Lead K-12 Education Forward with an Online M.Ed. in Educational Administration & Leadership.

Whether you’re an experienced teacher, instructional coach, or mid-career educator seeking leadership, Columbia College’s online master’s in Educational Administration & Leadership (K-12) is built for you. Dive into coursework in governance, curriculum supervision, policy, and organizational culture, then put it into practice with a hands-on administrative internship and practicum. Complete your master’s online, at your pace, and step confidently into roles like school principal, instructional leader, or district administrator.

Program Highlights/Benefits 

  • Real ­world experience, built-in. Get an administrative internship and practicum that places you directly in K-12 leadership settings so you graduate ready to lead.
  • Faculty who’ve been there. Learn from professors with decades of teaching and administrative experience who mentor you personally throughout the program.
  • A legacy of education leadership. With over 160 years of teacher training at Columbia College, you’re joining an institution deeply rooted in K-12 education.
  • Aligned with leadership standards. Curriculum meets standards set by NELP and South Carolina’s PADEPP for educational leaders, positioning you for certification readiness.
  • Grow your influence. Graduates are prepared for meaningful roles such as elementary or secondary school principal, instructional coordinator, or school administrator. 

Modality & Benefits

Get your master's degree in less than 12 months with this 100% online M.Ed. degree. Advance your career and upgrade your pay grade with this degree designed for working professionals. 

Start Dates:

January & August

  • Finish in 1 Year
  • 100% Online
  • 7-Week Courses—Fall, Spring & Summer Sessions
  • 36-Hour Program, Transfer Up to 9
  • 20-Hour Weekly Commitment (varies)

Educational Administration and Leadership Curriculum

Degree Requirements

Popular Educational Administration and Leadership Classes

  • The Principal as School Leader
    Study the multidimensional roles of the school administrator as educator, leader, manager, and practitioner.
  • Assessing Instructional Programs
    Explore assessment practices and trends in PK-12 education and discuss how assessment impacts instruction.
  • School Community Relations  
    Cover topics in public relations for educational institutions.

Upgrade Your Career

Jobs in elementary and secondary school administration are expected to grow steadily between 2021 and 2031 (BLS). Leadership positions generally receive increased compensation over teaching roles.

Transform Your Institution

  • Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal
  • Administrator
  • School Superintendent
  • Instructional Coordinator
Faculty

Faculty Perspective

"This degree is ideal for educators who want to make a broader impact as a principal or district-level administrator. We'll empower you to make that difference."

Karen Beaman

Director of Graduate Programs in Education

Excited about this degree?

Take the next step.

Partner With Us!

Professional Development

We would love to provide Professional Development for your faculty/staff. Contact us with questions at kbeaman@columbiasc.edu and jdollar@columbiasc.edu

Poverty Endorsement