Online Master of Education in Educational Administration

The online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Administration degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU) supports educators seeking ways to improve the learning and lives of others within the educational system.

Whether you want to qualify for district administrative positions, become a principal in elementary, middle, or high schools, or otherwise advance your career to a school leader and beyond, the online master’s in Educational Administration curriculum enhances how you plan, organize, delegate, and lead individuals, institutions, and initiatives throughout the variety of procedures and experiences of school administration.

Online courses run in eight-week cycles with two state-mandated in-person trainings at the HCU campus in Houston, as all Texas programs leading to principal certification require. Build a supportive network of like-minded professionals through dedicated faculty interactions and research and internship components, drawing strength from the shared pursuit of educational excellence.

Program Highlights

• 35 Credits
• Complete in 18 Months
• Two Years of Teaching Experience Required
• Prepares for TExES Principal Assessment
• Leads to Texas Principal Certification
• Online Classes and Assignments
• Two In-Person Trainings in Houston

Online MEd in Educational Administration Requirements

Requirements for the 36-credit online Master of Education program include:

• Online courses in school law, leadership of school personnel, and the roles and responsibilities of the principal or administrator
• Seminar and research components
• State-required in-person trainings
• Two semesters (160 hours) of a principalship internship, during which you complete on-the-job school leadership activities in a school location

To meet the requirements to sit for certification exams, students participate in two in-person trainings in Houston: Advancing Educational Leadership (AEL) and Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). These are required for Texas Principal Certification. Students in the program must complete these and other certification requirements in addition to degree coursework. Students must also pass the TExES Principal Assessment exam.

Courses and Degree Plan

Course meetings and assignments in the MEd in Educational Administration occur online, where you engage with HCU professors and educators in your program. Courses you may take with expert faculty include:

• Administrative Theory and Practice
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Interpersonal Communication and Public Relations
• Leadership for Inclusive Education
• School Business Management and Finance
• School Personnel Leadership

Review degree 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.

Program Benefits and Opportunities

Master’s in Education Administration Career Outcomes

Our MEd in Educational Administration program graduates are empowered to create and develop nurturing school communities that prioritize academic excellence and spiritual wholeness. Through completion of field experience and engaging online courses, you’re ready to pursue the necessary credentials to serve in roles such as:

• Lead Teacher
• K-12 Principal or Assistant Principal
• District Administrator
• Educational Program Director
• Instructional or Athletic Coordinator
• Higher Education Administrator
• Education Consultant

Answer God’s call to leadership in education in various learning environments and educational settings, from public schools to private schools, colleges and universities, trade schools, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Or, wield your talents in private industry, curriculum design, training and development, and other fields.

Principal certification preparation opens doors to roles leading teams, programs, and schools with increased responsibility and higher earning potential. While exact salaries for principals vary based on location, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), they earn an average annual salary of $103,460.

Texas Principal Certification

If you have a valid Texas teaching certificate and at least two years of teaching experience in an accredited school, upon completion of the online MEd in Educational Administration program you will be qualified to sit for the principal certification exam required by the Texas Education Agency.

Email us to learn more about the 21-hour online Principal Certification Only Program, a non-degree pathway to pursuing a principal certificate in Texas. If you meet the requirements mentioned above, you can complete the Administration Core (18 hours) and the Principal Internship and Leadership Seminar (3 hours) to finish this pathway and pursue the next steps in gaining Texas Principal Certification.

Convenient Remote Learning

Our program accommodates busy lives, with the flexibility to complete most assignments, readings, and discussions online at your own pace. You can complete the school principal internship at a convenient or familiar location, deepening your opportunity to create change. The only time you need to visit our Houston campus is for the Texas Education Agency-mandated AEL and T-TESS trainings. This approach allows you to balance professional development with work and personal commitments while benefiting from our rigorous curriculum.

Admissions Requirements

Requirements for the online MEd program in Educational Administration at HCU include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and two years of teaching experience. If you’re ready to gain leadership skills and experience mentorship with experienced education administrators, submit an online application, which includes the following components.

• Official transcripts from the college or university that awarded your bachelor’s degree and transcripts from any graduate coursework and content area certification, if applicable.
• Contact information for two references. References must be a principal or supervisor, the parent of a taught student, or a colleague. One must be a campus or school district leader if you are a certified teacher.
• Current résumé/CV
• Official school district, charter, or independent school service record
• Admissions interviews may be conducted

Prior to admission to the Principal Certification pathway, students must:

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

Submit transcripts and additional materials directly to OnlineVerification@HC.edu.

Contact Program Coordinator Dr. James A. McSwain for more information.

Program Costs and Aid

HCU offers competitive online tuition rates, allowing you to pursue your calling without compromising your financial well-being. Review online graduate program cost information.

Estimate your cost of attendance and determine your eligibility for federal financial assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Review graduate financial aid and scholarships at HCU.