

Online master’s in educational leadership and policy studies programs at KU
The University of Kansas is proud to offer online graduate programs through the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies to prepare the next generation of leaders in education. If you're ready to step into an administrative or supervisor role, a graduate certificate or master’s in educational leadership and policy studies from the KU School of Education and Human Sciences can help you cultivate leadership skills, deepen your academic expertise, and earn the qualifications you need.

Lead today’s learners to a better tomorrow.
To keep up with all of these changes in the field, schools need visionary leaders who can provide better support and guidance for the 21st-century realities of our progressive digital world. That not only includes creating and influencing policies, balancing budgets, and working with teachers, but also leading by example to change students’ lives for the better.
Which educational administration program is right for you?
An online graduate certificate or master’s in educational leadership and policy studies is ideal for experienced PK-12 educators who want the skills and knowledge to transition to leadership roles such as principals, department heads, or directors. As a successful leader, you can meet the challenges of administration and improve the education of your students.
I am a licensed educator and I want to transition to a leadership position in education.

Online master’s in educational administration: Building leadership track
- Advanced graduate degree
- Requires an active teaching license and undergraduate degree
- Can be completed in as few as 2 years
I want to learn about leadership, but I am not interested in pursuing educational licensure.

Online master’s in educational administration: Non-licensure track
- Advanced graduate degree
- Requires undergraduate or master's degree
- Can be completed in as few as 2 years
I hold a master’s degree but would like to pursue licensure as a building-level administrator.

Online post-master’s graduate certificate in educational administration
- Recognition of specialized training
- Requires an active teaching license, bachelor's and master's degree in an education-related field.
- Can be completed in as few as 12 to 16 months
Pursue a career with impact
“It is difficult to envision an investment in K-12 education with a higher ceiling on its potential return than improving school leadership.”3
These days, all eyes are on education. High-stakes accountability, multi-tiered teacher evaluation systems, heightened attention to equity, and numerous other factors have altered expectations for what educational leaders need to know, how they spend their time, and the outcomes they prioritize.3 From presidential debates to parent-teacher conferences, people are looking to their elected and appointed education officials for clarity, compassion, and an informed strategy.
With all of this in mind, educational leaders have the unique ability to improve students’ experiences from the top down. If you want to leverage this power for positive change, consider one of the potential careers that an online master’s in educational leadership can lead you to:
- Principal
- Superintendent
- Academic dean
- Chief Academic Officer
- Department director
These leaders are also paid well for their efforts: while jobs for classroom teachers typically offer median salaries around $60,000, educational administration is just under $100,000.2
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Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in an educational leadership program?
Once the program starts, you’ll be able to complete your coursework whenever and wherever you prefer through our innovative online learning system. Every student is different, but you should expect to spend 8-10 hours per week on master’s work. Courses typically include a mix of observation, group discussions, projects, assessments, and persona-based case studies.
For specific information about our programs, tell us more about you in this short form.
How long does it take to get my master’s or graduate certificate?
That being said, all of the courses in the KU School of Education and Human Sciences last eight weeks and can be completed anywhere, at any time, completely online.
Is a master’s in educational leadership worth it?
With these advantages, as well as the ability to continue working while you earn your degree, you’ll find that an online degree or certificate from KU is well worth your time.
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- Retrieved on May 20, 2022, from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
- Retrieved on May 20, 2022, from nassp.org/principal-shortage
- Retrieved on May 20, 2022, from wallacefoundation.org/knowledge-center/Documents/How-Principals-Affect-Students-and-Schools.pdf