Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Commit to Excellence with an Online Educational Leadership Degree
Online with Internships
2 Years
36 Credit Hours
$699 per Credit
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Grow as a Transformative Education Leader Ready to Advocate for Students
- Apply By: 05/15/26
- Start Class: 08/24/26
Dedicate yourself to excellence in school administration with the online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program from Winthrop University. You will prepare to become a teacher leader or advance into principal roles to uphold the highest ethical standards while overseeing the daily operations of PK-12 schools. The coursework will enable you to enhance student achievement, encourage community collaboration and advocate for the success of all children.
Program Details
- Our curriculum aligns with NELP and CAEP standards
- Prepare for the Praxis Educational Leadership exam*
- A 30 percent tuition discount is available to PK-12 educators who work in South Carolina or North Carolina
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Build Competencies for Leading Schools and Advocating for Students
9 Online Courses
3 Internship Experiences
Winthrop’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership delivers knowledge and skills to position you for success as a PK-12 administrator. Offering a high-quality learning experience, our curriculum is recognized by the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program and accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
By earning your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership online, you’ll prepare to sit for the Praxis Educational Leadership exam, which is required for roles in North Carolina and South Carolina.* Of the Winthrop graduates who have taken this exam, 98 percent have passed, verifying their ability to lead the next generation of learners and teachers.
Hallmarks of Our Educational Leadership Curriculum
Develop a Strong Foundation in Educational Leadership
Strengthen your understanding of decision-making, school culture, communication, policy and governance within the context of PK–12 education.
Complete 3 Internships Focusing on Educational Leadership
Gain hands-on experience under the supervision of school administrators and engage in problem-solving seminars to deepen your leadership skills.
Benefit from Our 15-to-1 Student-Faculty Ratio
Receive personalized attention and expert guidance during online classes led by experienced faculty versed in educational leadership.
Admissions Requirements
What are the Admission Requirements for the Online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership?
Application Deadline 05/15/26
Start Date 08/24/26
Our M.Ed. in Educational Leadership online program includes the following requirements to ensure you’re set up for success when the rigorous coursework begins. Remember that our enrollment specialists are here to help—request information to discuss financial aid, transferring credits, military benefits and other questions you may have.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | One-time fee of $50, paid online |
| Degree and Teaching Experience | Teaching degree with 3 years of teaching experience |
| Minimum GPA | Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
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| Transcripts | Official transcripts from all institutions attended for undergraduate and graduate coursework |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer up to nine credits |
| Additional Requirements |
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International Students
International students must have a course-by-course evaluation of their international coursework conducted by an independent evaluation service and have the official report sent directly to us. Accepted services include World Education Services, Educational Credential Evaluators and the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions. Students must also demonstrate English language proficiency with one of the following:
- A TOEFL score of at least 550 on the paper-based test or at least 79 on the internet-based test
- An IELTS score of at least 6.0
- Successful completion of level 112 of the Intensive English for Academic Purposes Program from an English Language School (ELS) center
For a full list of international admission requirements, visit the Admissions page.
Discover a Simple, Supportive Admissions Process
Winthrop understands that every student has unique needs and goals. So, we designed our Admissions Hub to provide guidance on forging your own path to an online program. Whether you want to transfer credits, have military experience or live abroad, you’ll find resources that help you take the next step. If you’d like to talk with an enrollment specialist, request information or call 833-257-1704.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Invest in Your Future to Succeed in Educational Leadership
Calculate your cost for attending Winthrop University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Named a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report,1 Winthrop strives to offer a cost-effective experience to students interested in completing an educational leadership master’s program online. In fact, PK-12 educators who work in South Carolina or North Carolina can receive a 30 percent tuition discount when they enroll in this online program full or part time. Learn more on our Professional Public Educator Rate page.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $699 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 36 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $25,164 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | Costs for books and supplies are not charged directly to the student’s account. Actual student expenses will vary depending on the student’s class schedule. |
The schedule of fees is subject to change, and additional fees may apply.
Our Mission: To Empower the Success of Military Students
Winthrop University is proud to support the aspirations of active-duty service members and veterans. Here, you can make the most of your VA educational benefits and take advantage of our participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program. We’re committed to providing a welcoming and supportive learning environment for military students, which is reflected in our ranking among the Best Colleges for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
Explore the Tuition and Financial Aid Details
Winthrop University strives to deliver a solid return on your educational investment, and it shows. Ranked among the Best Value Schools for 2025 by U.S. News & World Report, we design online programs to provide impactful, cost-effective experiences. Visit our Tuition and Aid page to explore financial aid options, scholarships and other ways to make it more affordable to acquire a bachelor’s or master’s degree with the power to transform your career.
Tuition Details
Discover a Direct Path to Educational Leadership Roles
Winthrop’s online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program blends theory with practice to prepare aspiring students for principal and assistant principal roles. By 2034, an estimated 328,100 principals will lead elementary, middle and high schools nationwide, with about 20,800 job openings each year.2 Graduates can also pursue teacher leadership roles to expand their instructional capacity while remaining in the classroom. Additional career paths for our graduates include educational and student administration, student affairs, higher education, consulting and training.
Explore CareersCareer Paths in Educational Leadership
Principal $104,070 median annual salary2
Education Consultant $76,046 average annual salary3
What You’ll Learn
Pursue your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership online with Winthrop to grow into a visionary, culturally astute educator ready to improve student achievement, manage PK-12 schools and commit to high ethical standards for principal roles or teacher leadership roles. By graduation, you’ll be proficient in the areas outlined in the eight categories of standards set by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA).
Program Outcomes
- Mission, Vision and Improvement
- Ethics and Professional Norms
- Equity, Inclusiveness and Cultural Responsiveness
- Learning and Instruction
- Community and External Leadership
- Operations and Management
- Building Professional Capacity
- Internships
Expert Faculty Members. Exceptional Online Instruction.
Study online with Winthrop to learn from many of the same accomplished, experienced faculty members who teach on campus, which leads to a consistent, academically rigorous experience. Our educators receive training on virtual instructional technologies, enabling them to deliver high-quality and engaging coursework throughout your online program.
Sherry Hoyle, Ph.D., Educational Leadership Program Director and Associate Professor, M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Faculty Spotlight: Sherry Hoyle, Ph.D.
Dr. Hoyle currently serves as an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Winthrop University. A faculty member since 2017, she has been published in several national and international journals and has led presentations at state and regional conferences.
Prior to her tenure at Winthrop University, Dr. Hoyle served in many district-level leadership roles ranging from superintendent, assistant superintendent and director of elementary education to the building level. Her research has centered on school climate, superintendent tenure and impact on student achievement, underrepresented populations in education and effects of rurality and gifted education.
Education
- M.Ed. — Lenoir-Rhyne University
- Ed.D. — University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Faculty Spotlight: Leah Davis, Ph.D.
Dr. Davis served as a K-12 educator in the Charlotte region for over 28 years. During that time, she was a teacher, school administrator and district leader. She has also served on a variety of community foundations and boards. She is excited to bring her wealth of experience to the College of Education, Sport, & Human Sciences here at Winthrop University.
Education
- M.S.A. — University of North Carolina-Charlotte
- Ed.D. — North Carolina State University
Leah Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, College of Education, Sport, & Human Sciences
Related Program
Sources and Disclaimer
- U.S. News & World Report. “Winthrop University Rankings.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/winthrop-university-3456/overall-rankings.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.
- Payscale. “Average Education Consultant Salary.” Retrieved October 28, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Education_Consultant/Salary.
*Licensure Disclaimer: Completion of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program does not guarantee school administrator licensure in South Carolina or North Carolina. Students should check with local school administrative offices, the South Carolina Department of Education, or the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction regarding specific South Carolina and North Carolina school administrative licensure requirements. Candidates from other states should check with local school administrative offices, or the respective states’ Department of Education.