Master in Educational Leadership and Administration (Master's)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are set annually and available through the college’s financial services office..

Students complete online coursework with a mix of live and self-paced sessions while applying leadership concepts to real school settings. The programme prepares educators to lead entire schools or school districts through structured training in administrative practices and policy. It emphasizes practical skills in personnel supervision, budgeting, and legal compliance within K-12 education. The curriculum aligns with Maine’s certification requirements for principal and superintendent roles.

Focus areas include School Law for Administrators, Organizational Theory, Planning, and Change, Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel, Educational Leadership and Ethical Decision-Making, Financial and Budget Management of Schools.

The programme requires 39 credit hours distributed across coursework and leadership practicum components. All courses are delivered online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous formats.

Graduates typically pursue roles as school principals, superintendents, or district-level administrators in public or private K-12 institutions.

Applicants must hold a valid teaching certification and have professional experience in pre-kindergarten through Grade 12 education. A bachelor’s degree and official transcripts are required. The programme does not require standardized test scores.

The programme totals about 39 credit hours. 100% online, full-time or part-time, with flexible pacing. For international students, tuition is above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 97% of applicants.

Thomas College is located in Waterville, Maine, on a 120-acre residential campus. With 672 undergraduate students, the college offers an environment where students are known by name, with an average class size of 17 and a 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Campus life includes housing, dining, health and wellness services, counseling, 30 student organizations, and 27 athletic programs.

Academic options cover business, education, global sustainability, cybersecurity, AI, mental health, health sciences, and other areas. Faculty design programs around workforce needs and connect classroom theory with practice through internships, innovation challenges, peer-led tutoring, and Career Navigators. About 70% of students complete one or more internships before graduation, giving students opportunities to build experience during their studies.

Thomas College developed its three-year bachelor's degree option through the Kiest-Morgan Scholar program and has expanded the option to nearly all academic programs. Students can also pursue a graduate degree through a one-year add-on, allowing some students to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in four years. International students can apply through the college's undergraduate or graduate admissions routes and may be eligible for scholarships and financial aid. Career preparation is a central part of the student experience, with support focused on helping graduates move into employment, graduate study, or military service.