed Cassim Bawa Professor, Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg Ph.D., Durham University

Darkhan Bilyalov Vice President, Kazakhstan National Academy of Sciences Ph.D., Penn State University

Mahesh Daas President and ACSA Distinguished Professor, Boston Architectural College Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Yakut Gazi Vice Provost for Learning Innovation and Digital Education and Professor of the Practice, Duke University Ph.D., Texas A&M University

Jonathan Grant Founding Director, Different Angles Ph.D., King’s Collge London

Jonathan Jansen Distinguished Professor of Education, Stellenbosch University Ph.D., Stanford University

Tom Kennie Founding Director, Ranmore Ph.D., Imperial College, London

Michael Martinez Dean of Students, New York University Abu Dhabi MBA, Babson College

Larry Moneta Adjunct Professor, Penn GSE Ed.D., University of Massachusetts - Amherst

Alan Duncan Priestley General Director of Institutional Effectiveness, Office of the Provost, Nazarbayev University Ph.D., University of Hull

Nirmala Rao Vice Chancellor and Professor of Politics, Krea University Ph.D., University of London

Sarah B. Steinberg Capstone Instructor Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Karin Swartz Assistant Dean, Center for Community Engagement, York College Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Fredrick Hoopes Wampler Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Relations, University of Pennsylvania Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

The program is intended for current university administrators looking to move into more senior university posts such as directors, deans and associate deans, and associate vice presidents and vice presidents. It also is aimed at academics who are transitioning into administrative positions, such as department chair, dean or associate dean, and directors of international affairs, research, quality assurance, or teaching and learning.

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

[email protected]

Walter Lohmann Program Coordinator 215-898-8480 [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

Most students in this program are anticipated to fund their degree through a combination of personal resources and employer benefits. Limited scholarships are available to a select group of individuals.

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Environmental innovations initiative: From the classroom to the real world

Ryan Baker's accomplishments featured in The Learning Agency's "The Cutting Ed"

You may be interested in, related programs.

• Education Policy M.S.Ed.
• Executive Doctorate in Higher Education Management Ed.D.
• Higher Education Ph.D.
• Education, Culture, and Society M.S.Ed.
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.
• Intercultural Communication M.S.Ed.

Related Topics

• Apply for admission

Master's & doctoral degrees

• Qualifications
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• College of Economic and Management Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Human Sciences
• College of Law
• College of Science, Engineering and Technology
• Graduate School of Business Leadership

Master of Education in Educational Management

Closing date for applications for admission to master's and doctoral qualifications for 2024 academic year (some exceptions apply) extended to 31 january 2024..

Admission requirements

Student fees and funding your studies.

• Application for admission

Registration

An appropriate Bachelor of Education Honours Degree, with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 with an average of 60%. or an appropriate Postgraduate Diploma, with a minimum of 96 credits at NQF level 8 with an average of 60%. A student who is admitted on the strength of a Postgraduate Diploma and who has not completed a module in research methodology will be required to complete such a module at NQF level 8 for NDP before he/she will be allowed to register for the module in research methodology of which the outcome is the research proposal. Students must submit proof/evidence (an official letter signed by the principal of the school or institution) that they are employed on a management level (at least a chair/head of department at a school or institution) or have 6 years teaching experience. All students with foreign qualifications, including those with qualifications from African countries, must have their qualifications evaluated at SAQA. (www.saqa.org.za) In addition to the above requirements, applicants must submit a transcript or an academic record, as well as a document describing their intended research. Students will be accepted on the following criteria: Suitability and viability of the intended research; adequate supervisory capacity and research expertise in the discipline or department, and an approved selection procedure which is in line with Unisa's policies on equality and diversity in the discipline or department.

African Academic Programme

This programme is compulsory for all research master's and doctoral students. Students registered for honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas and coursework master's degrees are also welcome to register for this programme . 

Time limits for this degree

All master's and doctoral qualifications are structured over a defined period. Refer to sections 4.12 and 4.13 in the Procedures for master’s and doctoral degrees .

A student registered for a 180-credit structured coursework master’s degree must complete the study programme within three years. A student may make application to the supervisor for one additional year of study. The supervisor will consult with the Executive Dean of the College in which the student is registered.

Coursework master's degree

A master's degree by coursework requires a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual dependence, and a research project culminating in the acceptance of a dissertation of limited scope. The curriculum generally comprises subjects where you are required to write examinations, and submit a research proposal module and a mini-dissertation. In most cases, you need to pass at least two  modules before you may register for the research proposal module. You will only be able to register for the mini-dissertation if you comply with the requirements of the research proposal module. Please note: Once you have passed all the modules, but fail the research proposal module, you will not be permitted to continue with the qualification. Refer to the Procedures for master's and doctoral degrees . 

Research focus areas

Click here  to view a list of departments and research focus areas for the College of Education .

Research outline

Unisa’s admission policy has changed and you are now required to submit a detailed research outline for the qualification for which you apply. No application submitted without a detailed research outline will be considered. Although this research outline may differ for each qualification or academic department, the basic information required is as follows:

• Summary of topic
• Short literature review
• Expected contribution of the study
• Methodology to be followed
• Availability of the data
• List of references
• Reasons why you are interested in the topic

Your research outline must align with one of the departmental research focus areas. Please also take note of Unisa's Catalytic Niche Areas; you should strive to incorporate at least one of the Catalytic Nice Areas (CNAs) into your research. These include the following: 

• Marine studies      
• Aviation and aeronautical studies      
• Automotive      
• Energy      
• Space study and square kilometre array      
• Fourth IR and digitalisation      
• Natural sciences (biotechnological studies)      
• Health studies/medicine      
• Feminist, womanist and bosadi theorisations      
• Student support and co-curricular activities      

You can join the CGS-facilitated CNA working groups for the next series of meetings. For more information, visit www.unisa.ac.za/cgs  

Click here  for the guidelines on how to prepare a research outline. 

Plagiarism of any form is unacceptable. Please take note of Unisa's Policy for Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism .

Application fee

Pay the online application fee of R140,00 once you have received your Unisa student number.

Please note: 

• The application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
• Use the student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (eg STUDENTNUMBER 5370810030). 
• Send your proof of payment to [email protected]  
• Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for Unisa's payment methods and banking details. International students are advised to use the  Flywire payment option . 

An application for a student number does not constitute an application for admission. After you receive your student number, you must still complete the online application for admission process and  upload the compulsory supporting documents. 

Student fees

Click here for the 2024 student fee information. The fee information for the 2025 academic year will be available at the time of registration. 

Students registering for qualifications through the Graduate School of Business Leadership (SBL) should visit the  SBL website for fee information, as the SBL uses a different fee structure.

Click here for student funding/bursary opportunities.

Apply for a student number and apply for admission

Application are online only! Applications for admission to master's and doctoral degrees to be open from 2 September to 22 November 2024 . 

Applications for the following qualifications will, however, remain open until the end of June 2025: 

• All qualifications in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology (excluding Computer Science & Information Science qualifications)
• Doctor of Philosophy (90040) - SET, MAT, TEC, CHE, COM, LIF, AST, STA, SCE & PHY options
• Master of Science in Nature Conservation (full dissertation) (98022)
• Qualifications in the Department of Decision Sciences (98597 - ORE; 98598; 98701)  
• MPhil in Financial Management (90158) 
• PhD in Management Studies (90021 - FIN)

Click here  to apply for a student number and apply for admission.

Please ensure that you apply for a Unisa student number (if applicable), apply for admission and upload all the supporting documents during the application period. If you already have a Unisa student number, you proceed to apply for admission and upload all the supporting documents.

You have 10 working days to upload all the supporting documents during the application period. If you do not comply with this requirement, your application will be declined and you will have to re-apply for admission during the current/next application period.

Only students whose application for admission was approved and re-registering students (who made sufficient progress during the current academic year) will be allowed to register online within the approved registration period for the 2025 academic year. Coursework master's degree students must await the official approval of their research proposal module, before attempting to re-register for the next academic year. Students with outstanding fees or a Library block on their accounts, will not be able to register online until these issues have been resolved. No printed registration forms will be accepted.

Click here  for registration information.

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• Best Online Master's In Management

Best Online Master’s In Management Of 2024

Published: Aug 5, 2024, 10:47am

If you are a working business professional and feel like you’ve hit a wall or ceiling in your career and aren’t sure how to advance any further, an online master’s in management program might be a good option to get untracked. Largely built for working business professionals, these programs provide students with leadership training and practical skills in budgeting, forecasting and human resources, helping graduates advance to leadership and supervisory roles.

Since management is such a broad field, it can be difficult to differentiate between programs. That’s why we’ve researched and ranked the 10 best programs in the field. Read on to learn more about the best online master’s in management programs and find the best option for you.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked 384 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024.

We scored schools based on the following metrics.

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Application Process:

• Acceptance rate

We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 93% or higher.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Degree Finder

Key takeaways, best online master’s degree in management options, should you enroll in an online master’s in management program, accreditation for online master’s in management, how to find the right online master’s in management program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online master’s degrees in management.

• Since they are largely designed for working business professionals, many online master’s programs in management do not include field experience requirements.
• A master’s in management is considered by some experts to be more practical than an M.B.A.
• While a master’s in management is a general degree, some schools offer specialized concentrations in fields such as supply chain management, nonprofit management and human resource management.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of florida, north carolina state university, university of the cumberlands, union college, lasell university, university of st. francis, mount vernon nazarene university, norwich university, indiana wesleyan university, featured online schools.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Program Tuition Rate

$332/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, the University of Illinois (U of I) offers an online Master of Science in management program that distance learners can complete in 12 to 24 months. The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes required coursework in areas such as managerial accounting, project management , global marketing, and leadership and teams.

The program includes synchronous, live online sessions; however, students who miss these sessions can watch recorded versions at their convenience. Students take either one or two courses at a time and should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on each course.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $70
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting; leadership and teams
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: No

$531/credit (in-state)

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) offers an online Master of Science in management that offers both full-time (three-semester) and part-time (six-semester) tracks. The 32-credit curriculum includes coursework in managerial accounting, managerial economics, international business law and global strategic management.

Distance learners in the program should expect to spend approximately six to 10 hours on their studies per course each week. Fall and spring courses last eight weeks, while summer courses take six weeks to complete.

• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting, international business law

$42,974 total (in-state)

Located in the capital city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University (NCSU) offers a part-time online Master of Management program with two concentration options: marketing analytics and risk and analytics. The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in critical thinking for managers, leading people, strategic risk analysis using Excel, and sustainability and business.

The university delivers the majority of its online coursework asynchronously, but some courses may include synchronous elements. Prospective students do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, but they can if they think test scores will enhance their applications.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Critical thinking for managers, leading people
• Concentrations Available: Marketing analytics, risk and analytics

$355/credit

Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers a Master of Science program in strategic management. The 31-credit curriculum includes courses in areas such as strategic organizational design, management consulting, managing in a global environment, and mergers and acquisitions. All students must also complete a capstone course that involves a comprehensive written examination.

Cumberlands delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously. The program is designed for working professionals with an undergraduate business background.

• School Type: Private
• Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic organizational design, management consulting

$370/credit

Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The college’s online Master of Science in management program requires 30 credits and includes courses such as management information systems, marketing for results, organizational behavior and teamwork, and leadership and human resources.

Incoming students must have earned a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Transfer students can earn up to six credits for prior coursework. Union delivers online coursework asynchronously and in eight-week terms.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Management information systems, marketing for results

$675/credit

Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell offers an online Master of Science in management program that requires 30 credits. The curriculum delves into topics including global leadership, financial management, strategic marketing, and ethical theory and management. Students can complete the program online or enroll in a blended/hybrid format with some on-campus coursework.

Lasell delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students in the management program can choose between a research project and an in-person internship as a capstone experience.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Global leadership, financial management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship

$775/credit

Located in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis (USF) offers an online Master of Science in management program with eight concentration options, including data science in healthcare, human resource management, and management of training and development. In addition to nine credits of concentration courses, students complete a 15-credit core that includes courses in developing personal leadership and leading continuous improvement.

All students complete a management practicum experience in the field. The fastest completion timeline for this degree is 15 months.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Developing personal leadership, leading continuous improvement
• Concentrations Available: Data science in healthcare; health administration; human resource management; instructional design in online learning; management of training and development; performance improvement; quality improvement in healthcare; supply chain management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum

$498/credit

Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Master of Science in management program with four concentration options: logistics management, organizational management, human resource management , and human and social services leadership. Students complete nine credits in their concentration, in addition to core coursework in areas including strategic management, organizational behavior, global business and ethical leadership.

The typical student completes this degree in 16 months. The 30-credit curriculum does not include any in-person requirements.

• Our Flexibility Rating: N/A
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Organizational behavior, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: Logistics management; organizational management; human resource management; human and social services leadership

$698/credit

Located in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich is the oldest private military college in the nation. The university has recently expanded into distance learning and now offers a Master of Science program in management with 13 concentration options, including supply chain management , project management, fiscal management, organizational leadership management and nonprofit management.

The typical student completes this program in 18 months, and each online course lasts for 11 weeks.

• Application Fee: $150
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership fundamentals, strategic management
• Concentrations Available: General; construction management; critical infrastructure protection and cyber crime; cyber law and international perspectives on cyberspace; cybersecurity; public sector leadership and crisis management; human resources leadership management; nonprofit management; organizational leadership management; fiscal management; technology management; project management; supply chain management

$499/credit

Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) reaches students around the world through its online National and Global campus. The university’s online Master of Science program in management includes four concentration options: data analytics, information technology management, healthcare administration, and policy and organizational change.

No matter their chosen concentration, all of the program’s students complete courses in areas such as foundations of graduate business and ethical and legal aspects of management. The program’s curriculum consists of 30 total credits. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously.

• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of graduate business; ethical and legal aspects of management
• Concentrations Available: Data analytics; information technology management; policy and organizational change

These days, an online degree might seem like the obvious choice. However, distance learning is only the right fit for a specific type of student . To determine if that’s you, ask yourself a few key questions:

• What’s your budget? Distance learning is a solid option for students looking to save money, as online students generally avoid paying campus-related costs such as housing and transportation. Additionally, some public universities allow students who exclusively enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates.
• What are your other obligations? Online learning is often the right choice for parents and students who plan to work full or part time while enrolled. Many of the ranked programs in our guide were built for business professionals who want to complete their master’s degrees around their jobs.
• What’s your learning style? This is possibly the biggest question when determining whether or not online learning is right for you. If you are disciplined, organized and self-motivated, you can likely succeed in a less structured distance learning environment. If you crave regular interactions with a peer group or professor or prefer the structure of a physical classroom, campus-based learning might be a better choice.

There are two important types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic.

Institutional accreditation is the more important of the two. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that manage the institutional accreditation process. These agencies are each responsible for the schools within a group of states, vetting these schools for the quality of their academics, faculty and finances, among other areas.

You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools, as this is the only way to qualify for federal financial aid. You can check a prospective school’s accreditation by visiting the accreditation page on its website or checking the directory on CHEA’s website.

Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields and disciplines. Its importance varies by field; however, programmatic accreditation is relatively important in business and management.

With master’s in management programs, keep an eye out for accreditation from three organizations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.

Consider Your Future Goals

An online master’s in management program is generally a good option for an early career business professional who aspires to managerial and supervisory roles in their field. Some people claim that a master’s in management is a more practical degree than an M.B.A. , focused more on minutiae and data such as budgeting and forecasting.

As such, many schools build their programs with working business professionals in mind. To that end, many online master’s in management programs do not include field experience or practicum experiences or internships. If you want your program to include this opportunity, you’ll have to research more carefully on the front end.

Since management is a general field, some online programs in the field offer more specific concentrations in areas such as nonprofit management, human resource management or supply chain management. If you know you want to enter one of these subfields, make sure to apply to a program with the right concentration option.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $347 to $775. Over the course of a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s in management program, these rates translate to approximately $10,000 to $28,000 in total tuition.

As of the 2021–2022 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that the average college charged $20,513 in annual tuition. For a one- or two-year master’s program, this translates to roughly $20,000 to $40,000 in total tuition.

Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to finance your master’s program. The FAFSA can lead to loans, scholarships and grants. You can pursue similar opportunities through nonprofit organizations and schools. You can also seek out graduate assistantships through your school, but these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students.

Is a master’s in management worth it?

It depends on your goals and circumstances. However, if you hope to advance to a managerial role in a business field, a master’s in management is often worth it, equipping you with qualifications and skills necessary to advance your career.

Is a master’s in management the same as an M.B.A.?

No, they are two separate degrees. Some would say that a master’s in management is a more practical degree, focused on budgeting and forecasting as opposed to big-picture thinking. A master’s in management is often built for early career business professionals, while an M.B.A. targets career changers and accelerators.

How long does a master’s in management take?

The programs in our guide generally take between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on how many courses you take per term.

Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023.

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Senior Purchasing Management

Develop your organizational skills in Purchasing Management through this Advanced Master's Degree.

Senior IT Management

Computerized processes in companies are becoming more and more common, so the use of information technologies has become essential in all companies. Therefore, it is necessary for professionals to be trained in their use, as well as to be competent m ...

MBA in Veterinary Center Management and Administration

Train in the management and administration of Veterinary Centers through this Advanced Master's Degree in MBA in Veterinary Center Management and Administration.

Senior Financial Management

Empower your organizational and management skills and become successful in Senior Financial Management.

MBA in Political Communication Management

Develop your managerial skills in Political Communication through this Advanced Master's Degree.

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