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. With unparalleled online flexibility, students can complete most of their coursework whenever and wherever works best for their schedule. Students also benefit from the 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.
*WGU cannot currently accept applicants who are residents of California.
% Online
100% OnlineProgram 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)
Program Requirements & Restrictions
Minimum Education
Bachelor DegreeApplicaton Requirements
Additional Materials May Be Requested, Essay/Writing Sample, Interview, Official College Transcript(s)
Additional Info
The WGU Teachers College 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 Teachers College have been awarded full accreditation by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) through June 30, 2026.
Restricted States
California