Go Bigger. Go Bolder.

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS Arkansas State

Online

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Tuition as low as $350 per credit hour*

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No GRE required

Prepare for leadership roles at A-State Online

Increase your opportunities for advancement and go BIG with an Arkansas State educational leadership degree online. Designed especially for working educators, our online leadership and administrative education programs can be completed quickly and affordably.
  • MSE in Educational Leadership
  • MSE in Educational Theory & Practice
  • MSE in Educational Theory & Practice – Adult Education
  • M.S. in Higher Education

Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership

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

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Advance into school leadership roles with the Master of Science in Education in Educational Leadership online program. This master's program offers you an intense focus on areas of learning that include designing curriculum, implementing research-based instructional strategies, using assessments for learning and effectively motivating students in your classroom.

In this online MSE program, you will gain the knowledge and skills needed to become a building-level school leader and administrator, build learning communities that support the success of all students and promote continuous organizational improvement, and integrate theory and practice through authentic, performance-based field activities. Choose an elective to specialize in elementary, middle or high school curriculum.

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

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Master of Science in Education in Educational Theory and Practice

Duration: As few as 18 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Gain the skills and preparation you need to become a board-certified teacher in the Master of Science in Education in Educational Theory and Practice online program. This online program offers you an opportunity to broaden your knowledge of curriculum theory and current practices based on National Board Certification standards.

In this online program, you will focus on learning new teaching methodology to increase student achievement by implementing the latest theory and best practices. You will also learn to evaluate student performance and apply field-based learning activities to enrich your instruction and curriculum.

As a graduate of this transformative online program, you will be prepared for completing the certification process and you will have strengthened your teaching practice and gained a new perspective of your content, leading the way for you to become a more effective and accomplished instructor.

Prepare to serve in leadership roles such as:
  • Department Chair
  • Education Team Leader
  • Instructional Coach
  • Instructional Specialist
  • State Department of Education Staff

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Master of Science in Education in Educational Theory and Practice with a Concentration in Adult Education

Duration: As few as 12-14 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

The MSE in Educational Theory and Practice – Adult Education online program enables you to synthesize theory with teaching methods to best serve adult learners in a broad range of settings inside and outside the classroom. This master's program emphasizes reading and writing objectives, classifying content, classroom management, utilizing media and more.

This in-depth master's program can broaden your knowledge of curriculum theory and current practices based on National Board Certification standards. Plus, the tightly integrated, application-based curriculum focuses on learning theories and developmental processes, major contributors to the adult learning discipline, and psychological aspects of middle and later life challenges and crises.

As a graduate, you will be prepared for advanced education leadership roles, such as:
  • Department Chair
  • Team Leader
  • Instructional Coach
  • Adult Education Teacher
  • State Department of Education Staff

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Master of Science in Higher Education

Duration: As few as 12 months  |  Credit Hours: 33  |  Tuition: $11,550

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Prepare for a rewarding leadership position with the credentials you’ll gain in this online Master of Science in Higher Education program. Develop a keen understanding of the factors that impact postsecondary education and help improve its effectiveness.

Boost your knowledge of how higher education is structured, governed, financed and managed in this 100% online program. Tackle complex problems that higher education faces by boosting your expertise through courses that focus on the strategic elements of enrollment, student affairs administration, diversity and inclusion, and policies affecting accreditation and funding.

Career opportunities include:
  • Assistant Dean for Graduate Students
  • Director of Student Housing
  • Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Career Learning
  • Associate Dean of E-Learning
  • Director, Enrollment Management
  • Registrar
  • Director of Financial Aid
  • Dean, Student Advising

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

  • Ed.S., Superintendent
  • Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Principalship
  • Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, SPED Director
  • Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Director
  • Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, GT Director

Education Specialist, Superintendent

Duration: As few as 18 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Attain the skills and qualifications you need to serve as a superintendent and influence positive change throughout the district in the Education Specialist, Superintendent online program.

Learn various school management systems, including procedures for accounting, budget planning and preparation, auditing, purchasing and bonding. Examine effective performance-based patterns for school district superintendents and study the importance of relationship building between the local board of education, superintendent, school personnel and the community.

As a graduate of this online Ed.S. Superintendent program, you will build upon your educational administration expertise and be prepared to serve in roles such as:
  • Superintendent
  • Assistant Superintendent

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Principalship

Duration: As few as 18 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Rise to school leadership roles with the Education Specialization in Educational Leadership, Principalship online program. Designed to prepare you for the many roles and responsibilities of a school principal, this online degree program offers you an intense study of the latest research on effective school management and education.

In this online program, you will receive instruction on maintaining a successful, culturally responsive school environment, learn to work collaboratively with teachers and parents to implement instructional improvement, and become familiar with formative assessment and student-centered instructional approaches.

As a graduate of this online program, you will be prepared for various educational leadership roles, including:
  • Principal
  • Assistant Principal
  • Director

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director

Duration: As few as 14-16 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Prepare for a special education leadership role at the campus or district level with the Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Special Education Director online program. This Ed.S. program includes an internship requirement that can be completed while you continue working as an educator or school administrator.

As part of the curriculum, you will learn how to provide leadership and expertise in assessing, identifying and implementing special education goals, and how to collaborate with related services and personnel, including psychologists, speech therapists, school administrators and teaching staff. In addition, some of the coursework you complete as part of this post-master's degree program can apply to an A-State doctoral degree in education.

As a graduate of this online program, you will be prepared for leading special education roles, including:
  • Director of Special Education
  • Special Education Lead Teacher
  • Special Education Administrator
  • Educational Diagnostician

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Director

Duration: As few as 14-16 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Prepare for a curriculum leadership role at the campus or district level with the Education Specialization in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Director online program. This Ed.S. program includes an internship requirement that can be completed while you continue working as an educator or school administrator.

In this online program, you will gain the knowledge and skills you need to confidently design course curriculum, instructional materials and student-centered learning activities to meet the educational needs of students. You will learn to evaluate and develop educational programs, using textbooks and classroom technologies, and guide teacher professional development. As part of this online program, you will also focus on leadership operational responsibilities such as administrative logistics, ethical and professional practices and legislative aspects of the school system from a curriculum leadership perspective.

As a graduate of this online program, you will be prepared for various educational leadership roles, including:
  • Curriculum Director
  • Director of Leadership Development
  • Leadership Development & Evaluation Coordinator
  • Professional Development Coordinator
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Education Support Specialist

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership, Gifted and Talented Director

Duration: As few as 14-16 months  |  Credit Hours: 30  |  Tuition: $10,500

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

Prepare for a leadership role in gifted and talented education at the campus or district level with the Education Specialization in Educational Leadership, Gifted and Talented Director online program. This Ed.S. program includes an internship requirement that can be completed while you continue working as an educator or school administrator.

Designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of the unique needs of gifted and talented students, this online program will enhance your ability to lead staff in the identification, selection, placement and development of gifted children. You will focus on the perspectives, skills and processes necessary to manage advanced curriculum and learn to direct the evaluation and continuous improvement processes of gifted education programs.

As a graduate of this online program, you will be prepared for various gifted and talented leadership roles, including:
  • Director of Gifted and Talented Education
  • Director of Curriculum/Gifted and Talented Programs
  • Instructional Specialist, Gifted/Talented Program
  • Gifted and Talented Coordinator
  • Gifted and Talented Education Specialist

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

  • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership
  • Ed.D. in Educational Leadership – Higher Education Administration

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

Duration: As few as 40 months  |  Credit Hours: 51*  |  Tuition: $24,837*

Apply by:  |  Start class:

Rise to the highest standard in education with the Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership from A-State. This dissertation-based online program prepares both master's level and post-master's level professional educators for career growth to higher-level administrative and leadership roles.

In this writing-intense online doctoral program, you will explore different approaches to fostering a safe and diverse learning environment, closely examine ethical leadership practices, reflect on educational best practices that integrate theory and research, and gain expanded leadership skills needed to lead in high-performing organizations. Throughout the coursework, you will conduct thorough research and collaborate with faculty as part of your dissertation.

As a graduate of this Ed.D. program, you may qualify** for expanded career opportunities in the field of education, such as:
  • Superintendent
  • School Principal
  • University Professor
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Educational Administrator for elementary, secondary, or collegiate levels

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.


*Applicants who have not previously earned an Ed.S. degree or do not have 39 hours of graduate-level coursework may be required to complete additional graduate-level coursework before beginning doctoral-level coursework. The Ed.D. program does not lead to licensure.

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership with a Concentration in Higher Education Administration

Duration: As few as 40 months  |  Credit Hours: 51*  |  Tuition: $24,837*

Apply by:  |  Start class:

Prepare to help shape the future of higher education in the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Higher Education Administration online program. This highly specialized program gives you the essential tools for successful institutional leadership, including an in-depth knowledge of organizational theory, assessment and accreditation, finance, policy and law, and more.

No GRE is required for admission into this accessible, 100% online program, which is designed for working educators like you. In this program, you will gain expertise in educational practices that combine theory with research, then utilize those skills to develop solutions to contemporary issues in higher education administration. You will have the full support of highly qualified faculty and staff throughout the program.

Prepare for expanded career opportunities, including:
  • Academic Dean
  • Provost
  • College/University President
  • Chief Learning (Academic) Officer

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.


*Applicants who have not previously earned an Ed.S. degree or do not have 39 hours of graduate-level coursework may be required to complete additional graduate-level coursework before beginning doctoral-level coursework. The Ed.D. program does not lead to licensure.

  • Building Level Administration Cert

Building Level Administration Certificate

Duration: 12 Months  |  Credit Hours: 18  |  Tuition: $6,300

Apply by: 12/15/25  |  Start class: 1/12/26

The Building Level Administration Certificate online program offers you a fast-track program of study to prepare for leadership roles at the campus level. Designed for experienced educators and educational leaders, this graduate-level certificate program builds upon your previous education and paves the way to earning your Building-Level Administrator License.

In this online certificate program, you will study special topics such as: educational law, internal and external relationship building, curriculum management specific to the needs of the school you work in and formal processes in conducting teacher evaluations.

Upon completion of this online program, you will have acquired the skills and knowledge you need to serve as a principal or any other campus leadership role.

All fees are included as part of the total tuition.

Hear from our graduates

"It had always been a personal goal of mine to go back and get a master's degree. This online program gave me that opportunity."

Kimberly Jones, A-State online graduate

Request Information

Hear from our graduates

"It had always been a personal goal of mine to go back and get a master's degree. This online program gave me that opportunity."

Kimberly Jones, A-State online graduate

Leave your mark on the world with an A-State Online Degree. Let’s get started today!

Or call 866-621-8096

Or call 866-621-8096

About Arkansas State University Online

From its creation in 1909, the university has grown, innovated and diversified into a nationally ranked provider of high-quality degrees both on campus and online. A-State continues to expand in exciting ways not only in our region, but by opening our doors to the entire world with online programs taught by the same respected faculty who teach our on-campus programs. Our robust alumni network is more than 75,000 strong.

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Affordable Tuition

Stay on top of your finances with competitively priced, pay-by-the-course tuition.

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Interactive Instruction

Courses are carefully designed to maximize your communication with professors and fellow students.

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Online Format

Our multiple start dates + efficient course schedule help you fast-track your degree.

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Study on Your Time

Learn whenever it fits your schedule with our convenient, flexible, 100% online format.

Ahna Davis - A-State student
Now that I'm a principal, my specialist degree comes into play because I'm having to see things more on a district level as opposed to just a building level. The degree gives me an understanding when my superintendent talks about budget or enrollment within the district. I understand it because of my classes through A-State.

Ahna Davis, Education Specialist, Superintendent online graduate

A-State Educates Arkansas Educators

A-State’s affordable and accredited online programs offer aspiring and working educators in Arkansas a wide range of options to specialize and advance into leadership roles.

  • A-State educates Arkansas: There is an A-State education graduate in each county of Arkansas, as you can see in this heat map showing the concentration of A-State education grads currently employed in their field.
  • A-State Online is the most experienced online provider in the state, with more than 10,000 graduates to date.
  • A-State is recognized among the “Best Online Master’s in Education Programs” by U.S. News & World Report (2025).
  • A top producer of K-12 teachers and administrators in Arkansas, A-State provides state-of-the-art innovation and educational excellence.
  • Founded in 1909 as an agricultural school, A-State recognizes the importance of ongoing educational growth and strives to meet the needs of tomorrow’s students today.

Licensure programs within A-State’s College of Education & Behavioral Science are accredited by CAEP.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

The educator preparation programs at Arkansas State University are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. Contact CAEP at 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington D.C. 20036 or by calling 202-223-0077.

Leave your mark on the world with an A-State Online Degree. Let’s get started today!

Or call 866-621-8096

Or call 866-621-8096

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