Master of Education in Educational Leadership Online

Next Start: Fall 2025

See What Excellence in Educational Leadership Looks Like

Dedicate yourself to excellence in service leadership as an assistant principal or principal in schools for K-12 students. The online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership prepares you to become a school administrator who is capable of handling day-to-day operational needs while demonstrating high ethical standards in all aspects of the role. You'll learn how to improve student achievement and act as a powerful community collaborator who can advocate for all children.

You'll graduate from our online master's program prepared to sit for the Praxis Educational Leadership exam, which is passed by 98% of our graduates who take it. Required in South Carolina,* the Praxis exam verifies your ability to lead the next generation of learners and teachers with excellence in mind.  

Program Fast Facts

  • 100% online 
  • 2 years to complete
  • 15-1 student-faculty ratio
  • Teaching degree required with 3 years of teaching experience

Why Choose Winthrop's Online Educational Leadership Degree?

  • Rigorous Curriculum: Coursework is recognized by the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) program and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
  • Three Internships: You'll dive deep into hands-on work in educational leadership throughout a three-part experience, working under the supervision of school administrators and participating in problem-solving seminars. 
  • Close Connections: Learn within small classes and a cohort learning model so you can build close relationships with peers and faculty, who maintain constant communication with you throughout the program to ensure your success.  

Program Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you'll be proficient in all points outlined in the eight categories of standards set by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA):

  • 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

See Career-Building Details >>

Pursue an Educational Leadership Role

Our online educational leadership degree blends theory with practice to prepare future administrators for their role as a principal or assistant principal within a K-12 school. In 2022, these positions offered a median salary of $101,320 per year.1

Graduates can also pursue careers in student affairs, personnel or educational administration, higher education, and education-related fields in consulting and training. 

Get Started Now!

If you’d like to advance your career into an educational leadership role, please contact a program manager toll-free at 833-257-1704 or request more information about Winthrop University's online M.Ed. in Educational Leadership degree program.

Source & Disclaimer

  1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Elementary-Middle-and-High-School-Principals." Retrieved Dec. 11, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.

*Please note that each state and licensing organization determines its own certification and/or Praxis passing score requirements. Learn more about your state's requirements.