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Leadership in Educational Administration
Master of Science in Education
Are you ready to shape the future of education by leading with purpose and vision? Capella’s MS in Education, Leadership in Education Administration specialization can prepare you to inspire students, empower teachers and bring real change to schools. Through a comprehensive curriculum, practical experience and expert mentorship, you’ll gain essential skills in policy development, school operations, budgeting and instructional leadership. Whether you’re stepping into your first admin role in a P-12 school system or looking to advance your career, this program can help you become an innovative principal or school leader.
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
At a glance
- Online
- CAEP-accredited
- 4 Core Courses
- 8 Specialization courses
- 1 internship (2 noncredit courses)
- 46 Total quarter credits (12 Max transfer)
With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000* in tuition costs for your degree.
*Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.
Explore leadership in educational administration courses
- This degree requires a total of 46 quarter credits
- You’ll need to complete four core courses, eight specialization courses and one internship (2 noncredit courses)
Show all descriptions
ED5322
School Leadership: Data, Decision-Making, and School Improvement
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate improving P-12 schools by emphasizing the use of data to inform ethical decisions about teaching and learning. Learners gain an understanding of instructional strategies to support students, technology integration, and Professional Education Unit (PEU) dispositions. Learners also interact with practicing school administrators to gain direct insight into the field of school leadership. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning. Prerequisite(s): ED5010, ED5320.
4 quarter credits
ED6822
The Funding of Educational Institutions
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course examine a variety of public education funding issues. In particular, learners examine the effect of litigation and politics on present and future funding patterns and school finance reform. Learners also identify the ways politics have affected the allocation of resources at all levels of government. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6823
Education and the Law
4 quarter credits
In this course, learners analyze the laws and legal issues affecting P-12 school systems and their constituents and study the tools and methods used to prevent and resolve legal problems. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED7820. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed or be concurrently registered in ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6852
P-12 Principalship
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an understanding of the responsibilities and issues associated with the role of the 21st-century P-12 principal. Topics include effective P-12 school leadership and management, curriculum and instruction planning and assessment, and collaboration with stakeholders. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): PhD and EdS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED7820 and ED7014. MS Leadership in Educational Administration learners must have completed ED5320 or ED7820. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
ED6857
Personnel Administration
4 quarter credits
Learners in this course study school policy making, staffing assignment, salary negotiation, grievance procedures, records, supervision, and the evaluation of professional and non-professional employees. This course requires access to a P-12 classroom and/or educational stakeholders in a P-12 school or district. Prerequisite(s): ED5320. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or credit for prior learning.
4 quarter credits
What you'll learn
The Master of Science in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration specialization is aligned with nationally recognized leadership standards and is designed to help students develop and strengthen the knowledge and skills needed to successfully meet the challenges of an ever-changing educational system as ethical and innovative leaders.
The curriculum focuses on translating theory into effective leadership practice and includes an emphasis in school leadership, which offers focused exploration of the leadership, management and problem-solving skills the current student achievement-focused P–12 environment requires of school leaders. Upon successful completion of this specialization, students have developed the knowledge and skills necessary for providing school leadership within P–12 institutions.
This specialization was designed to help you gain the following skills related to this field:
- Facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning
- Promote the success of all persons
- Lead the development of a culture of learning
- Manage effective learning environments
- Effectively collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Lead the field of education in an ethical manner
- Advance the field of education through influence
How much does the MS in Education cost?
The total cost of your degree will depend on academic performance, transfer credits, scholarships and other factors. See GuidedPath cost information below.
- Based on the quarter system; 1–3 courses per 10-week quarter
- 1 semester credit = 1.5 quarter credits
- Weekly assignments and courseroom discussions
- Pay for what you take, price varies by courseload or quarter
- $485 per credit
- $150 resource kit
- 46 total quarter credits
- 12 max transfer credits
$22,310
NO TRANSFER CREDITS 27 months
Total Tuition Cap
Capella Tuition Cap
$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
Capella Tuition Cap
What is the Capella Tuition Cap?$12,000 Total Tuition
- Pay no more than $12,000 in total tuition for your degree*
- Available to all students who start now through July 7, 2025
*Eligibility rules apply. Books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other fees apply. Travel expenses for residency, practicum, etc., are not covered by the tuition cap.
About tuition estimate
The cost below is an example based on general program pricing and 2025–26 Capella tuition rates. The coursework total assumes no transfer credits have been applied when a student enters into the program. Pacing and pricing information is current as of Jan. 6, 2025. This rate is the same nationwide and may change depending on your unique circumstances, such as your program specialization, transfer credits and any applicable tuition discounts. This estimate does not include the cost of books, course materials, supplies, equipment and other expenses.
To discuss whether the specialization you’re interested in has additional factors that may affect program cost and length, contact a Capella enrollment specialist.
Tuition estimate
Cost of tuition |
|
|---|---|
| Coursework: $485/credit
|
$22,310.00 |
| Est. savings with Capella Tuition Cap*
|
$-10,310.00 |
|
Est. total with Capella Tuition Cap* |
$12,000.00 |
Get the details
Connect with an enrollment specialist to further discuss the cost of the program and explore your eligibility for scholarships and discounts.
Are there scholarships available for master's degrees?
Your education is an investment in your future. There are more ways to save than you might think.
Capella is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Accreditation and recognitions provide evidence that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions.
Capella University's Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through Fall 2031. CAEP is the only recognized national accreditor for educator preparation. (CAEP, 1140 19th St NW, Suite 400 Washington, DC 20036 (202) 223-0077)
Additional information regarding offerings in the CAEP-accredited EPP at Capella may be found here.
Preparing for licensure
It is important to understand all education and individual requirements for licensing. Capella University cannot guarantee licensure, certification or endorsement. State regulations vary regarding professional licensure. Not all programs are offered to residents of every state due to regulatory requirements. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with requirements for your state.
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, AR, CT, GA, GU, HI, KY, MN, NE, NY, WA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What are the MS in Education admission requirements?
Applicants to the MSEd in Leadership in Educational Administration program must provide the following information for admission:
- 3 years licensed teaching experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution
- Your official bachelor’s transcripts, minimum grade point average of 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- A valid, government-issued form of photo identification
- Admission application – no application fee required
- Applicants to the MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration specialization must have a current initial teaching license issued with no stipulations and have completed general education coursework equivalent to Capella’s undergraduate general education requirements
- A self-assessment and disposition form may also be required
GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.
International student requirements
If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.
In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:
- Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
- Transcript evaluation
Learn more about international student admissions.
State enrollment restrictions
Capella University is not accepting applications into the MS in Education, Leadership in Educational Administration program from residents of the states and/or territories listed below who intend to seek professional license or certification in the restricted state.
Current students who relocate to the following states or territories may not be able to complete site-based learning or other program requirements, fulfill residency requirements, or obtain professional licensure or certification in the state or territory: AL, AR, CT, GA, GU, HI, KY, MN, NE, NY, WA.
Get licensure details or contact an enrollment specialist for more information.
What support does Capella offer online students?
Our programs are designed to meet the unique needs of a master’s student. We’ve structured the experience in manageable pieces to help you earn your degree with support from faculty, staff and online resources.
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What can you do with an MS in Education Leadership in Educational Administration degree?
Your education can help you pursue your professional and personal goals. While Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific career outcome, such as a job title, promotion or salary increase, we encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here are some ideas and examples for a graduate with an MS Ed in Leadership in Educational Administration.
Job titles to explore*
- Dean of students
- Director of education
- Elementary assistant principal
- Elementary principal
- High school assistant principal
- High school principal
- Middle school assistant principal
- Middle school principal
Employment settings to explore*
- Child care services
- Colleges, universities and professional schools
- Community colleges
- Educational support services
- Elementary and secondary schools
*These are examples intended to serve as a general guide. Some positions may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications and/or other designations along with a degree. Because many factors determine what position an individual may attain, Capella cannot guarantee that a graduate will secure any specific job title, a promotion, salary increase or other career outcome. We encourage you to research requirements for your job target and career goals. Educational and professional requirements for faculty positions vary widely by employer. Understanding your target employers’ particular requirements is key in deciding on a program.