Online Master’s in Educational Administration Degree
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- Online
What Is a Master’s in Educational Administration?
A Master of Education in Educational Administration is a graduate licensure degree for educators seeking principal licensure and want to develop school leadership, operations, policy and administrative skills. GCU’s online(See disclaimer 1) MEd in Educational Administration includes online coursework and in-person field/practicum experiences, including 300 field/practicum hours, and is designed to support candidates pursuing administrative roles.
Up to 12 credits or 1/3 of the total program requirements in transfer (whichever is less)
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
- Undergraduate Degree*
- 2.8+ GPA
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
- GMAT: 500
- GRE: 300 combined**
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
What Is It Like To Earn an Online Master’s in Educational Administration From GCU?
This master’s in educational administration coursework can be completed online.(See disclaimer 1) Students will have opportunities to apply what they’ve been taught in practical settings during internship experiences. Designed to prepare you to be an impactful leader, the curriculum integrates the principles of servant leadership and a Christian worldview, empowering you to serve your school community with integrity and ethical judgment.
What To Expect in an Online MEd in Educational Administration Program
Online Learning for Busy Professionals
In this master's in educational administration online,¹ you can connect with classmates and faculty through our e-learning platform while using course tools designed to keep you engaged and on track.
As an online learner, you'll have access to digital course materials, technical support, your university resources and collaboration tools that can help you stay connected throughout your program.
An Accredited University
Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and demonstrates the institution’s commitment and capacity to maintain program quality. This degree program holds accreditation through the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) and is approved by the State of Arizona. The program aligns with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL, 2015) and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP, 2018) Program Recognition Standards.
GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968. The College of Education shares the university’s commitment to upholding the principles and standards established by our accrediting bodies.
Support Services Built Around Your Needs
The College of Education offers comprehensive student services designed to support your academic and professional journey. The Office of Clinical Practice, working with the Office of Field Experience, helps candidates engage in meaningful field-based learning opportunities, navigate internship and state certification requirements and connect theory to practice in professional settings.
Faith-Based Education Designed for You
As a private Christian university, we integrate our Christian worldview into the curriculum. Students earning an MEd in Educational Administration prepare to serve their school communities with integrity and a servant leadership approach. Immerse yourself in a remote learning community that embraces professional and social responsibility.
Hear From Our Students
"I was a teacher for 24 years before I decided to go back to school to get my master's at GCU. Grand Canyon University has helped me find my purpose by supporting and empowering me."
"I was a teacher for 24 years before I decided to go back to school to get my master's at GCU. Grand Canyon University has helped me find my purpose by supporting and empowering me."
What Will I Study in an MEd in Educational Administration?
This master’s degree in educational administration helps prepare principal candidates to create a supportive and positive school community for students, faculty and staff. Explore how to effectively implement school policies and procedures aligned with state and federal compliance requirements and how to apply data-driven analysis to academic programs and curriculum. This MEd degree program also teaches the application of effective coaching and mentorship techniques while embracing welcoming leadership strategies.
Educational Administration Degree Core Course Topics
The coursework for this master’s in educational administration degree is designed to enable graduates to pursue principal licensure. It includes hands-on learning opportunities, including multiple clinical internships in the area of educational administration. In clinical practice settings, principal candidates will observe, participate and lead while applying administrative and leadership skills. By the end of the program, graduates will have completed 300 field/practicum hours.
The MEd teaches core competencies for principal candidates, including:
School Leadership Foundations
Developing school missions and visions that promote equity, community, character development and ethical behavior
Education Law
Laws, policies and regulations that govern and guide school communities in pre-K-12 education
School Culture Leadership
Best practices for cultivating a consistent, respectful and safe learning environment, including culturally responsive practices
Program Improvement
Application of data-driven insights to improve academic programs and practices
Teacher Development
Coaching and mentoring techniques for fostering a work environment geared toward continual professional development for teachers
School Finance
Pre-K-12 education finance regulations and principles, including managing change and school improvement projects
Explore Specialized Pathways in Educational Administration
In addition to this MEd in Educational Administration, we offer a Christian education emphasis program. This emphasis may be a good choice for you if you’re interested in serving as a leader in faith-based academic settings. Alternatively, choose the emphasis program in school business and finance to take a closer look at the application of business and financial principles to school settings.
Christian Education
School Business and Finance
What Can You Do With a Master’s in Educational Administration?
The MEd degree program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue licensure and education administration career paths. Before enrolling, be sure to review your state’s licensure requirements to confirm this program aligns with the qualifications needed for certification where you plan to teach and work. This degree teaches the administrative skills necessary for careers in education, such as coordinating and overseeing the daily operations of a school or school district, as well as the leadership skills that can be applied to create supportive, welcoming school communities that foster success among students, faculty and staff. As an education administrator, you will be responsible for not only establishing the vision for your school community but also implementing the policies and programs that fulfill it.
Education administrators may pursue work in the following settings:
Preschools and Kindergartens
Create a nurturing school environment for the youngest students as they prepare for structured learning
Elementary Schools
Inspire elementary school students to adjust to the expectations of school while continuing their socioemotional development
Secondary Schools
Support middle and high school students as they work toward preparing for college, vocational training or the workforce
Postsecondary Schools
Establish a vision of academic excellence and promote an enriching campus life at a college or university
Median annual wage for elementary, middle and high school principals as of May 2024(See disclaimer 2)
Job openings for elementary, middle and high school principals projected each year from 2024 to 2034(See disclaimer 3)
Online MEd Tuition and Financial Aid Options
We’re committed to keeping tuition for our academic programs accessible for our students by offering competitive online tuition rates and millions in institutional scholarships. An education at GCU is an investment in your future.
Ways To Save
Your education is an important financial investment, and there are several ways to help manage costs while earning your degree. GCU’s university counselors are available to help you explore available options and provide personalized guidance on your estimated cost of attendance.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and student loans. Since some aid is awarded on a first‑come, first‑served basis, GCU recommends submitting the FAFSA as early as possible after Oct. 1 to maximize funding opportunities.
If you’ve earned college credits from another institution, you may be able to complete your degree sooner at GCU by transferring those credits. Submit the Lopes Unofficial Credit Evaluation form, then connect with a university counselor who can provide you with personalized guidance.
You may be able to reduce your college costs by applying for GCU’s on-campus or online student scholarships. We invite you to explore available institutional scholarships and determine which opportunities you may be eligible for. GCU also encourages students to seek out third‑party scholarships and grants.
Explore Your Financial Options
Connect with a university counselor to learn more about tuition, cost-planning resources and available options.
Master’s in Educational Administration FAQs
Explore the following frequently asked questions and answers to learn more about the MEd in Educational Administration.
Can you earn an MEd in Educational Administration online?
Is a master’s in educational administration worth it?
Can a master’s in educational administration lead to a principal license?
What types of MEd degrees does GCU offer?
What skills can you learn in an MEd in Educational Administration program?
What Are the Admission Requirements for the MEd in Educational Administration?
Our university does not require a personal statement or essay, and there is no application fee. Specific requirements can vary, depending on the degree or program. Your university counselor will help you navigate the process of applying.
You can apply to a degree program at GCU in just three simple steps. Your university counselor is standing by to assist you with any questions about the application process.
It starts with selecting the program that aligns with your goals from one of GCU's 380+ academic programs — from undergraduate degrees to post-master’s certificate programs to doctoral degrees.
Pick your program
Explore our on-campus, online or evening cohort options under the Degree Programs page to find the right program for you.
Complete our online application
Your university counselor will direct you to the online application. Fill in all required information and submit the form.
Submit supporting documents
Submit your official transcripts and any relevant test scores, and confirm with your university counselor that all forms for your desired program are submitted.
Program Curriculum
Core Courses
You can learn to lead with confidence and support a collaborative learning environment. Explore GCU’s online master’s in educational administration.
If you are seeking licensure/certification, please refer to the "Accreditation and Compliance/State Disclosures” link for the specific program of interest’s website for your location and/or employment state’s licensure requirements, per 34 CFR 668.14(b)32 and 668.43(c).
Excluding observational and practice-based experiences and student teaching.
- The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Elementary, Middle and High School Principals, as of May 2024, retrieved June 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as Elementary, Middle and High School Principals, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Elementary, Middle and High School Principals, retrieved June 2026.
- COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Postsecondary Education Administrators, retrieved June 2026.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, Aug. 28). How to Become an Elementary, Middle or High School Principal. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved June 2026.