Become a Leader in Education
- Prepare for certification
- Study on your time, 100% online
Arcadia University’s online Master’s in Educational Leadership program is designed for working educators seeking the credential to advance into leadership roles. Whether you want to stand out for advancement opportunities with a reputable graduate education or prepare for Principal (PK-12) certification in Pennsylvania, this program offers the support and expertise you need to achieve your long-term goals.
- Prepare for certification. With the certification track, you can earn the credential to pursue Principal (PK-12) certification in Pennsylvania.
- Boost your earning potential. The median annual salary for school principals is $103,460.1
- Receive the support you need for success. Courses are taught by expert faculty in a convenient and interactive online classroom.
Advance Your Education and Your Career
Today’s Educators are Tomorrow’s Educational Leaders
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 868,000 new positions are created in the education field each year.3 Surpass the standard requirements for these positions and go beyond in your career with a master’s degree designed for tomorrow’s educational leaders. In as little as one year, you can complete Arcadia’s online Master’s in Educational Leadership degree with a competitive edge in education, plus the credential to become a certified principal in Pennsylvania.
- School principals can earn as much as $163,010 annually.1
- Those who complete a master’s degree typically earn $12,600 more per year than those who only earn a bachelor’s degree.4
- Of Arcadia Educational Leadership students who took the Principal K-12 certification test, 100% earned their certification*
Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired
What You Will Learn
- Lead, design, and implement a school’s mission, vision, and continuous improvement process, reflecting core values and priorities, including equity, diversity, inclusion, digital citizenship, and community engagement.
- Advocate for ethical decisions and demonstrate professional norms.
- Foster a supportive, equitable, culturally responsive, and inclusive school environment.
- Develop and implement coherent standards-based systems for curriculum, instruction, data-based decision making, support mechanisms, and assessments.
- Collaborate with families, community members, and district and school personnel to enhance student learning, support school improvement, and advocate for student and community needs.
- Enhance management, communication, technology, school governance, and operations to develop data-informed and equitable resource plans while complying with laws, policies, and regulations.
- Build the school’s professional capacity by promoting a collaborative professional culture and improving staff supervision, evaluation, support, and professional development systems.
Skills You Will Gain
- Data-driven decision-making
- Effective school governance
- Professional collaboration
- Instructional supervision
- Organizational management
- Financial leadership
Career Services
Arcadia University provides ongoing guidance to put you on track for success in the online Master’s in Educational Leadership program and your career.
Practicum Assistance
We can help you find placements through practicum connections with organizations in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Career Launchpad
Career Launchpad lets you access career advice, resources, and news in a single online hub.
Networking Opportunities
Our small online classes provide valuable chances to engage faculty members and other students with similar career ambitions.
Writing Assistance
Schedule an online session with a consultant to receive collaborative guidance on your writing.
Sources and Disclaimer
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.
- Payscale.com. “Average Assistant Superintendent K-12 Education Salary.” Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Assistant_Superintendent_K-12_Education/Salary.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Educational Instruction and Library Occupations.” Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Career Outlook. “Education Pays, 2023.” Retrieved March 17, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2024/data-on-display/education-pays.htm.
*Data gathered from self-reported survey results of recent graduates
