Online master’s in education vs. graduate certificate: Which is right for you?

A recent UNESCO report noted that to some researchers, educational leadership can be considered "the second most important factor explaining learning outcomes."¹ The Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) describes leadership in education as "pivotal for raising school quality and creating environments in which teachers and school staff continuously improve their practice to support student learning and well-being."²

Put simply, education leadership matters. It affects staff morale and retention, curriculum effectiveness, how schools develop both staff and pupils, and the standards that define educational achievement. Educational leadership is increasingly understood as a specialized skill. Schools are not businesses, even those run for profit. As such, those seeking to advance careers in educational leadership should look for specialized qualifications, such as a Master of Education Administration or a graduate certificate in education.

For those seeking to advance careers in educational administration leadership, this blog looks at the core differences between a master's degree and a graduate certificate, considering the specific merits of each credential and how you might determine which one will best suit your particular needs and ambitions.

Understanding the education master’s degree

A full master's in educational administration provides thorough, advanced training in principles of leadership and management in education.

For example, the Online Master's in Educational Administration from the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences includes core courses in Principalship and Education Law, plus electives in Career Development for Youth and Student Engagement in School and Community.

Candidates can pursue a licensure-track program, which includes an internship requirement and prepares graduates for formal leadership roles, such as a principal or vice-principal. Alternatively, a non-licensure track program excludes the internship requirement. This is a better option for those who want an advanced understanding of educational administration but do not intend to take on formal leadership positions in education–for example, for policymakers or consultants.

Exploring the graduate certificate in education

An education master's degree does not suit every candidate. In some cases, individuals may already have a master's degree but want a targeted credential that deepens their understanding of educational administration. In these situations, a graduate certificate may be a better option than a full master's degree.

The online education certificate in educational administration from the University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences is a 24-credit program compared to the 30 credits required for a full master's degree.

The curriculum is effectively a streamlined version of the master's in educational administration. There are no electives, but there are many of the same core courses as you'll find in the equivalent master's program, including courses in Principalship, Education Law, and School Resource Management. Crucially, it also includes the internship course which gives you the opportunity to synthesize what you've learned and apply it in the field.

The online graduate certificate in educational administration is a good option for teachers who already have a master's degree but are seeking to move into educational administration.

Online certificate of education vs master’s: time and investment

There is a difference in the typical cost and time required to complete an online master's in education vs. a certificate. At the University of Kansas, you can complete a 30-credit online master's in educational administration in as little as two years. You can complete the 24-credit online graduate certificate in educational administration in 18 months.

Per-credit costs are the same at the University of Kansas: $595 per credit. That means a typical master's will cost $17,850 in tuition. A typical certificate program costs $14,280.

Both credentials generally point to the same outcome: the opportunity to earn licensure to become a principal in the public school system. There are not insignificant financial incentives for transitioning into administration and leadership. The National Education Association (NEA) estimates the average starting salary for teachers in the USA at $48,112/year.³ According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), median pay for elementary, middle, and high school principals is $105,870 per year.⁴

How to choose the right educational path for your career

Ultimately, your choice between an online certificate of education and a master's in educational administration will largely depend on your current career stage. Your professional goals will also factor in, though the two credentials are arguably different ways to achieve the same outcome.

The online MSE in educational administration at the University of Kansas is intended for candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree. You will also need three to five years of teaching experience and hold appropriate licensure. Candidates then choose whether to pursue a master's on the licensure track, preparing themselves for licensure to hold a principalship or similar formal leadership role. Alternatively, they can pursue a non-licensure track, which eliminates the internship requirement.

The graduate certificate in educational administration also prepares candidates for licensure. But it is intended for candidates who already have a master's degree, not as a stand-alone master's degree. For candidates with a bachelor's degree and a master's in an education-related field, the certificate helps them meet the eligibility requirements for principal licensure.

Transform your educational leadership potential at the University of Kansas

The master's and graduate certificate in educational administration both qualify you for licensure for leadership positions in education. But they are different pathways intended to meet the needs of professionals at different stages of their careers. Teachers who want to transition to administration but do not yet have a master's can benefit from the full master's in educational administration. Teachers with a master's in education who want a qualification that is focused on leadership and administration can pursue the graduate certificate.

The University of Kansas School of Education and Human Sciences offers online graduate education programs in educational administration that are designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The online format gives professionals flexibility as they balance study with professional and family obligations. At the same time, the online master's and graduate certificate programs in educational administration include internship requirements to meet Kansas state licensure eligibility criteria.

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