Online Master of Education Administration
Make a Name for Yourself as a Leader in Education
Online
18 Months
30 Credit Hours
$490 per Credit
Request More Information
Complete this form to receive information about coursework, admissions, tuition, and more.
Unlock New Opportunities With the Online Master’s in Education Administration
- Apply By: 08/17/26
- Start Class: 08/31/26
The CAEP-accredited online master’s in education administration from Shenandoah University delivers the career-ready skills and hands-on experience you need to make impactful decisions as a reflective, knowledge-driven practitioner. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and mentors while earning the credentials required for advanced leadership opportunities. Plus, our licensure track allows you to pursue the School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA) to become a school principal in Virginia after graduation.
This program is intentionally aligned with Virginia licensure requirements and state approval is in progress.
Program Details
- Small classes, so you’ll get to know your professors and they’ll know you
- Flexible online course options to fit your full-time schedule
- Choose the licensure track to graduate ready for the SLLA exam
- Complete your residency hours at your current school
Licensure vs. Non-Licensure Education Administration Tracks
| Licensure Track | Non-licensure Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery Format | Online | Online |
| Ideal Candidate | Teacher who wants to become a licensed school principal in Virginia | Teacher who wants to improve their skills and advance into a leadership role that does not require licensure |
| Curriculum | 30 credit hours | 30 credit hours |
| Why Choose This Track? | Choose this track if you want to gain the skills and practical experience required to sit for the SLLA and become a licensed principal. | Choose this track if you’re seeking advanced career opportunities in education and want to customize your degree with field-focused elective options. |
More Information About This Program
Click on each tab below to learn additional details regarding the program requirements and features.
Curriculum
Prepare for the Education Leadership Career You Want
30 Total Credits
10 Courses
The online master’s in education administration program requires you to complete 12 courses for a total of 30 credit hours. The curriculum for the licensure track includes core courses, a research course and a practicum experience that can be completed at your current school. The non-licensure track option allows you to choose electives based on your professional interests and goals, in addition to completing the program’s core courses.
Why Learn Online With Shenandoah?
Discover what sets Shenandoah’s online programs apart from the rest.
Hands-On Experience
With the licensure track, you’ll discover what it takes to earn success as a licensed principal by completing 320 Residency Experience hours.
Skills To Impact Your Community
Our curriculum combines effective school leadership expertise with the skills to develop strong community relationships that foster positive public attitudes.
Admissions Requirements
How To Apply for the Online Master’s in Education Administration
Application Deadline 08/17/26
Start Date 08/31/26
The first step in beginning the online master’s in education administration degree is submitting your application. Choose from multiple start dates each year and submit your application online without any fees or the requirement of an entrance exam score. Check the table below to confirm your eligibility.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA | Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA |
| Transcripts | Unofficial transcripts for initial admission. Official transcripts are required prior to enrollment but may also be sent earlier if preferred. |
| Official GRE/GMAT Score | Not required |
| Additional Requirements |
|
International Students
International applicants are welcome to apply to the online Master’s in education administration program and will be considered as long as they meet the English language proficiency requirements for at least one of the following exams: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test. Learn more by completing a Request for Information form.
- Language Proficiency Requirement: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo English Test
Online Admission Requirements
Thank you for considering Shenandoah University for your online program. Completing your online application is the first step in joining our community of lifelong learners. From the moment you apply to the moment you earn your degree, our support team is here to assist you.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Competitive Tuition for an In-Demand Education
Calculate your cost for attending Shenandoah University Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
Future-proof your education career with the affordable online master’s in education administration degree and pursue the credential you need to become an impactful leader.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $490 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 30 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $14,700 |
| Additional Fees | $20 Technology and Distance Services Fee per registered course |
| Other Costs to Budget For | The estimated tuition cost does not include factors like textbooks or other expenses. |
Military Affiliated Students
Shenandoah is proud to support veterans and active duty U.S. military service members and their families as a Yellow Ribbon School. We offer an active Veterans and Supporters group and accept students funding their education through the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Active Duty Tuition Assistance Program.
Tuition & Financial Aid
You have options when it comes to financing your online education with Shenandoah University. We’re committed to keeping our exceptional education programs as accessible as possible through competitive and affordable tuition rates. Don’t let tuition costs hold you back from achieving your career goals. Get started on financing your Shenandoah degree today.
Tuition Details
Reach New Heights in Your Education Career
Student success is only possible with effective school leadership, which is why educational administrators are essential to every community. With SU’s online master’s in education administration degree, you’ll graduate ready to impact positive changes in your school through top leadership positions including principal, dean of students and education program coordinator.
In-Demand Education Administration Careers
Elementary, Middle and High School Principal $104,070 per year1
Dean of Students $103,633 per year2
What You’ll Learn
The online master’s in education administration program is designed to transform you into a reflective and confident practitioner with career-ready leadership expertise. You’ll learn to solve complex problems and make impactful decisions in the challenging and ever-evolving world of education.
Program Outcomes
- Gain a shared vision of learning that promotes the success of all students through ethical, reflective and culturally responsive leadership.
- Effectively use data-informed strategies to improve teaching and learning, foster innovation and ensure accountability in diverse educational settings.
- Cultivate collaborative relationships with families, staff and community partners to build inclusive, equitable and supportive school cultures.
- Demonstrate effective management for school operations, public finance and human resources to support high-quality instruction and student achievement.
- Apply knowledge of education law, policy and governance to advocate for effective practices and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Continuously assess and refine your leadership approach through self-reflection, feedback and a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Graduate fully prepared to meet Virginia Department of Education licensure requirements and national leadership benchmarks (CAEP, NELP).
Learn from Industry-Experienced Faculty
Shenandoah’s faculty share outstanding experience in their fields of study. Each educator is committed to knowing students by name and providing outstanding personalized attention and support.
Deran Whitney, Associate Professor; Program Coordinator for Education Administration
Faculty Spotlight: Deran Whitney
Deran Whitney earned a B.A. from Christopher Newport College, an M.Ed. from Old Dominion University, and an Ed.D. from Virgina Tech. In addition to serving as an associate professor at Shenandoah, his career in education has included roles as school superintendent, deputy superintendent for curriculum and instruction, and coordinator of elementary instruction.
State Reciprocity – SARA
Shenandoah University is a member of NC-SARA, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. View the licensure requirements for out-of-state students enrolling in Shenandoah programs leading to licensure. Click on the tab at the bottom of the screen to locate your program. Note that these requirements are subject to change. Please contact your program with questions.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov.
- Payscale. “Average Dean of Students (University) Salary.” Retrieved August 25, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com.