Master’s in Educational Leadership Online

Q: What can I do with a master’s in educational leadership outside of education?

Although the master’s in educational leadership online focuses on career outcomes for professionals who intend to continue working in education, learners can also examine transferable skills that may have applications outside of traditional educational settings. Some potential options include:3 Design and implement trainings and developments for businesses and organizations Contribute to the development and implementation of education-related policies and initiatives Lead and manage projects, teams and initiatives within nonprofit and community organizations Develop and implement workshops, team-building exercises and other initiatives to improve employee competencies and productivity Offer coaching and support to clients in need of life skills development

Overview

Grow Your Knowledge in Educational Leadership

With Grand Canyon University’s Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership, you can continue your career in education while examining modern administration competencies — from managing resources wisely to leading effectively through change. Prepare to support teachers while building a positive school culture.

This master’s in educational leadership program is designed to provide further specialization and advanced training for licensed educators. Proof of your teaching experience is a requirement for enrollment.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education

Offered By

College of Education

Class Settings

Evening

Online

Tuition Rate

Online: $615 per credit [More Info]

Evening: $615 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 30

Online: 6 weeks

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Transfer Credits

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

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).

Why GCU

Discover a Purpose-Driven Approach to Educational Leadership

This master’s in educational leadership online^{(See disclaimer 1)} at GCU provides access to workplace-focused coursework aimed at developing skills in strategic leadership and school management, with a look at building strong, supportive school communities through ethical leadership. Beyond coursework, this degree program offers field experience hours, enabling you to put theoretical concepts into practice. The entire curriculum is infused with GCU’s Christian worldview. We encourage our learners to emulate a Christ-like character as they consider how they can best serve their communities.

Online Courses

GCU aims to make higher education as accessible as possible so our learners can overcome time constraints and geographical barriers. Through online classes, this educational leadership degree offers the flexibility needed by learners who are continuing to meet the demands of a full-time job and personal commitments.

Professional Development

Designed for licensed teachers who aspire to position themselves for potential leadership roles in education, this master’s focuses on expanding your foundation in education to include leadership and management competencies. You will be taught how to lead ethically, with an innovative mindset, while also staying current with educational trends and best practices.

Coursework

Explore Online Educational Leadership Degree Coursework

The core focus of this master’s in educational leadership degree program is to help you understand and fulfill the professional and ethical responsibilities of being an education leader. You will explore coursework in topics such as change management and risk management, along with resource management and effective communication with stakeholders. The curriculum includes a capstone course, which involves practicum and field experience hours that guide you through the application of solutions to practical problems in academic settings.

Topics covered in this program include:

School finance

Education law

Positive school culture

K-12 legal issues

Curriculum development

Professional development

Empowerment of teachers

Instructional leadership

While all our degree programs are integrated with our Christian worldview, GCU also offers an MEd in Educational Leadership with an Emphasis in K12 Christian Education for aspiring education administrators who would like to focus on Christian-based education. This degree examines building Christian education environments, as well as legal considerations for Christian private schools.

MEd in Educational Leadership

Careers

Career Paths for Master’s in Educational Leadership Graduates

For licensed educators, this Master of Education in Educational Leadership offers the opportunity to develop effective leadership skills and a vision for the strategic management of academic settings. This degree program can also be an ideal option for professionals who already hold licensure as a principal, as well as for aspiring administrators who are not required to hold principal licensure in their state or in their private school.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

By leveraging your educational expertise and acquired leadership abilities, you may be able to seek careers that contribute to the advancement of education and that foster the growth and development of students.

With the leadership and administrative skills taught in this MEd in Educational Leadership program, graduates may go on to work in roles such as:

Preschool and daycare education childcare administrator
Kindergarten, elementary and secondary education administrator
Postsecondary education administrator

Accreditation

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership (Advanced Program for Continuing Professional Education) degree program at GCU is designed to meet standards of quality and excellence. GCU has been institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 and is proud to prioritize quality education and comprehensive instruction.

If you are interested in pursuing careers in educational leadership, be sure to check for state accreditation and certification requirements. Each state may have its own requirements and regulations for educational leadership programs, and having state-specific accreditation ensures that the program aligns with the specific standards set by the state's education authorities.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are interested in studying educational leadership, explore the following FAQs to make an informed decision for your future.

Is a master’s in educational leadership worth it?

If your goal is to empower teachers while creating learning environments that support student success, then a master’s in educational leadership may be worth it. A degree in leadership education can lead to many opportunities, such as a career in K-12 or postsecondary administration. If you want to position yourself for possible career advancement or effect change in the school system, an educational leadership degree may be just what you’re looking for.

What is educational leadership?

Educational leadership involves establishing and working toward a strategic vision for a school environment. Education administrators are responsible for creating a positive school culture. Educational leadership is also about empowering teachers so they can do their jobs effectively, and it is focused on improving student outcomes. Educational leadership can also involve outreach with relevant parties. Collectively, the goals and activities of an educational leader can help strengthen communities by preparing students for lifelong success.

What can I do with a master’s in educational leadership outside of education?

Although the master’s in educational leadership online^{(See disclaimer 1)} focuses on career outcomes for professionals who intend to continue working in education, learners can also examine transferable skills that may have applications outside of traditional educational settings.

Some potential options include:^{(See disclaimer 3 )}

Design and implement trainings and developments for businesses and organizations
Contribute to the development and implementation of education-related policies and initiatives
Lead and manage projects, teams and initiatives within nonprofit and community organizations
Develop and implement workshops, team-building exercises and other initiatives to improve employee competencies and productivity
Offer coaching and support to clients in need of life skills development

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

Major30 credits

Degree Requirements30 credits

Core Courses

EAD-507

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course begins by acquainting candidates with the learning management system while preparing them to be successful graduate-level students and future educational leaders. With a programmatic focus on developing leaders, this course examines school missions and visions that promote the values of equity, diversity, and community, with an emphasis on a leader’s character development, modeling and advocating for ethical behavior, and leadership.

EDL-517

3 Total Credits

EDL-527

3 Total Credits

Course Description

Effective management of human and capital resources is a critically important responsibility for system leaders. Leaders need to make the most of potentially scarce resources and align their resource management strategy with the mission and vision of the organization. This course focuses on identifying and allocating resources, including funding, people, facilities, and systems, to promote improvement. Emphasis is placed on collaboration and ethical decision making. Prerequisite: EDL-517.

EAD-537

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course emphasizes the critical role of the leader in creating and sustaining a positive school culture and shared vision. Given diverse settings, contexts, and leadership situations, candidates will explore how to manage and cultivate productive relationships with students, families, and the educational community that promote student development and success. Emphasis is placed on effective communication with community stakeholders in a variety of contexts.

EDL-537

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course explores the application of professional dispositions and virtues based on a personal mission and vision in a manner that promotes democracy, individual freedom and responsibility within the educational community. Topics include self-awareness and self-reflection as a leader, as well as building and maintaining positive relationships with all education stakeholders. Prerequisite: EDL-527 or CEA-527.

EAD-577

3 Total Credits

Course Description

This course prepares candidates to promote effective and safe learning environments to support school improvement initiatives. Research-based best practices in establishing a consistent, organized, and respectful learning environment will be explored. Emphasis is placed on equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive practices. Character education is addressed to support the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of all school community stakeholders, and to sustain a positive learning environment.

EDL-557

3 Total Credits

EDL-567

3 Total Credits

EDL-577

3 Total Credits

EDL-590

3 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Admission

Build a Foundation in Educational Leadership

Follow your passion and lead teachers and students toward positive change. Earn your on-campus or online educational leadership degree at GCU.

Apply Now

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.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How to Become an Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved January 2026.
Indeed Editorial Team. (2025, Dec. 10). 31 Non-Teaching Careers for Candidates With a Master's in Education. Indeed. Retrieved January 2026.

Master’s in Educational Leadership Online

Grow Your Knowledge in Educational Leadership

Discover a Purpose-Driven Approach to Educational Leadership

Explore Online Educational Leadership Degree Coursework

Explore a Related Emphasis Program

Career Paths for Master’s in Educational Leadership Graduates

Earn Your Degree From an Accredited University

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

Core Courses