Online Master of Education in Educational Administration
Become a leader in education
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Master of Education in Educational Administration, Online
The online Master of Education in Educational Administration (MEdEA) is a fully synchronous online graduate degree designed to prepare seasoned educators to become K-12 principals and administrators. Through in-depth coursework and a 10-week in-person practicum with a principal mentor, graduate students learn about what it takes to successfully lead in education settings.
The educational administration master’s program at UofL prepares graduates in Kentucky and elsewhere to advance educational goals at a site-wide level as school principals and administrators. You will learn leadership skills that can drive success at the school and district levels and beyond. As a K-12 school principal you can improve the educational outcomes of students outside of the classroom and build a learning community that empowers educators and students and their families.
This program focuses on transformational and instructional leadership principles. Additionally, you will gain practical knowledge on pertinent topics on policy, K-12 educational law, human resources and fiscal management. Graduates of the program are equipped to meet the unique challenges in educational administration.
The MEd in Educational Administration online degree is offered by the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville, a school consistently recognized by US News & World Report as Best in the Nation and Best for Veterans for its Graduate Education Programs’ quality of instruction and student support.
UofL's Online MEdEA Program
Advance your education career outside the classroom and prepare to become a K-12 school principal.
MEd in Educational Administration
100% Online
The Big Picture
School principals are the heartbeat of thriving schools. They lead educators to strive for excellence, encourage students and build partnerships with families and their community. The online MEd in Educational Administration is designed for seasoned teachers with at least 3 years of K-12 teaching experience who are ready to advance outside the classroom and become leaders at the site administration level.
This program combines education in leadership fundamentals with applied practice to prepare students for the realities of school administration. Through structured synchronous curriculum and a 10-week in-person practicum with an active school principal mentor, students develop the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required to support and build successful learning communities.
Delivered online in a synchronous format, UofL’s master’s degree in education administration offers flexibility for working educators while maintaining rigorous academic expectations aligned with professional standards for school principals.
Online MEdEA Degree Highlights
- Develop the skills and practical experience to lead thriving learning communities
- Prepare for professional practice and licensure as a school principal
- Learn from experienced faculty and a currently serving school principal mentor
- Translate your skills and experience into higher pay and more influence within your school and district
This program can lead to a Kentucky School Principal Professional Certification
Need more guidance? Connect with us!
Become a leader in K-12 education and facilitate change to transform lives.
How to Apply to UofL’s Online MEd in Educational Administration Degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration online program at UofL and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| July 1 | Fall | August |
| October 15 | Spring | January |
Note: Although admission is granted on a rolling basis throughout the year, applicants are encouraged to work on and submit their complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts, test scores and other materials may take more time. Applications submitted or completed after the preferred deadline will be considered on a case-by-case basis for the next available start/term.
How to Apply for the Online MEd in Educational Administration
- Start your application for graduate admission
- Submit $65 non-refundable application fee
- Upload required materials*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended colleges and universities. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: gradadm@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Graduate School, 2211 S. Brook St., Louisville, KY 40292.
- Create a financial plan
What Are the Admissions Requirements for the Online MEd in Educational Administration?
To be considered for admission, applicants must have:
- Three years of successful K-12 teaching experience in Kentucky or three years (one year = a minimum of 140 contract days) of successful K-12 teaching experience outside the state of Kentucky
- a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution
- a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate work on a 4.0 scale
*Required application packet materials include:
- valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate or statement of eligibility for candidates outside Kentucky
- submission of an online Graduate School application.
- letter of intent for pursuing the degree which references your leadership intentions
- current resume
- philosophy of education (2 page limit)
- letter of Support from current school principal.
- signed statement regarding the Acceptable Use of Technology Agreement and Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Personnel.
- joint screening by the Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development and district personnel.
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started the graduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
Out-of-State Applicants
Out-of-state applicants should check state authorizations and licensing disclosures for requirements in their state. Please be advised that the University of Louisville cannot guarantee that our program will meet licensure, salary, advancement or other requirements in your state. The University of Louisville makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for programs is current; however, licensure requirements are always subject to change.
Students should always check with their state licensure board to confirm licensure requirements.
- Check our state authorization page for requirements in your state.
- If you have further questions about licensure, please contact our academic advisor at betty.hampton@louisville.edu.
- If you live outside of the United States, be sure to view special requirements for international students.
You are already shaping young minds. Now you can expand your influence.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How Much It Costs to Earn an Online MEdEA Degree at UofL
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers a reduced tuition rate per credit hour for advanced educator preparation programs. The new tuition reduction is approximately 25% less than the current standard graduate tuition rate.
The University of Louisville's base tuition rate is determined annually once the Kentucky State Legislature approves the recommendations from the University and the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE).
Academic Year Tuition
$647 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour military tuition rate
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs. All online courses are assessed an additional $10/credit hour fee per University of Louisville policies.
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Standard and military tuition rates, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What Will You Learn in the Online Master of Education in Educational Administration?
The online master’s in education is a 30 credit hour synchronous program. Students must complete nine 8 week synchronous courses and one synchronous course that runs the entire semester. Over the summer semester students must complete a 10 week professional internship with a local school principal that spans the end of the school year, summer preparation and the next school year start to gain valuable operational and instructional knowledge and skills.
Most of the online synchronous course meet on Wednesday evenings and cover topics including many aspects of leadership in educational settings, methodolgy for curriculum and student performance oversite along with overall school improvement within Kentucky’s required diagnostic reviews for underperforming schools. Through coursework and hands-on experience you will learn how to lead, transform and empower flourishing learning communities.
Online Courses
Courses are synchronous, delivered in 8 week and standard term length. Please note that the synchronous delivery will require specific class time commitments.
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
Take the next step with confidence. Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What Can I Do with a Master's in Educational Administration?
Today’s classrooms can present seemingly insurmountable challenges that may appear impossible to overcome. As a student in the MEd in Educational Administration online program at UofL, you’ll uncover insights and strategies that will help you advance educational outcomes for students and build thriving learning communities.
Demand for well-prepared educational administrators is at an all-time high. According to Lightcast.io occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in the education field are projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2033 with 237,945 annual job postings. The median salary for school principals is nearly $98,700 (Lightcast.io). Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Created for experienced educators who want to advance their education career and pursue careers and roles including:
- Principal
- Assistant principal
- District administrator
- Instructional coordinator
- Director or supervisor
- Dean of students
- College provost
- University registrar
- Educational consultant
- Curriculum developer
- K–12 Administrator
- Director of Education
- Program Director
- Education Evaluator
- Director of Title 1 Programs
- Education Administrator
- Education Consultant
- Corporate Trainer
- Policy Analyst
- Researcher
- Instructional Coordinator
- Curriculum Specialist
- Higher Education Administrator
Become a leader who creates change in education!
What Your Support Network Looks Like
Success in an online Master of Education in Educational Administration program requires more than engaging coursework; it requires meaningful support. From application through graduation, MEd students are supported by a dedicated team that understands the realities of today’s educators and working professionals. Enrollment counselors, academic advisors, program leadership, and faculty work together to provide clear guidance, timely assistance and practical insights, empowering you to stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Cameron Murray-Hicks | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
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Betty Hampton | Advisor, Graduate Ed Programs Director, Graduate Student Services | betty.hampton@louisville.edu | 502.852.0411 |
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Deborah Powers | Program Director, Clinical Associate Professor | Debbie.powers@louisville.edu | 502.852.4415 |
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What Else Should You Know
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission process, financial aid options and how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
Are classes available to complete the master's degree entirely online?
Yes! You can complete the program coursework 100% online, but all online coursework is completed via synchronous sessions (from 4:30 to 7 p.m. ET on specific weekdays). There is also an in-person internship requirement and course. You will be assigned to a mentor principal in a school geographically close to you.
May I transfer credits from another institution or program into my master's program?
Yes, you may request to transfer up to 6 credit hours from an accredited institution you attended previously, once you are admitted to the program. The credit transferred must be approved by your UofL advisor. Transfer requests are then submitted through the Graduate School at UofL.
How long does it take to complete this program?
The Educational Administration program is designed to be completed over 5 consecutive semesters, or 18 months as part of a consistent cohort of fellow students.
How much does the online Master of Education in Educational Administration from UofL cost?
The College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) offers a reduced tuition rate of $647 per credit hour for advanced educator preparation programs. The new tuition reduction is approximately 25% less than the current standard graduate tuition rate.
The University of Louisville's base tuition rate is determined annually once the Kentucky State Legislature approves the recommendations from the University and the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). The University of Louisville offers $250 per credit hour tuition rate for active-duty military.
What should I write about in my letter of intent and philosophy of education admission materials?
The letter of intent should present why you want to pursue this degree and what your professional plans are once you have completed the degree. Your philosophy of education should describe how you envision the role of education in the lives of students, educators and the communities they live and work in.
What is the in-person professional internship?
A key component of the MEd in Educational Administration is the in-person professional internship with an active school principal. Students in the program dedicate one summer term to a 10 week, 3 credit hour course (LEAD 627 Internship in Educational Leadership: Principal). Students are paired with a principal in their area for the end of the school year, the summer planning period and the start of the next school year to gain hands-on experience and mentorship from that principal. Students will sign a contract for their internship highlighting a project to be completed during the internship that is aimed at improving outcomes for students and/or adults.
Will this program lead to principal certification?
Yes, this program prepares students to meet the requirements for certification and/or licensure in Kentucky. If you plan to pursue professional licensure or certification in another state you should first determine your state’s criteria for examination and licensure to see how/if our program meets those requirements prior to enrollment. We recommend that you also contact your state’s licensing board directly to verify that the requirements have not changed recently and to answer any questions especially those regarding additional requirements beyond the degree.
More information about certification or licensure is available at the following website: https://louisville.edu/about/departments/academic-planning-accountability/disclosures/professional-licensure or at https://online.louisville.edu/resources/compliance/license
What can I do with the MEd in Educational Administration degree?
Completing the MEdEA degree academically prepares students for licensure eligibility as an administrator or principal and meets the curricular requirements for endorsement. If you don’t pursue licensure as a K-12 school principal you can use the leadership and policy education from the program to excel in roles including district level administrator, policy analyst, curriculum developer, or move into higher education administration.
Demand for well-prepared educational administrators is at an all-time high. According to Lightcast.io occupation outlook data, on average, jobs in the education field are projected to grow 4% between 2025 and 2033 with 237,945 annual job postings. The median salary for school principals is nearly $98,700 (Lightcast.io). Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Do I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn? Does the diploma say “online”?
Your degree – just like the quality of your courses – will be the same as those received by on campus students. It will not contain the method of course delivery (i.e. “online”).