Credits required
36
Cost per-credit*
$353.50
Delivery
Online
Start Term
Fall
Educational Leadership MEd (Online)
Prepare to lead in today’s schools with flexible online learning
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The Educational Leadership MEd (Online) at Nevada Online is a two-year, fully online master of education program designed for licensed educators ready to transition into impactful leadership roles. Offered through the College of Education and Human Development, this graduate-level program delivers the knowledge, experience and qualifications required to become a school leader, such as a principal, assistant principal or instructional coordinator.
Built around the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and aligned with Nevada Administrative Endorsement standards, this master’s degree blends academic preparation with field-based learning. With a cohort model beginning in Fall, students move through the curriculum together while balancing their professional commitments.
*Program tuition. Base in-state tuition cost. Does not include student fees. Please note everyone's net tuition costs is specific to their own situation and will be different for each person. Learn more about tuition and fees.
Program Overview
The Educational Leadership MEd offers a 36-credit, asynchronous curriculum designed for educators seeking certification or advancement in school leadership. The program includes integrated internship experiences that meet Nevada's licensure requirements.
| Program Format | 100% online, asynchronous |
| Total Credits | 36 credit hours |
| Completion Timeline | 2 years |
| Tuition Rate | $353.50* per credit (2025–2026) |
| Estimated Tuition | $12,726 (excluding mandatory university fees) |
| Internship Requirement | Integrated experiences aligned with Nevada Administrative Endorsement standards |
| Start Term | Fall |
| College Affiliation | College of Education and Human Development |
| Accreditation | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) |
Curriculum and Learning Outcomes
This program emphasizes practical leadership development, combining coursework in policy, administration, and equity with hands-on application in your own educational setting. The curriculum is designed to build your ability to lead inclusive schools, support high-quality instruction, and use data to inform decisions.
| Focus Areas | Competencies Developed |
| School law and governance | Policy compliance, ethical leadership |
| Instructional leadership and supervision | Curriculum alignment, teacher evaluation |
| Resource management | Budgeting, staffing and school funding |
| Personnel and organizational leadership | Team-building, staff development |
| Capstone project and fieldwork | School improvement planning and implementation |
Graduates are prepared to drive system-level change, engage diverse school communities and create equitable environments that foster student learning and school improvement.
Who Should Apply
This program is designed for educators who want to expand their leadership capacity and positively impact schools at the organizational level. Ideal candidates include:
- Licensed teachers with two or more years of classroom teaching experience
- Instructional specialists, coordinators or department chairs
- Educators pursuing certification or licensure as a school administrator
- Leaders focused on driving data-informed instruction, equity, and student success
Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. A GPA of 3.0 is preferred. Required application materials include:
- Official transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation that speak to your potential for success both as a graduate student and as an educational administrator. These letters should be submitted electronically through the Graduate School’s confidential process as part of that application. When you insert your references they will get a notification to upload their letter. Be sure to follow-up with them to ensure they are submitted.
- A statement of purpose in joining the program, maximum of 1,000 words
- A signed College of Education & Human Development Dispositions form
GRE scores are not required for admission.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Educational Leadership MEd program are prepared to lead with purpose and confidence across K–12 systems. The program meets all requirements for the Nevada Administrative Endorsement. Out-of-state students should confirm reciprocity with their own state licensing boards.
| Role | Career Pathways |
| Principal | Lead school operations, support teachers, and oversee academic performance |
| Assistant Principal | Manage student services, discipline and instructional programs |
| Instructional Coordinator | Align curriculum, deliver teacher PD, improve assessment strategies |
| Director of Special Education | Oversee special education compliance and programming |
| District Administrator | Lead district-wide initiatives in policy, budgeting and school leadership |
According to Salary.com (2024), Nevada principals earn a median salary of $103,448, reflecting the demand for experienced leaders in today’s dynamic educational landscape.
Faculty and Learning Experience
Courses are led by expert faculty in the College of Education and Human Development with backgrounds in instructional leadership, education law, and Nevada school policy. Learn from professors who understand the unique challenges facing educators today and are deeply engaged in improving public education across the state.
Faculty expertise includes:
- Instructional supervision and teacher evaluation
- Equity-focused school reform
- Policy development and district leadership
Students benefit from:
- 24/7 access to learning resources in Canvas
- Internship placement support with Nevada school districts
- Feedback from faculty and peers in collaborative assignments
- Career coaching through the University of Nevada, Reno Career Studio
What Sets Nevada Online Apart
Nevada Online combines academic rigor, real-world application and accessibility to support the professional growth of education leaders. As part of a Carnegie® R1 University, the Educational Leadership MEd (Online) stands out for its commitment to:
| Program Features | Benefits for Students |
| Nevada licensure-aligned curriculum | Meets state endorsement and leadership standards |
| Practice-based leadership training | Gain field experience while applying learning immediately |
| Accessible faculty with policy insight | Learn from education experts with deep Nevada knowledge |
| Career-aligned outcomes | Prepare for roles that impact schools, districts and communities |
This is more than a graduate program—it’s your path to becoming the leader your school needs.
Take the Next Step Toward Leadership
The Educational Leadership MEd (Online) gives you the tools to lead schools with confidence, improve systems with clarity and make an impact that lasts. Whether you're seeking certification, licensure or personal growth as an educator, this fully online degree in educational leadership is the next step in your journey. Let Nevada Online help you earn your master of education in educational leadership—and equip you to create lasting change in your school and community.
Why choose the University of Nevada, Reno for your Master of Education in Educational Leadership?
The University of Nevada, Reno provides a flexible, two-year online Master of Education in Educational Leadership, grounded in PSEL standards and featuring a cohort model, internships and expert faculty, designed to prepare licensed teachers for leadership roles and enhance their careers and student success.
Benefits of learning online with Nevada Online
Classes taught by University of Nevada, Reno faculty
Access to a Carnegie® R1 research university
Choose from accessible, fully online programs
Continue your education from anywhere in the world, free from a fixed schedule