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Master of Education in Educational Administration
Online Master of Educational Administration

The MEd in Educational Administration is a valuable credential for educators who are seeking leadership roles for meaningful ways to improve the lives of others within the educational system.

The Master of Educational Administration (MEd) prepares teachers for principalships or assistant principalships in elementary, middle, or high schools. Graduates also qualify for district-wide administrative positions such as program directorships and supervisor or coordinator positions. This program offers an exceptional learning experience to enhance one’s abilities in planning, organizing, delegating, supervising and leading through a variety of activities, procedures, and experiences. Graduates may also qualify for the Texas Standard Principal Certificate after passing the TExES exam.

Online courses are offered in eight-week cycles. You can complete many of our degree programs at your own pace. Students will complete weekly assignments, readings, discussions, and occasional group work, as well as exams and other activities designed to enhance learning outcomes, all at times that are most convenient to you. Note: Online students will be required to come to the HCU campus for AEL and T-TESS trainings. The Texas Education Agency does not allow any university to offer these trainings online.

Student Learning Outcomes

Educational Administration students acquire knowledge, experience, and demonstrated competence in the following areas of leadership learning:

  • Instructional Leadership and Evaluation
  • Leadership for Inclusive Education
  • Interpersonal Communication and Public Relations
  • Data-Driven Decision Making
  • The Role of the Principal
  • School Business Management and Finance
  • Systems Thinking: Theory and Application
  • School Law
  • School Personnel Leadership
  • Administration Theory and Practice
  • Creating and assessing school health, culture and climate

What Can I Do With My Master’s in Educational Administration?

Professional settings in which students may be hired:

  • Public or Private K – 12 Education
  • Higher Education
  • Trade and Industry School Education
  • Alternative Teacher Certification
  • Education Consultancies
  • Federal, State, and Local Governmental Entities
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Private Industry Education Design
  • Medical and Other Professional Education Design

Career paths students may pursue:

  • Public/ Private School Assistant Principal/Principal K – 12
  • Lead Teacher
  • Athletic or Instructional Coordinator
  • Educational Program Director
  • Higher Education or School System Central Administrator (except Superintendent)
  • Education Director Private Industry, Other Professions, Governmental Entities

Texas Principal Certification

To earn the Texas Standard Principal Certificate along with your MEd in Educational Administration degree, you must first receive your MEd degree by completing the thirty-six (36) semester hours, have a valid Texas teaching certificate, have completed two (2) years of teaching in an accredited school, and pass the certification examination required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

Texas Principal Certification Only Program

If you only wish to obtain the certificate, the Principal certificate plan consists of 18 hours of graduate coursework. This includes completing the Administration Core (18 hours) and the Principal Internship and Leadership Seminar (3 hours).

Principal Certification Requirements

Learn more about HCU’s Principal Certification requirements under the MEd in Educational Administration additional requirements.

Online Educational Administration Degree Plan

[PDF]Master of Education in Educational Administration Degree Completion Plan

Note: Check prerequisites before enrolling in any courses. Students will be eligible to register for EDAD 6191 (1 hour) or 6193 (1 hour) after they have completed at least 12 hours of the course requirements.  Students must complete 160 hours of school leadership on-the-job activities while being mentored by a school leader who holds a valid Texas Principal Certificate.  Students will participate in Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS) appraiser training. Internships are offered in the Spring and Fall semesters.  Students must pass the TExES Principal Assessment.

Program Coordinator

For more information about the program, please contact Dr. James A. McSwain (jmcswain@hbu.edu).

Admission Requirements
    1. Official Transcripts – Students must have two years of teaching experience and provide all official transcripts, and any additional transcripts for content area certification. Official transcripts should be sent directly to OnlineVerification@HBU.edu from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree. Transcripts from any additional coursework since that time should also be submitted.
    2. Additional Transcripts – For students applying to be certified in a content area, you are required to submit all of your transcripts to OnlineVerification@HBU.edu.
    3. References – Applicants must provide contact information for two (2) references on their application. References must be a principal or supervisor, parent of a taught student, or colleague. One must be for a campus or school district leader if applicant is a certified teacher. Friends and family members should not be listed as references.
    4. Résumé/CV and Service Record – Applicants must provide a current resume and an official school district, charter, or independent school service record.  Some specializations may require a specific length of work experience as shown on the service record.  Documents may be sent to OnlineVerification@HBU.edu.
    5. Interview – An interview may be required as part of the admission process.

     

    Texas Principal Certification Requirements

    Requirements for the Texas Principal Certification:

    • Successful completion of the coursework (36 hours for MEd in Educational Administration students; 18 hours for the Texas Principal Certification Only program)
    • Valid Texas teaching certificate
    • Two years of successful full-time classroom teaching in an approved accredited school
    • Pass the principal state assessment required by the Texas Education Agency (TEA)

    Prior to being admitted to the Principal Certification program, students must:

    • Have a GPA of 2.5 over the last 60 hours
    • Provide proof of having a valid Texas teaching certificate
    • Provide a letter of support from a school building administrator
Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.