Online Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Arizona State University’s online Master of Education in educational leadership is designed for those passionate about helping children and youth learn beyond the traditional classroom. Whether your goal is to launch an education startup, lead a nonprofit or influence education policy, this program helps you turn your vision into lasting impact.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 08/21/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 10

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 30

Degree questions, answered

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Become a leader at the intersection of education, innovation and community

This program prepares you to reimagine learning, from launching alternative education spaces to leading nonprofit or community-based initiatives. Through systems leadership coursework and an immersive externship, you’ll gain the tools to expand access to education and strengthen communities.

Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped to lead as a systems thinker, community collaborator and purpose-driven innovator. Nontraditional environments offer opportunities to implement inclusive, future-focused learning strategies.

The knowledge and skills you’ll develop

This program empowers you to launch and grow ventures that center on student and community needs. You’ll apply theory to practice through case studies, inquiry-based learning and critical reflection. The curriculum balances foundational leadership courses with electives and hands-on experiences that align with your goals. You’ll gain expertise in:

  • Analyzing systemic challenges and leading adaptive change across educational ecosystems
  • Building business models and sustainability plans for educational ventures
  • Identifying and mobilizing community resources
  • Launching ideas through social entrepreneurship
  • Securing and managing grants and funding
  • Navigating education policy and nonprofit leadership
  • Understanding intellectual property in entrepreneurial contexts

Choosing the right educational leadership master’s program for you

ASU’s educational leadership master’s programs are built for those who want to drive change in learning spaces and improve student outcomes. The right program for you depends on your professional goals.

  • MEd in educational leadership
    • This program is ideal if you’re passionate about reimagining education through entrepreneurial or creative work outside traditional school settings. You’ll focus on systemic innovation beyond a single school.
  • MEd in educational leadership – principalship
    • This path is designed for aspiring principals and district administrators. Guided by a certified mentor principal in a yearlong internship, you’ll learn to support teacher and school success.
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Will my diploma say ‘online’?

No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”

Educational leadership courses

In your courses, you’ll complete design labs, case studies and collaborative projects with peers and community partners. A one-semester externship allows you to apply your learning in a community or organizational setting aligned with your goals. With guidance from faculty and a site mentor, you’ll design an experience that strengthens your leadership practice and prepares you to drive educational impact.

The program culminates in an applied project, where you’ll plan, research and conduct an action research study to solve a problem in an education-adjacent setting.


Elevate your career in educational leadership

As a graduate, you’ll be equipped to design, implement and scale educational solutions across diverse learning contexts. With focused skills in innovation and community impact, you can lead beyond traditional K–12 classrooms, including museums, libraries, cultural centers and other nontraditional learning environments. Career paths may include:

Learn from faculty transforming education through action

The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines, including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

Learn from faculty transforming education through action

The Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation faculty draws from a range of academic disciplines, including cognitive science, psychology and economics. They seek to answer questions about the process of learning, teaching practices and effects of education policy. Our faculty is also committed to connecting research to schools and other learning environments. They ensure teacher and leadership preparation programs combine scholarly rigor with practical application.

How to apply

Applicants to the Master of Education in educational leadership program must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation.

Join one of the best colleges of education in the nation

Mary Lou Fulton College for Teaching and Learning Innovation brings people and ideas together to increase the capabilities of educators and the performance of education systems. Our university has been recognized with peer-reviewed honors from U.S. News & World Report.

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Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

Tuition calculator

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.

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