Educational leaders

Master's in Educational Leadership (MSE) Online

Arkansas State University's online Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership is a 33-credit-hour, CAEP-accredited program that can be completed in as few as 20 months for a total tuition of $11,550 ($350 per credit hour). Built for licensed teachers with classroom experience, it prepares graduates for building-level leadership roles — principal, assistant principal, instructional coordinator, dean of students, and district administrator — and aligns to Arkansas Building-Level Administrator licensure.

Next Apply Date: 9/28/26
Next Class Start Date: 10/12/26
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Next Apply Date: 9/28/26
Next Class Start Date: 10/12/26

Program Overview

Why choose A-state's online Master's in Educational Leadership program?

A-State designed the M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership program for the teacher who's ready to lead — someone with classroom experience who wants the credential, the skills, and the licensure to step into school administration. Several things make it a strong fit for that goal:

  • Built for aspiring principals. The curriculum aligns to Arkansas Building-Level Administrator (principal) licensure and prepares graduates for roles including principal, assistant principal, instructional coordinator, dean of students, and district administrator.
  • Affordable, flat-rate tuition. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same $350 per credit hour, all fees included — $11,550 total.
  • Accelerated and fully online. Twelve seven-week courses are delivered 100% online, so you can finish in as few as 20 months while teaching full time.
  • Nationally recognized. A-State is named among the "Best Online Master's in Education Programs" by U.S. News & World Report (2026), and its licensure programs are CAEP-accredited with regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
  • Taught by practitioner faculty. The same A-State faculty who teach on campus teach online — former K-12 teachers and administrators who bring real leadership experience to the coursework.
  • Applied, capstone-driven learning. A supervised building-level internship lets you practice leadership in a real school setting, and a choice of elementary or secondary curriculum specialization tailors the degree to your setting.

For state program approvals, please refer to our State Authorization & Licensure Disclosures page.

Additional documents

Textbook Information (.PDF)

This program requires Watermark – Student Learning & Licensure (SL&L).



Within this master's degree, students focus on areas of learning that include:

  • Developing dispositions, knowledge and skills to become a building-level school leader and administrator
  • Building learning communities that support the success of all students and promote continuous organizational improvement
  • Integrating theory and practice through authentic, performance-based field activities
Within this master's degree, students focus on areas of learning that include:+
  • Developing dispositions, knowledge and skills to become a building-level school leader and administrator
  • Building learning communities that support the success of all students and promote continuous organizational improvement
  • Integrating theory and practice through authentic, performance-based field activities

As a graduate, you will be prepared for advanced K-12 leadership roles, such as:

  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • District Administrator
  • Dean of Students
  • College Administrator
  • University Registrar
As a graduate, you will be prepared for advanced K-12 leadership roles, such as:+
  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • District Administrator
  • Dean of Students
  • College Administrator
  • University Registrar
+

MSE in Educational Leadership Online FAQs

It will depend on the number of courses you take each term as well as your schedule, especially if you’re working full time. The A-State online MSE in Educational Leadership program is streamlined, accelerated and designed to help you earn your degree faster. Complete 12 seven-week courses and finish in as few as 20 months.
The coursework in online and on-campus educational leadership master’s programs is equivalent, so you will receive the same rigorous education in both formats. You may find online learning easier to manage, however, since it’s so convenient. You’ll never have to travel to campus or spend time in a classroom after a long day at work. The A-State online MSE in Educational Leadership program is designed for working teachers, with the flexibility you need to keep up with career and family responsibilities while achieving your academic goals.
Yes! A-State educational leadership professors who teach online courses also teach in the on-campus program. Our faculty members are practitioners and academics, including former K-12 teachers and administrators. They enjoy sharing their professional experience with master's students.  
Accredited master's programs in educational leadership must meet the highest standards for faculty qualifications, teaching methods, curriculum and graduation rates. Without accreditation, there is no guarantee for students that a degree program meets those academic and professional standards. A-State education licensure programs are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), formerly known as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). CAEP accreditation is the gold standard in educator preparation, highlighting program excellence. The university is also regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Also available:

A-State's online MSE in Educational Leadership is one of several Master of Science in Education programs designed for working educators. If you're weighing your options, explore the related concentrations below:

Total Tuition: $11,550
Program Duration: As few as 20 months
Credit Hours 33

Accreditation

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Need More Information?

Call 866-621-8096

Call 866-621-8096

Best Online Master's in Education

Recognized among the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2026)

FUNDING YOUR EDUCATION DEGREE

Tuition

How much does the online Master of Education in Educational Leadership cost?

The online MSE in Educational Leadership costs $11,550 in total tuition, or $350 per credit hour across the 33-credit-hour program.

In-state and out-of-state students pay the same rate, and all fees are included — so the price you see is the price you pay. You're billed by the course as you enroll, which lets you spread tuition across the program rather than paying it all up front. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour: $350
Total Tuition: $11,550

Calendar

When can you start the online M.S. in Educational Leadership program?

Our MSE in Educational Leadership online program is designed to be flexible and convenient for working professionals, with accelerated coursework and multiple start dates a year.

Please note that the internship course lasts a full semester and only starts in Fall 1 and Spring 1 of terms.

Please note Summer 1 and Summer 2 terms are 5 weeks in duration for this program.

View full calendar +

TermProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Summer 26/29/266/15/266/15/266/25/266/26/267/31/26
Fall 18/19/268/5/268/5/268/13/268/14/2610/2/26
Fall 210/12/269/28/269/28/2610/8/2610/9/2612/4/26
Spring 11/11/2712/28/2612/28/261/7/271/8/272/26/27
Spring 23/8/273/4/272/22/273/4/273/5/274/30/27

Now enrolling:

Next Apply Date 9/28/26
Start Class 10/12/26

Have questions or need more information about A‑State online programs?

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online from A-State?

Apply Now

Admissions

What are the admission requirements for the online M.S. in Educational Leadership program?

Admission to the online MSE in Educational Leadership requires a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution with a minimum 2.75 GPA (or 3.0 on the last 60 hours), a valid, active U.S. teaching license, and a minimum of two years of teaching experience.

Applicants seeking Arkansas Building-Level Administrator (principal) licensure need three years of teaching experience. Make sure to review full admissions requirements below.

A mentor commitment and official transcripts are also required.

At this time, International students may not be accepted into any Educational Leadership program – only students with a valid US teaching license who are working in a US school district are eligible for this program.

Admission Requirements:

  • Minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Minimum two years of teaching experience
View all admission requirements +

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with at least 2.75 cumulative GPA (or 3.0 on last 60 hours) on a 4.0 scale
  • Minimum of two years of teaching experience
  • Valid, active US teaching certificate
  • Commitment from an appropriate professional who will function as your mentor during the program. View acceptable mentors (PDF).
  • Candidates will be required to submit the self-disposition document provided and verification for teacher effectiveness and leadership abilities

Note: If you have below a 3.0 cumulative undergraduate GPA and are admitted, you must make a grade of B or better during the first 9 hours of graduate work at Arkansas State University.

Application submission requirements

  • Complete online application
  • Pay the nonrefundable $30 fee
  • Send official transcript(s) from the college/university attended. Official transcripts are sealed transcripts sent from the granting institution.
  • Provide proof of valid, active US teaching certificate
  • Provide contact information for building level supervisor who will function as your mentor

Submit all documents to:

A-State Online
P.O. Box 2520
State University, AR 72467


Fax: 870-972-3548
Email: [email protected]

Additional information

While not required for admissions, Teacher/Leader Effectiveness Credentials will be required prior to registering for your first course.

For more information on state eligibility, please visit our State Authorization and Licensure Disclosures page.

Additional required documents

As part of the student's portfolio, the following information is required to be completed prior to registering for the 3rd term (second semester):

  • Video Essay
  • Teacher/Leader Effectiveness Credentials
  • Writing Sample

These additional documents are not required to render an admissions decision.

Appeals process

As part of the student's portfolio, the following information is required to be completed prior to registering for the 3rd term (second semester):

  • Students who fall below the minimum admission requirements (GPA) or who are denied may send a written letter of appeal, GRE or GMAT scores (may be unofficial), and additional supporting information to [email protected]
Arkansas State was by far the best program for me. I love that it was cost-effective and that I could do it online. I loved the coursework and everything. The way it was set up was super organized, and I was able to go to school and work on my master’s degree and keep working.

Torrence Williams, A-State online MSE in Educational Leadership graduate

Courses

What courses are in the online M.S. in Educational Leadership curriculum?

Students pursuing this degree must complete 33 credit hours, including core courses (30 credit hours) and one curriculum specialization course (3 credit hours). Educators seeking teaching certification in Arkansas must complete an additional course (3 credit hours) on Arkansas history (read more details below).

You can view your schedule of courses for this degree through the Course Smartsheet:

View the AOS Course Smartsheet

How to Use the Course Smartsheet

Expand All
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of concepts, programs and pro­cedures for establishing and maintaining positive relations between the school, its constituents, and related agencies. Areas covered include media and public relations, publications, community and parental involvement. Special emphasis is on transitional student support services through interagency collaboration with non-school agencies such as social services, law enforcement, and providers of direct services to persons with disabilities.  Dual Listed/Cross Listed: Dual listed as ELAD 6003.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will provide an in-depth study of and an exploration into the administrative processes of special education.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course addresses planning and resource allocation in public schools. Special attention is given to site-based management respon­sibilities of the principal.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the legal aspects of education for the purpose of familiariz­ing school personnel with the legal features of school organization and administration. The course will consider constitutional and statutory provisions, but the major emphasis will be directed to the study of court decisions relating to education.  Dual Listed/Cross Listed: Dual listed as ELAD 6073.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course presents an overview of educational administra­tion for practitioners within the context of ethical and professional behavior.  Dual Listed/Cross Listed: Dual listed as ELAD 6203.
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This capstone course provides students with practical hands-on clinical experience in a school setting. The course will focus on authentic problems and activities that require students to demonstrate leadership skills, and practices integral to the per­formance of the school administrator at the building level.  Prerequisites: Completion of portfolio.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Presents perspectives, skills, and processes necessary for administrators to manage district and building level curriculum and to formalize the curriculum decision-making process.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Combines attributes of supervising teaching with the formal aspects of teacher evaluation via emphasis on adult development, clinical supervision, and evaluation processes and models extant in public schools.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines the qualities, disposi­tions, and characteristics of effective leaders, along with research and evaluation strategies for school improvement.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course in methods and techniques of research, and the statistical treatment and interpretation of research data.

Take one of the following two curriculum courses.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes the selection and organization of content, selection of instructional materials and activities, factors affecting curriculum revision, and current curricular issues in the modern elementary school.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes the selection and organization of content, selection of instructional materials and activities, factors affecting curriculum revision, and current curricular issues in the modern secondary school.
Applicants seeking an Arkansas teaching license by reciprocity who hold a valid license from another state in Childhood (P-4), Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12) must meet an Arkansas History requirement by documentation of the successful completion of three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university OR a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through Arkansas IDEAS. Applicants holding a valid license in areas other the four mentioned above do not have to meet the Arkansas History requirement. HIST 3083 History of Arkansas (offered in summer terms only) meets the Arkansas history requirement.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Intensive research seminar covering various aspects of Arkansas history.
"I am an Arkansas State student. I take great pride in telling people where I am getting my degree. The classes have challenged me to question, think and solve problems. They have challenged me to be a better person."
Kevin Hazelrigg, MSE Educational Leadership student

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