Trying to find an online Education Specialist degree from a regionally accredited university? Hoping to compare top programs that are open to out-of-state applicants? Our 2026 rankings of the Best Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Rankings Methodology
Our 2026 rankings of the top 25 online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) programs in the country are based on a weighted algorithm that draws on IPEDS completion rates, graduate debt and earnings data, and reputational scores from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education (THE):
- Admissions & Completions: Our average for each school includes Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data for rates of acceptance into a program and rates of completion.
- Outcomes: Whenever possible, we found statistics for graduate debt and earnings and factored those data points into our averages. Universities with high post-graduate salaries and low debt loads shot up in the ranks.
- Reputation: We gave an additional rankings boost to universities that attained top 25 spots from U.S. News & World Report and Times Higher Education (THE).
Online Ed.S. programs can be tricky to categorize. After sorting the schools, we had to make some decisions about which Ed.S. programs to include & exclude. Here’s where we landed:
- Accreditation: All of the online Ed.S. programs in our rankings are offered by non-profit, regionally accredited universities. We’ve highlighted any schools that also hold CAEP accreditation.
- Availability: We automatically excluded any Ed.S. programs that were only open to in-state applicants OR had coursework that was exclusively focused on state licensure. We included any programs that were open to out-of-state students, including those with non-licensure and licensure tracks. For more, see our advice section on online licensure programs.
- Delivery: All offerings had to be 100% online. Even if they were ranked highly by our algorithm, we excluded any Ed.S. programs that were on-campus or hybrid (e.g. University of Florida). Just be aware that online programs with licensure tracks may include on-the-ground elements like field work and internships within your local area.
- Focus: These rankings are devoted to online Ed.S. programs in educational leadership. For us, that term encompasses Ed.S. majors like Educational Administration, Instructional Leadership, and Teacher Leadership. Looking for other majors? We’ve included links to alternative online Ed.S. programs offered by the university.
Although almost all of the Education Specialist programs in our rankings are 100% online, there are a few that include synchronous, “real-time” elements (e.g. attending a weeknight online class). We’ve flagged that in our profiles in case you need to think about time zones and family commitments.
Rankings Update: How Placements Changed in 2026
There has been a fair amount of movement in our 2026 rankings of the best online Ed.S. degrees in the USA since last year:
- The University of Missouri can now claim the title of the #1 online Ed.S. in the country. This excellent 2-year program is designed to lead to principal licensure.
- Newcomers to our top 15 include Liberty University (#11), National Louis University (#14), and Trevecca Nazarene (#15). After featuring in our top 25 in 2025, they have climbed the ranks this year to receive full profiles.
- Universities in the South and the Midwest continue to be the main providers of high-performing online Ed.S. programs. Online education specialist degrees from Southern universities account for more than half of our top 25 rankings.
15 Top Schools with Online Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Programs 2026
1 University of Missouri
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 35
Length: 2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Principal
Why Choose Mizzou’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Aspiring PreK-12 principals may want to take a good hard look at Mizzou’s program. It’s the brainchild of a switched-on Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis (ELPA) within a nationally ranked College of Education & Human Development (CEHD). The Department has developed its own Middle Level Leadership Center (MLLC) that deploys field-based research in middle schools, junior high schools, and intermediate schools and its faculty have plenty of projects on the boil. We were intrigued to see that the CEHD also has a stake in PreK-12 behavioral science & mental initiatives through its outreach programs.
Online Ed.S. Overview
Mizzou states that its Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership & Policy Analysis: Elementary & Secondary School Principal Certification fulfills building-level requirements in many locations. In fact, if you check the State Authorization map, you’ll notice that the Principal track is authorized in almost every state. Talk to your State Education Agency and the Ed.S. program coordinator before applying if you’re coming from out-of-state. And keep in mind that Mizzou would like to see candidates with a minimum 3.5 GPA on any graduate studies.
Then visit the Courses section to learn more about the curriculum! You’ll tackle a chunk of district-level credits that cross over with superintendent training, as well as a principal course in Site-Level Organization and Leadership. Two internships are included in the program; to be eligible for PK–12 building-level certifications, 300 internship hours must usually be completed. The program is 100% online, but set aside some time for live virtual meetings—courses combine synchronous & asynchronous learning. And don’t forget to check if you’re eligible for any CEHD graduate scholarships.
Note: Mizzou offers an Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership.
For More Information:
2 George Washington University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Principal
Why Choose GW’s Online Ed.S. Program?
The Graduate School of Education & Human Development (GSEHD) is part of a Carnegie R1 research university with substantial R&D expenditures. It’s also a big education player in the DC area. This Ed.S. is a particularly strong choice if you’re interested in ideas around equity and social justice. In the fall of 2023, the Educational Leadership & Administration (ELA) program launched its first equity-centered leadership cohort with the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). A number of ELA faculty are also actively involved in the Educational Equity and School Improvement (EESI) Research Interest Group (RIG).
Online Ed.S. Overview
Although GW’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership and Administration (ELA) is designed to meet administrative certification requirements in DC, it can also serve the needs of educators in other interstate compact agreement partner states (e.g. Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, etc.). Read through the section on Teacher & Administrator Certification and talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator about your goals. All Ed.S. candidates must have a minimum of 1 year of teaching experience.
Aspiring administrators will find plenty of practical coursework in the curriculum, including credits in school law & policy, school finance, and community engagement. In addition, Ed.S. students are expected to complete an internship and action research project at a school or central office location. GW’s program is much more expensive than other schools in our rankings, so we recommend reaching out to alumni and looking into scholarships before committing.
Note: GW has also developed an Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Administration.
For More Information:
3 University of Alabama
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Teacher Leader
Why Choose UA’s Online Ed.S. Program?
UA’s online Ed.S. is offered at an extremely reasonable price. It’s from a big public research university that’s known across the country. And it’s taught by diverse faculty from the Department of Educational Leadership, Policy & Technology Studies—take a moment to read their bios before applying. We noticed interests in everything from rural schools and segregation to effective school leadership measures. Better yet, the College has established its own Office of School Partnerships.
Online Ed.S. Overview
UA’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Teacher Leader P-12 Certification) is geared toward Alabama educators who are seeking Class AA certification, but it’s open to teacher leaders in other states. Visit the section on state authorization and chat to the Ed.S. program coordinator. All applicants are expected to have a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA, a valid master’s level professional educator certificate in any teaching field or area of instructional support, and at least 3 years of PreK-12 teaching experience.
The curriculum covers a wide swathe of topics—including adult learners, evaluating education programs, and teaching & learning communities—and field work is incorporated into a number of courses. The Graduate Catalog has a full list of descriptions. It’s the kind of program that feels like a run up to an Ed.D., so it’s worth asking about the possibility of credit transfers into UA’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership. There’s plenty of crossover between the two degrees.
Note: UA also offers Online Ed.S. programs in a number of specialist & grade-specific areas.
For More Information:
4 University of Kentucky
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 20 Months
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Optional for KY Educators (Teacher Leader)
Why Choose UK’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Aiming to enrich your leadership skills as an educator? Put UK’s Online Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership on your list. It comes from a Departmental of Educational Leadership Studies with a roster of experienced faculty members and a special interest in public schools. The College of Education runs the UK Center for Next Generation Leadership, which serves 70+ Kentucky districts and 9 regional co-op partners. In particular, check out the impact reports for the Next Generation Leadership Academy. UK is digging deep into systems change & innovative approaches and some of that work is being folded into the Ed.S. curriculum.
Online Ed.S. Overview
The Online Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership is open to master’s candidates with a minimum 3.0 GPA; experience working as a PreK-12 teacher or educational practitioner is preferred. Kentucky students have the option to pursue the Teacher Leader endorsement & rank change. Out-of-state applicants who are seeking certification should check the State Authorization page and talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator and their Department of Education.
As UK notes, this is a program for folks who are hoping to move up the ranks to established positions (e.g. Department Chair) or act as instructional models & peer mentors. We love the fact that it embeds graduate certificates within the curriculum—you can focus on Instructional Coaching, Leadership for Deeper Learning, or School Technology Leadership. And we’re pleased to see that it includes 5 elective courses and a portfolio-based capstone project. Visit the Graduate Catalog to view the complete curriculum.
Note: UK also offers an Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, but it’s designed for Kentucky educators seeking in-state principal certification. Administrators may wish to consider the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership instead.
For More Information:
5 University of Arkansas
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 18 Months
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Why Choose U of A’s Online Ed.S. Program?
It helps to be the flagship institution of a public university system! Thanks to its connection to the mother school, U of A’s College of Education and Health Professions has developed a sturdy track record in research initiatives and outreach efforts. Educational faculty in the Department of Educational Leadership (EDLE) are members of the Arkansas Professors of Educational Leadership (ArPEL). And U of A is a key member of the Education Renewal Zone, a Pre-K-20 initiative designed to help improve public school performance. Put it on your shortlist if you’re interested in high-poverty and rural schools.
Online Ed.S. Overview
The cohort-based Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is designed to lead to district-level licensure; U of A has a strong first-time pass rate on the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) exam. Out-of-state candidates may be able to apply, but it pays to check with the Ed.S. coordinator and your Department of Education. All applicants must have a master’s degree in an education-related field and experience in building-level administration.
We give it a thumbs-up for including the personal touch—Ed.S. students meet in synchronous, real-time sessions on Wednesday evenings. We also like the fact that the curriculum features an advanced seminar and a substantial internship under the guidance of a mentor. All students are required to present a culminating project. Not sounding like quite the right fit? You may wish to investigate the Online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership with 3 intensive weekend seminars on campus.
Note: U of A also offers an Online Ed.S. in Curriculum & Instruction, but it’s designed for Arkansas educators.
For More Information:
6 Clemson University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30-36
Length: 5 Semesters/2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Optional (Principal or Superintendent)
Why Choose Clemson’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Serving rural students. Addressing poverty in schools. Improving STEM education. These are just a few areas where Clemson’s College of Education and its Department of Educational & Organizational Leadership Development (EOLD) are making inroads in South Carolina. We love the coaching & leadership work being done within the LEADERS Center of Excellence and we were impressed by the breadth of the College’s centers & institutes and the range of action research projects. Use the faculty directory to learn more about the interests of EOLD professors.
Online Ed.S. Overview
Clemson’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is that rare beast—an Education Specialist program that can be customized to fit a number of goals. It’s available in non-licensure, building-level, and district-level licensure tracks for both in-state and out-of-state educators. Check the Admission Requirements and Program Requirements sections to decide on your path. All candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, at least 2 years of teaching experience, and have access to an educational setting.
As we mentioned, Clemson is particularly interested in the effects of rurality, poverty, and race. For example, you’ll notice that the curriculum for district-level candidates includes a course in the Politics of Education, as well as mandatory field-based learning experiences. Anyone enrolled in a licensure track will be expected to complete internships. Non-licensure students can opt to take electives instead. Courses are asynchronous, which means you’ll study on your own time.
Note: Clemson offers an Online Ed.D. in Education Systems Improvement Science to candidates who have an Ed.S. degree.
For More Information:
7 University of Massachusetts Lowell
- Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy: Non-Licensure
- Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy: Licensure Track
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 33
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: No
Licensure Track: Optional for MA Educators (Principal)
Why Choose UMass Lowell’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Looking for intensive training in PreK-12 administration? Currently employed in a school system? UMass Lowell’s Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy could be just the ticket. The College of Education helps fund a School Leadership Institute for school districts in the Greater Merrimack Valley and it’s been a long-time proponent of hands-on learning initiatives through the Tsongas Industrial History Center.
Online Ed.S. Overview
The Online Ed.S. in Administration, Planning and Policy is designed for working educators. Candidates must have at least 3 years of full-time experience in a K-12 school or a related setting. You’ll also be expected to have a minimum 3.0 GPA from your master’s degree. Looking for building-level certification in Massachusetts? UMass Lowell also offers a separate MA Principal Licensure Track for in-state students.
All in all, the non-licensure track is an affordable and no-nonsense degree with an intriguing curriculum. We love the inclusion of field work, principalship courses, and the completion of an academic paper in the Ed.S. Seminar. You can even choose 2 electives. Even though this Ed.S. available for full-time study (e.g. 3-4 semesters), you may wish to stretch it out to 6 or 11 semesters if you’re working.
Note: UMass Lowell has an Online Ed.D. in Leadership in Schooling, but there aren’t many credit crossovers between the Ed.S. and the Ed.D.
For More Information:
8 University of South Dakota
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 32
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Why Choose USD’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Personal attention is a key selling point for USD. The Division of Educational Leadership strives to ensure that every student has an engaging experience. Class sizes are kept small and faculty teach in both the online and on-campus programs. The School of Education funds a School of Education Research Center, which serves as an outlet for research on initiatives like USD’s Teacher Residency Model. It’s among the first universities in the country to implement a year-long student teaching residency model. And it provides camps & literacy services to local school districts.
Online Ed.S. Overview
All candidates for the Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Leadership: School District Superintendent are expected to have a graduate cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better and at least 3 years of teaching experience in a PreK-12 setting. Coming from out-of-state? Examine the program listing in the Graduate Catalog and review the State Licensure Map. USD will consider non-residents, but it notes that “there may be some restrictions on your ability to engage in supervised field study outside of South Dakota.”
The curriculum is outlined in the Graduate Catalog. In addition to the usual run of district-level credits, including a mandatory internship, we were pleased to see that USD has included a course in action research. Talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator about the possibility of exploring indigenous and rural education—the university supports an Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS). Even if you’re not from South Dakota, you may wish to take the 500-level course in Indian Education.
Note: USD offers an Online Ed.D. in Pre-K-12 Educational Leadership, as well as on-campus Ed.D. programs at the building-level and district-level.
For More Information:
9 Old Dominion University
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership: Non-Licensure
- Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership: K-12 Licensure
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Optional for VA Educators (Principal)
Why Choose ODU’s Online Ed.S. Program?
One of ODU’s key selling points is the intimacy of the program—students in the cohort-based Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership participate in live online classes during weekday evenings. We should also point out that this degree lives in the Department of Educational Leadership & Workforce Development. That means that your PreK-12 faculty should be used to exchanging leadership ideas with peers in organizational development and higher education. For more on ODU’s strengths, pay a visit to the Center for Educational Partnerships.
Online Ed.S. Overview
In the Graduate Catalog, ODU states that the Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is available in two tracks: non-licensure and K-12 licensure. Non-licensure candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.25 GPA on their master’s degree, but applicants with a slightly lower GPA can be considered for provisional admission. The K-12 licensure track is reserved for Virginia educators with a valid VA teaching license.
The Graduate Catalog also lists the full curriculum for non-licensure students. You’ll notice that courses align with departmental strengths. For example, you’ll be expected to take classes in organizational theory & behavior in education and leadership for social justice. We were pleased to see the inclusion of a course in Field Research in School Administration & Supervision, but we didn’t see any indication of a capstone project or final portfolio.
Note: ODU is one of only a few schools to have developed an executive-style Online Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
For More Information:
10 University of Southern Mississippi
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 33
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Principal
Why Choose USM’s Online Ed.S. Program?
USM’s School of Education is doing some fascinating PreK-12 work in holistic education & behavioral interventions. Take a look at the Center for Research to Practice in Education (CRPE) and the Realizing Excellence for All Children in Mississippi (REACH MS) program for more on these efforts. Mississippi is one of the poorest states in the nation, so it’s encouraging to see that the School is also engaged in AmeriCorps’s America Reads – Mississippi (ARM) program and STEM initiatives.
Online Ed.S. Overview
This Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration P-12 meets Mississippi state standards for advanced licensure as a P-12 administrator. USM recommends that out-of-state candidates read the section on Professional Licensure and then contact their state licensing board to ask about reciprocity. All applicants must have at least 3 years of PreK-12 teaching experience and hold a current educator license. Teachers from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
A full list of Ed.S. courses can be found in the Graduate Bulletin. The core of the program focuses on building-level concerns, including public school finance, facilities, and law. But there are plenty of chances for field work. To satisfy licensure requirements, the curriculum features 2 practicums. Students are expected to identify a mentor (Principal or Assistant Principal) for these experiences. You’ll even have the chance to take courses in educational research & statistics.
Note: USM also offers an Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration P-12 that is backed by its membership in the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED). Many Ed.S. courses feature in this degree.
For More Information:
11 Liberty University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 1 Year
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure
Why Choose Liberty’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Liberty University is a conservative, Evangelical Christian university in Virginia. So its CAEP-accredited School of Education has a Christ-centered outlook. It’s relatively affordable, 100% online, and military-friendly. In 2026, there was a military tuition discount of $375 per credit hour for Ed.S. and Ed.D. courses. Coursework is completely asynchronous, which means you can learn on your own time. And up to 27 credit hours from the Ed.S. can be transferred to Liberty’s doctoral degrees.
Online Ed.S. Overview
Liberty’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is a non-licensure program open to applicants with a regionally or nationally accredited master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA. (Virginia educators who are seeking School Administration & Supervision licensure should investigate the separate Online Ed.S. in Administration & Supervision – Educational Leadership.)
The 3-semester curriculum features two mandatory courses in education theory, an educational leadership core, an elective, and a course in educational research, and the capstone. For the core, you’ll study topics such as organizational analysis & problem-solving, conflict resolution, issues & trends in educational leadership, culture & educational leadership, and either the administration & supervision of special education or issues & trends in learning technologies.
Note: Liberty also offers an Online Ed.D. in a large number of majors, including Educational Leadership.
For More Information:
12 University of Idaho
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 60 (30 with Master’s)
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Principal or Superintendent or Director of Special Education
Why Choose U of I’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Rural educators, take note! U of I’s Department of Leadership and Counseling (L&C) and the College of Education, Health & Human Sciences have a history of serving rural schools, as well as Native American populations. The College founded the Indigenous Knowledge for Effective Education Program (IKEEP) in 2016 and it helps to support at-risk students in Idaho schools & districts through the multi-university Idaho Building Capacity (IBC) project. It has also been creating principal cohorts for Idaho school districts since 2007. Check out the L&C faculty bios for more info on your potential professors.
Online Ed.S. Overview
U of I’s Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is a licensure program that’s designed to lead to Idaho’s Standard Administrative Certificate with a principal, special education director, or superintendent endorsement. However, U of I will consider out-of-state applicants—talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator about your situation. Applicants are expected to have a master’s degree with a minimum 3.0 graduate GPA. Up to 30 credits of your existing master’s degree can be counted toward the Ed.S.
The L&C Graduate Handbook has a complete rundown of courses for each of the 3 certification tracks. All tracks feature a two-semester internship—aspiring principals & superintendents are expected to work with a practicing administrator in an elementary or secondary school or district office. No thesis is required.
For More Information:
13 Ball State University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 63 (30-33 with Master’s)
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Superintendent
Why Choose Ball State’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Ball State’s Department of Educational Leadership isn’t resting on its laurels. It sponsors two superintendent study councils and prepares more Indiana school administrators than any other university in the state. Have a look at the faculty bios and then check out the research centers within the Teachers College. Here you’ll find an intriguing interdisciplinary training initiative for K-12 schools—the Center for School Innovation—and the College’s very own K-12 laboratory school.
Online Ed.S. Overview
Although the Online Ed.S. in Educational Administration and Supervision is designed to satisfy superintendent licensure requirements in Indiana, it may suit the needs of out-of-state students. According to Ball State’s State Authorization Map, the Ed.S. is fully authorized in all states and territories. Candidates are expected to have a minimum 3.2 GPA on their master’s degree. View the curriculum in the Graduate Catalog and talk to the Ed.S. program coordinator to find out how many of your master’s credits could be transferred.
As you might expect with a district-level program, the degree is packed with credits in fiscal management, school law, and schools buildings & grounds. You’ll be required to complete a District-Level Internship and a capstone project, as well as a seminar in educational leadership. There’s even a class in public relations. Courses are asynchronous, which means you can learn on your own time.
Note: Ed.S. credits can be counted towards Ball State’s Online Ed.D. in Educational Administration and Supervision.
For More Information:
14 National Louis University
Delivery: Online with Some Blended or In-Person Electives
Credits: 30
Length: 1-2 Years
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Non-Licensure
Why Choose NLU’s Online Ed.S. Program?
NLU is a private university in Chicago with a reputation for being diverse and welcoming. The National College of Education supports a number of research centers in reading & literacy. 85+ of its alumni have won Illinois’s Golden Apple Award in Teaching and Leadership. And it has deep partnerships with Chicago-area public schools. 65% of its teacher preparation graduates serve in high-needs schools.
Online Ed.S. Overview
Applicants to NLU’s Online Ed.S. in Strategic Educational Leadership are expected to have a master’s degree from a school with institutional accreditation and a minimum 3.0 GPA. Candidates with GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 may be accepted with a 4-course review status. (References are waived for applicants with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.) This program also requires a Signed Licensure Limitation Form that acknowledges this is a non-licensure program and a faculty review.
Although foundational courses in the curriculum are delivered in an online format, there will be some synchronous, real-time remote sessions. Once you’ve tackled credits in areas like leading diverse schools and decision-making for educational systems & organizations, you can specialize in a range of sub-topics. Some of the electives are offered in a blended or in-person format, so check with the program coordinator before you decide on a plan of study. This program also includes an educational leadership project.
For More Information:
15 Trevecca Nazarene University
Delivery: 100% Online
Credits: 30
Length: 15-16 Months
CAEP-Accredited: Yes
Licensure Track: Optional (Instructional Leadership)
Why Choose Trevecca’s Online Ed.S. Program?
Willing to consider a private Christian liberal arts university in Nashville? In addition to supporting both a School of Education and a School of Leadership and Interdisciplinary Studies, Trevecca has a sturdy track record in education leadership. It became a CPED member in 2024. It launched a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies in 2025. And, according to the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), it awards the most Ed.D. degrees in Tennessee.
Online Ed.S. Overview
The Online Ed.S. in Accountability and Instructional Leadership is a 100% online program that can train you to become eligible for the Instructional Leadership License (ILL-B). It’s open to candidates with a master’s degree and 3 years of verifiable full-time teaching experience. Applicants who are seeking administrative licensure should also have an active teaching license.
We’re recommending it for teacher leaders and educational administrators who love data. The curriculum explores many aspects of school leadership, including instructional strategies, school data analysis, human capital, and more. You’ll be able to select a specialized track in Accountability or Artificial Intelligence (AI). And you’ll take part in 4 field experiences for accountable leaders.
Note: All credits from this Ed.S. can be transferred to Trevecca’s Online Ed.D. in Leadership.
For More Information:
Best Online Ed.S. Rankings Continued: #16–25
| School | Program | Licensure Track | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16. | Arkansas State University (AR)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, Superintendency | Superintendent | 18 Months |
| 17. | Grand Canyon University (AZ) | Online Ed.S. in K-12 Leadership | Non-Licensure | 1-2 Years |
| 18. | Abilene Christian University (TX) | Online Ed.S. in Organizational Leadership | Non-Licensure | 2 Years |
| 19. | Northwest Missouri State University (MO) | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Multiple Majors) | Optional for MO Educators (Principal or Superintendent) | 1 Year |
| 20. | Indiana Wesleyan University (IN)* | Online Ed.S. in Education Leadership | Non-Licensure | 22 Months |
| 21. | Pittsburg State University (KS)* | Online Ed.S. in Advanced Studies in Leadership – General School Administration Emphasis | Superintendent | 2 Years |
| 22. | University of Central Arkansas (AR)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership | Superintendent or Principal | 1-2 Years |
| 23. | Lincoln Memorial University (TN)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership (Non-Licensure) | Non-Licensure | 1 Year |
| 24. | Northwest Nazarene University (ID)* | Online Ed.S. in Educational Leadership: Superintendent | Superintendent | 22 Months |
| 25. | Hamline University (MN)* | Online Ed.S. in Leadership for Equitable Innovation and Transformation | Non-Licensure | 2 Years |
* Indicates CAEP-Accredited
How to Pick the Best Online Ed.S. Program
Immediate Job Needs
An Ed.S. (Education Specialist) is a post-master’s degree designed for K–12 administrators and leaders, typically requiring 30–36 credits beyond a master’s degree. It’s a quirky “in-between” qualifications that can be useful for a variety of reasons. You may decide to earn an Ed.S. in order to:
- Become an Expert in Your School/District: Take advantage of the practical courses & embedded field work to deepen your expertise in a realm of education (e.g. administration, curriculum development, instructional technology, etc.).
- Earn Licensure or Certification: An Ed.S. can often be used to fulfill certification, licensure, or endorsement requirements established by your State Education Agency (SEA)/Department of Education. Use this NCES tool to find the website link for the Department of Education in your state.
- Qualify for a Salary Increase: Some states—especially in the Southeast and Midwest—are willing to reward educators who pursue a “sixth year” degree (e.g. North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: Compensation for Public School Employees). That’s why you’ll frequently see Ed.S. programs from schools in Missouri, Arkansas, Florida, Virginia, and Tennessee appearing in our rankings.
Long-Term Career Goals
We’re fans of higher education, but only for the right reasons and at the right price! In the case of sixth-year degrees like the Ed.S., it pays to think about the long game. For example, you may wish to consider how you could use the Ed.S. to:
- Earn a Doctorate: A number of universities will allow you to transfer all of your Ed.S. credits directly into an Ed.D. If this is the case, they sometimes call the Ed.S. a “stackable credential.” It’s always worth leaving the door open to doctoral studies, especially in educational leadership. You’ll usually only have to complete research courses and a dissertation or a Dissertation in Practice (DiP) to finish off the doctorate. That’s why we’ve highlighted Ed.D. pathways in our rankings.
- Save Money on the Ed.D.: You’ll have to break out your tuition spreadsheets, but it’s possible that earning an Ed.S. and an All-But-Dissertation (ABD) Ed.D. separately may be cheaper than skipping the Ed.S. and going straight to the Ed.D. This will depend on a lot of factors—including whether you can transfer all of your Ed.S. credits to another university’s Ed.D. program—so do the math first. This also gives you the option to stop at the Ed.S. if you’re not enjoying your studies.
- Build Your Reputation: This plus doesn’t get talked about as much, but enrolling in a short Ed.S. program still gives you full access to the School of Education’s faculty, research institutes, career resources, and networking events. For instance, you might want to collaborate with a university-affiliated school district on your field work. Or assist faculty on their urban education initiative. Or use your capstone to get published in an academic journal. Seize every opportunity!
Departmental Strengths & Faculty Interests
Let’s say you’ve assembled a shortlist of Ed.S. programs from our online Ed.S. rankings and your geographic area. All of the prices look reasonable, but you feel like the local options don’t provide enough depth in your areas of interest (e.g. middle school leadership, rural schools, behavioral interventions, equity, etc.). This is when the strengths of the Department of Educational Leadership and School of Education could really sway your choice!
- Departments Are Unique: Research universities & flagship campuses usually have the money to fund multiple departments (e.g. Educational Leadership, Curriculum & Instruction, PreK-12 Teaching, etc.). Take the time to read up on departmental goals, research projects, and faculty.
- Location Dictates Focus: For example, schools in places like Idaho or the Dakotas often have a stake in Indigenous/Native American education. Schools in Mississippi and Appalachia may have a long track record in rural initiatives. Schools in DC could have a stake in federal education policy. Use their location to your advantage.
- Faculty Often Influence the Curriculum: The best Ed.S. programs are taught by educators who are bringing their expertise & research into the coursework. If you have the option to take electives or tackle a capstone project, find out what your professors are passionate about. Does their work align with your interests?
Program Focus & Curriculum
Once you know about the Department, it’s worth taking a minute to read the course descriptions in the curriculum. We’ve provided curriculum links in our rankings, but you should also be able to find the degree and a detailed list of courses in the university’s Graduate Catalog or Bulletin.
- Online Ed.S. Coursework Varies From School to School: Although there will be some consistency to coursework in licensure programs (e.g. Superintendency), we’re still seeing a huge amount of variation in Ed.S. curricula. At one school, you might be required to take mandatory credits in research, statistics, and organizational theory. At another, over half of your Ed.S. program may involve electives and field work. The balance between theory and practice can differ dramatically!
- Some Ed.S. Programs Are Designed for Ed.D. Entry (Others Are Not): Ask the program coordinator if the Ed.S. is meant to stand alone or can be used as prep for an Ed.D.
- State Requirements Will Affect Licensure Programs: If your state’s Department of Education is willing to consider out-of-state Ed.S. programs for licensure, make sure that the curriculum has all the elements required (e.g. internship) and doesn’t feature coursework that’s only relevant to in-state students. For instance, we excluded a number of online Ed.S. programs in Michigan that had courses in Michigan education law.
- Field Work & Internships Are Always Helpful: A strong Ed.S. will give you a chance to get stuck in and apply what you’re learning in a real-world setting. Even if you’re not interested in licensure, you still have the option to choose a non-licensure program that includes active elements like practicums and field experiences.
- Ed.S. Deliverables Look Good on a Résumé: When we say deliverables, we’re talking about features like capstone/action research projects, online portfolios, and academic papers that could be submitted to journals. Does your program feature any of these? Ask the Ed.S. program coordinator if you can see examples from recent graduates.
Practical Considerations
It’s lovely to browse through online Ed.S. offerings and envision hours of experimenting with new ideas & achieving district-wide changes. But we realize you may also be thinking about much more pragmatic concerns! Here’s what might tip the balance toward one degree in our rankings:
- Format: Does your online Education Specialist program allow you to study on your own time (e.g. asynchronously) or will you be expected to attend live online classes on certain nights (e.g. synchronously)? Will you be studying in a cohort of fellow students and meeting with them regularly? Or would you prefer to study on your own, with minimal interactions? Choose the format that suits you best.
- Admission Requirements: Don’t take the stated minimum GPA as the final word—many schools are willing to consider candidates with lower GPAs for provisional admission. However, in order to be allowed to continue, you may be asked to take the GRE, submit extra academic & professional materials, and/or earn a minimum GPA on the first few courses of your Ed.S. program.
- Field Work & Internships: Almost every online Ed.S. program will allow you to complete field work, practicums, and internships in your local area. Having said that, you could be required to secure your own (approved) mentor for the internship. Anyone applying to an out-of-state program should discuss these elements with the Ed.S. program coordinator.
- Completion Time: Opt for a standard, part-time schedule (e.g. 2 courses per semester) and you’ll usually be able to finish an online Ed.S. in 5 semesters/20 months, including the summer. But you may wish to speed this up (e.g. 3-4 courses per semester/1 year) or slow it down. Just be sure that the Ed.S. isn’t operating on a fixed schedule.
- Price: Ed.S. program prices can fluctuate wildly between states, so use the tuition links in our rankings to nail down the out-of-state price for your chosen programs and then find out how much an in-state degree would cost. Some universities will offer special tuition discounts & scholarships to Ed.S. students from local school districts.
As always, we recommend you talk to your mentors, recent Ed.S. graduates, and employer about your plans before making any decision. They may have insider knowledge on unusual Ed.S. programs that would fit your needs to a tee!
What to Know About Online Ed.S. Programs with Licensure Tracks
The Purpose of Education Specialist (Ed.S.) Licensure Programs
A number of online Ed.S. programs in our rankings are designed to fulfill state requirements for certification, licensure, or endorsement.
- For these rankings, we’ve focused on programs that lead to licensure in educational leadership roles (e.g. Superintendent, Principal, Teacher Leader, etc.).
- However, some of these schools will also offer online Ed.S. programs with licensure tracks in other specialist areas (e.g. Curriculum Director, Instructional Technologist, etc.). Use the link to the Alternative Online Ed.S. Programs to explore more options!
Rules for certification and licensure are set by a State Education Agency (SEA)/Department of Education.
- This NCES tool can help you find the website link for your state’s Department of Education.
- Your Department of Education’s website will publish the rules & requirements for licensure or certification (e.g. Kansas State’s Department of Education School Leadership License Requirements).
- The website should also have a list of approved Ed.S. programs within your state!
Many students who are seeking licensure or certification end up enrolling in a state-approved Ed.S. program (online, hybrid, or on-campus) within their local area. It’s the simplest way to ensure that Ed.S. coursework meets all of the Department of Education’s requirements.
Out-of-State Online Ed.S. Programs & Licensure Requirements
Let’s say that you love the look of an out-of-state online Ed.S. program in our rankings. It may be possible to use this qualification for licensure or certification as long as:
- It fulfills all the requirements set out by your state’s Department of Education.
- The university is willing to offer the program to students in your state.
Licensure is a murky area, so before you enroll in a program, you should:
1. Contact your state’s Department of Education and double-check the program will be eligible.
For example, some Departments may insist that the university has regional accreditation and/or CAEP accreditation before they even consider an out-of-state program. (All of the programs in our rankings come from regionally accredited universities; we’ve highlighted any with CAEP accreditation.) Other Departments may want assurances that the coursework includes all of the approved in-person elements (e.g. school district internship).
2. Contact the Ed.S. program coordinator and double-check that they are happy to consider you as a licensure candidate.
If we could find one, we’ve provided you with a link to the school’s state authorization page; this has details on which states the program is approved for. But it’s always best to speak to someone directly. You’ll need to know if the program has any in-state elements that would make it unsuitable for out-of-state students. We also recommend you ask the program coordinator for pass rates on national licensure exams (e.g. SSA, SLAA, etc.).