M.S.Ed. Educational Administration w/ Principal Licensure online
Help lead students and staff to success as a licensed school principal in Ohio. Earn your CAEP-accredited M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure while developing the instructional leadership and management skills to improve student outcomes.
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Program Overview
What can you learn in the online M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure at Youngstown State University?
As low as $15,696*
In-State Tuition
As few as 12 months
Program Duration
As few as 36
Credit Hours
The Master of Science in Education – Educational Administration online program is ideal for students who are interested in working in K-12 administration in public, private or charter schools. In this 100 percent online education program, you will gain the legal, financial, data, and personnel management knowledge you need to meet the daily challenges of school administration, as well as the instructional leadership skills required to improve student outcomes.
This M.S.Ed. program is on top of the newest demands facing leaders such as trauma, poverty, opioid crisis, ethical behavior, etc. and meets the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards. This educational leadership program includes an online principal licensure option that gives students an in-depth look into current issues affecting education as you discover ways to improve collaboration with students, parents, colleagues and the community to ensure the best learning environment for all.
Through a combination of coursework and practical application, including clinicals, prepare for a broad range of leadership roles. For students who meet eligibility requirements, additional coursework leading to Ohio principal licensure is available.
The educator preparation programs at Youngstown State University meet rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). For more information, contact CAEP by mail at 1140 19th St. NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20036 or by phone at 202-223-0077.
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a school mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and to cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive school culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, supports and assessment
- Engage families, community and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement and advocate for the needs of school and community
- Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies and regulations
- Build the school’s professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture and improve systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support and professional learning
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real school building settings
Graduates of this online M.S.Ed. program are prepared for a variety of elevated roles, including:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Vice Principal
- School Building Leader
- K-12 School Administrator
In this Educational Administration program, you will learn to:
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a school mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and to cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive school culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, supports and assessment
- Engage families, community and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement and advocate for the needs of school and community
- Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies and regulations
- Build the school’s professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture and improve systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support and professional learning
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real school building settings
- Collaboratively lead, design and implement a school mission, vision and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities
- Promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult by applying ethical decisions and to cultivate and enact professional norms
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive and inclusive school culture
- Evaluate, develop and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, supports and assessment
- Engage families, community and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement and advocate for the needs of school and community
- Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies and regulations
- Build the school’s professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture and improve systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support and professional learning
- Synthesize and apply the above outcomes through substantial, sustained, standards-based work in real school building settings
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Vice Principal
- School Building Leader
- K-12 School Administrator
Nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council
Tuition
How much does the online M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure cost at YSU?
YSU offers students the opportunity to earn their education administration degree online with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$436*
Per Credit Hour
As low as
$15,696*
Total Tuition
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| M.S.Ed. Ed Admin | $436 | $441 | $1,308 | $1,323 | $13,080 | $13,230 |
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Per Program | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| M.S.Ed. Ed Admin w/ Principal Licensure | $436 | $441 | $1,308 | $1,323 | $15,696 | $15,876 |
Additional Fees
Application: $45 (waived if you are an active/veteran military member)
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). YSU's Federal School Code is 003145.
Contact Us
Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships1 Tressel Way
Meshel Hall, 203
Youngstown, OH 44555
Phone: 330-941-3505
Fax: 330.941.1659
Email: [email protected]
"Opening up our courses to the nation, well, really to the world, has allowed for more diversity within our university. Online coursework lends itself to allowing the sharing of opinions and experiences from different folks — for example, the way a particular state approaches testing or instruction in a content area. These discussions add value and provide differing viewpoints.”
Bobby Marino 
"Coming from a different background, I was exposed to different perspectives compared to the system in my home country, and I see what can be done in all of the areas of study relative to it. I had never taken an online course, so I was nervous at first, the faculty and staff were very helpful. I will forever remain highly indebted to them. They helped me navigate everything."
Lilian Tetteh 
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Calendar
When does the online M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure at YSU start?
At YSU, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year so you never have to wait long to get started on your online degree program. The chart below shows upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
8/3/26
Next Application Deadline
8/24/26
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer 2 | 6/29/26 | 6/8/26 | 6/15/26 | 6/24/26 | 6/26/26 | 8/15/26 |
| Fall 1 | 8/24/26 | 8/3/26 | 8/10/26 | 8/19/26 | 8/21/26 | 10/11/26 |
| Fall 2 | 10/19/26 | 9/28/26 | 10/5/26 | 10/14/26 | 10/16/26 | 12/6/26 |
| Spring 1 | 1/4/27 | 12/14/26 | 12/21/26 | 12/30/26 | 1/1/27 | 2/21/27 |
| Spring 2 | 3/8/27 | 2/15/27 | 2/22/27 | 3/3/27 | 3/5/27 | 2/21/27 |
Admissions
What are the admission requirements for the online M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure at YSU?
YSU's online M.S.Ed. programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Bachelor's degree
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Online application
Bachelor's degree
Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Complete online application for admission
- Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
- Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
- Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (waived for applicants who have an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher)
- Valid teaching certificate
- Students without a teaching certificate or license may be admitted on an individual basis to graduate programs leading to certification or licensure in certain areas
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secured server vendor.
Mailing Address:
YSU College of Graduate Studies1 Tressel Way
Coffelt Hall
Youngstown, OH 44555
Email Address:
[email protected]
Courses
What courses are included in the online M.S.Ed. in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure at YSU?
For the Master of Science in Education – Educational Administration online, you are required to take 10 courses for a total of 30 credit hours. An additional six credit hours is required for the Ohio principal licensure option.
Educational Administration Courses
EDAD 6915: Learning, Teaching, and Instructional Leadership
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will be introduced to the theory and practice of instructional leadership behaviors and expectations intended to build coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment that will support student learning and social-emotional well-being of students. They will learn to monitor student progress and improve instruction through a system of assessment and databased decision-making.
EDAD 6933: Educational Leadership and Organizational Change
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Significant theories, research, and professional practices in the leadership of schools and school systems. Detailed analysis of primary sources and application of sources to reflection on issues and problems of administrative practice. This course reviews the main research, theories, and practices that have been proven to facilitate effective organizational leadership. Change theory and processes will be studied to acquire knowledge and skills related to develop, implement and evaluate a continuous, responsive, sustainable, data-based school improvement process to achieve the mission of the school.
EDAD 6936: Culturally Responsive Leadership
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course examines culturally responsive pedagogy (CRP), which is a philosophy to facilitate student engagement and academic success by incorporating student cultures, experiences, and identities into the curriculum so that students and teachers can become co-creators of classroom knowledge.
EDAD 7020: Human Resource Leadership
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth examination of policies and practices designed to reconcile the interests of schools and the people who make them up. Topics include professional and staff development,equal employment, position description, recruitment, selection, performance appraisal, removal, compensation, and collective bargaining. Course will cover how to develop workplace conditions that promote employee leadership, well-being, and professional growth as well as collective accountability.
EDAD 6947: School Building Operation and Management
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories of leadership and schooling that provide future principals with guides for action and behavior will be presented. Theories that shape personal decision-making processes that build schools as learning communities will be presented.
EDAD 6948: Data Driven School Improvement and Program Evaluation
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines how data-informed decision-making affects educational accountability and the effectiveness of school improvement initiatives. Students develop skills in retrieving, analyzing and interpreting data to support equitable leadership, program evaluation and improvement at the classroom, building and district levels.
EDAD 6954: Community Engagement and Collaborative Partnerships
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores how strategic communication and marketing can build community support for schools and their programs. Students develop leadership perspectives and practical skills for strengthening school-community collaboration and creating effective partnerships.
EDAD 7018: School Discipline and Student Support Services: Policies, Programs and Prevention Strategies
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines student discipline and youth-related issues that may affect student health, safety and well-being. Emphasis is placed on the school leader’s role in developing comprehensive policies, prevention strategies and research-supported student service programs.
EDAD 6949: Legal and Ethical Issues in Public Administration
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Reviews the legal foundations of schools and educational policy through cases, statutes and constitutional provisions affecting elementary and secondary education. Students examine the relationship among legal, ethical and political issues and learn to identify, evaluate and model sound legal and ethical decision-making.
EDAD 6952: School Finance and Budget Planning Processes
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines school funding at the state and local levels, with attention to budgeting, site-based management and school business practices. Students also complete an action-research project related to school finance or budgeting.
Principal Licensure Option Courses
Before being admitted to licensure coursework, the student must submit a current professional resume and documentation of the willingness of the supervising principal, superintendent, or other licensed administrator of support for the student’s candidacy and willingness to serve as clinical supervisor in accordance with YSU’s policies and procedures. Additional coursework leading to Ohio principal licensure are as follows.
EDAD 7019: Special Education Law and Policy
Duration: 14 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
Reviews the rights of pre and elementary and secondary students with disabilities to a free and appropriate education through an examination of state and federal laws, regulations, guidance documents and judicial interpretations of the Individual with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Explores issues of eligibility and evaluation; IEP development and student placement in LRE settings; related, assistive technology, and transition services; student discipline and behavior management; means of conflict or dispute resolution including mediation and due process hearings; as well as remedies available to parents for non-compliance under IDEIA.
EDAD 7022: Clinical Experience: The Principalship
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
Completed in a school covered by teaching certificate or license. The principal administration clinical experience. To earn principal licensure this course must be repeated four times. The administrative clinical experience is designed to highlight tasks. May be repeated for credit to fulfill program requirement. Clinical course completed in a school covered by teaching certificate or license. Administrative clinical experience designed to highlight tasks. This is a 7-week course that must be repeated four times to fulfill program requirements.
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