Become an Administrative Leader

Today’s education landscape is evolving, and this MAE prepares you to lead the necessary change. Career-focused coursework will elevate your skills, effectiveness, and leadership, positioning you to lead diverse stakeholders in an educational setting while you apply collaborative educational philosophies, theories, and practices to promote change, equity and equality, policy development, and governance. You can get up to 12-semester credits for your CTC-approved Preliminary Administrative Services Credential (CASC), which enables you to earn your MAE in just one year.
  • 100% Online
    Our online coursework is designed for adult learners, allowing the flexibility you need.
  • Expand Your Career Options
    The skills gained in this master’s will improve your qualifications for various administrative positions across the educational spectrum.
  • Developing Education Leaders
    Coursework employs transformative and servant leadership models, positioning learners to become leaders in education and their communities.
  • Real-World Instruction and Application
    Taught by experienced educational leaders with coursework that is relevant, directly and immediately applicable to today’s educational environment.
CA Only

At a Glance

Online
30 Credits
$730/Credit
Help me estimate my cost
Next Start Date
Fall I (Aug 25, 2025)

AAQEP - Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

The University of Massachusetts Global is a member in good standing of the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP), a national accrediting organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This program has been awarded initial accreditation status with AAQEP through June 30, 2030. Accreditation acknowledges that a program prepares effective educators who continue to grow as professionals and has demonstrated the commitment and capacity to maintain quality.

Career Outlook for MA in Education (Educational Administration)

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Results for:
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring
Median Salary2
Job openings (in the last 12 months)
Top Companies Hiring

Data source: Lightcast™ 2025 www.lightcast.io

The pathway information provided through this website is based partly on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data licensed by the University of Massachusetts Global from Lightcast. While the University of Massachusetts Global believes this data to be reliable, some of the data is based on estimates made by Lightcast when actual data is unavailable. Those estimates and the corresponding data may need to be corrected.

  1. Change in employment projections 2022 - 2032
  2. Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and updated quarterly
  3. The University of Massachusetts Global does not guarantee a job to graduates upon completion of any program

Courses You Might Take

EDUU 600

Research and Evaluation Methods

3 Credits
EDUU 605

Democracy, Education and Social Change

3 Credits
EDUU 606

Seminar in Learning Theory

3 Credits
EDUU 607

Seminar in Comparative Education - Equity and Equality

3 Credits
EDUU 608

Seminar in the Social Foundations of Education

3 Credits
EDUU 609

Seminar in Curriculum Studies

3 Credits

What it’s like going to UMass Global?

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Instructor-Led, Session-Based

This program is delivered in an instructor-led format, with eight-week sessions and multiple start dates per year for flexibility. In each class, you'll focus on one topic at a time and can take a session off if needed—no penalty. Courses include online lectures, group discussions, and structured assignments with set deadlines. This format offers clear milestones and peer interaction, making it ideal for students who thrive in a structured learning environment.

Personalized Support Services

UMass Global meets you wherever you are in life, with dedicated support at every step. From enrollment coaching and financial aid to academic advising and career services, we're committed to your success. Access personalized guidance, flexible resources, and a supportive community, empowering you to achieve your educational goals, no matter your starting point.

Office meeting

Employer-Aligned Curriculum

At UMass Global, our employer-aligned curriculum ensures that coursework is directly relevant to today’s workplace. Designed with input from industry experts and faculty who are also working professionals, our programs focus on practical, career-advancing skills. Using a “backwards course design,” we tailor coursework to meet current job market needs. Our diverse faculty provides real-world insights and mentorship, ensuring that the skills you learn are immediately applicable to your career or future career changes.

Office meeting

Our Faculty

All Faculty
Shari Farris
Dr. Shari Farris, EdD
Associate Dean, School of Education, Associate Professor of Education
Dr. Shari Farris EdD
Portrait of Dr. Sasha Crowley
Dr. Sasha Crowley
Clinical Practice Director, Assistant Professor of Education
Dr. Sasha Crowley

Admission Requirements

Applicants for this program must complete the formal application process with all required documents, which include:

  • Completed application
  • 2.75 grade point average (GPA)
  • Official transcripts from all regionally accredited institutions where baccalaureate and/or post-baccalaureate coursework was completed or attempted
  • Hold a valid Certificate of Eligibility or Preliminary Administrative Services Credential received through a CTC-approved program or be concurrently enrolled in a CTC-approved program

California Residency

This program is only available to California residents.

Concurrent Enrollment

Applicants enrolled in a PAS Credential program must submit an official letter confirming their enrollment. However, those who have obtained a valid Certificate of Eligibility or PAS Credential through examination are not eligible for admission to this program.

We support our
Military Veterans!

  •  Yellow Ribbon School
  •  Recognized Military Friendly School
  •  Founded to Serve Military Personnel

Check out our Military and Veterans pages and discover how we can support you in your educational journey.

Learn How

WASC Senior College and University Commission

University of Massachusetts Global is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

California Commission on Teaching Credentialing

University of Massachusetts Global's School of Education is accredited by the California Commission on Teaching Credentialing (CTC).

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Ready to pursue your Master of Arts in Education degree?

Frequently Asked Questions

A Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration is typically designed for educators who wish to advance their careers in leadership and administrative roles in education. This program is for individuals who already hold a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential from an approved program and are seeking to earn their graduate degree to enhance their career advancement opportunities in education. This emphasis program does not lead to a state license or credential.

University of Massachusetts Global awards a block of 12 semester credits for successful completion from an approved Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program. Please contact an academic advisor for more details.

EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods is a prerequisite for all other core courses and candidates are advised to take this course first. Students may take another course concurrently with EDUU 600. Students are strongly encouraged to discuss course sequencing with their academic advisor.

After completing the six core courses, candidates must submit a Portfolio of Evidence demonstrating abilities or competencies in the core courses through LiveText, including a reflective essay. A standardized rubric will be used to determine that the candidate has demonstrated program competency.

A Master of Arts in Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Administration can lead to a variety of leadership and administrative positions in the field of education. Here are some potential career paths for individuals with this degree:

  • School Principal: School principals are responsible for managing the daily operations of elementary, middle, and high schools, including curriculum development, student discipline, staff management, and budgeting.
  • Assistant Principal: Assistant principals work with the school principal to oversee the daily operations of schools, such as managing student discipline and instructional programs.
  • School District Administrator: School district administrators are responsible for overseeing all schools within a school district, including managing budgets, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.
  • College or University Administrator: College and university administrators oversee the daily operations of higher education institutions, including managing budgets, developing policies, and overseeing academic programs.
  • Education Consultant: Education consultants provide expertise and advice to schools and school districts on a variety of issues, such as curriculum development, teacher training, and student assessment.
  • Educational Researcher: Educational researchers study the effectiveness of various educational programs and policies, using data analysis to improve educational outcomes.
  • Curriculum Developer: Curriculum developers design and implement educational programs and materials, working with teachers and administrators to create engaging and effective curricula.
  • Policy Analyst: Policy analysts work for government agencies, non-profits, or think tanks, analyzing education policies and making recommendations for improvements.

Overall, earning a Master of Arts in Education, Educational Administration can lead to a variety of rewarding careers in education, with opportunities to make a significant impact on the quality of education and the success of students and educators.

The demand for Master of Arts in Education, Educational Administration graduates varies depending on several factors such as location, level of experience, and the specific job market. However, in general, there is a growing demand for professionals in these fields.

Educational administrators — including principals, assistant principals, and other school administrators — are essential to the functioning of educational institutions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of education administrators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increasing student enrollments in schools and the need for administrators to oversee and manage these institutions effectively.

Likewise, a Master of Arts in Education can lead to a variety of career opportunities, such as curriculum development, instructional design, and educational leadership roles. These roles may be in K-12 schools, higher education, government agencies, or private organizations. According to the BLS, employment of instructional coordinators (who often hold a Master of Arts in Education) is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

In summary, MAE, Educational Administration graduates are in demand, and the job prospects for these professionals are generally positive. However, as with any profession, the demand and job opportunities may vary depending on location and other factors.


Testimonials

The professors and staff were incredibly supportive, flexible, and helpful. I have graduated with the confidence to enter the world of education and be a knowledgeable educational leader.

Sarah D.
Educational Leadership & Administration, MA

There are definite financial advantages to getting a master’s degree. You have the ability to max out on the pay scale. Initially, this was a motivator for me, but once I got into my master’s program and saw how I could apply what I was learning in my classroom, it wasn’t about the money so much anymore.

Steve L.
Education, Teaching and Learning, MAE

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