Master of Science in Educational Leadership
Western Governors University

Program Details

To help meet the nationwide need for education leaders, WGU offers an affordable, accredited, online Master of Science in Educational Leadership.* This program prepares individuals who already hold a teaching license to manage an educational institution with skills such as overseeing teachers, and developing and implementing curriculum standards. The M.S. Educational Leadership program focuses on educational leadership, performance excellence criteria, strategic planning, workforce focus, and process management, and includes a practicum. Graduates of this program will be prepared for administrative leadership roles in educational institutions. WGU also offers an endorsement in Educational Leadership. 

WGU holds the same accreditation as many state universities. We offer low, flat-rate tuition that’s about half what students pay at other online universities. With our unparalleled online flexibility, students can complete most of their coursework whenever and wherever works best for their schedule. Students also benefit from our competency-based learning model, which lets them pass most courses as quickly as they prove mastery of the material, making it possible to accelerate their progress and potentially graduate faster. Additionally, Faculty Mentors work one-on-one with WGU students, providing dedicated coaching, guidance, and support from enrollment through graduation. 

*Program not available in: Alabama, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, or Minnesota.

% Online

100% Online

Program Accreditation & Licensing

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

School Accreditation & Licensing

Western Governors University is accredited by:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Western Governors University is the only university to have received simultaneous accreditation by four regional accrediting commissions. Currently, WGU’s “home” accrediting commission is the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, the same organization that accredits such leading institutions as the University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and other public and private colleges.

Program Requirements & Restrictions

Minimum Education

Bachelor Degree

Recommended GPA

2.5 or above (4.0 scale)

Application Requirements

Essay/Writing Sample, Interview, Official College Transcript(s), Additional Materials May Be Required

Additional Info

The WGU School of Education is the first competency-based online university to receive accreditation for its degree programs that lead to teacher licensure from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

Additionally, the teacher licensure programs offered through the WGU School of Education have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.

Restricted States

Alabama, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota