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Interested in our online master's degree in educational administration and supervision with a principal's license? Our program faculty and student success staff will present an overview of the programs, the admission requirements and deadlines, and more, with time for you to ask questions. Just by registering, you can apply for free.
Leading PK-12 Schools
Quick Facts
Next Start Date:
January 6, 2025
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Major Credits: 36
- 8-week and 16-week course offerings
- Ranked 30th in the nation by U.S. News & World Report
- No GRE Required
How do we make quality education the nation’s top priority? There’s no question that educational leadership plays a central role, and there’s no question that Ball State’s history, its alumni network, and its national recognition are ideal for preparing educators like you for the task of school leadership.
Our completely online master of arts in education (MAE) in educational administration and supervision provides you with the preparation to earn a PK-12 building-level administration and supervision license (principal’s license). Take courses at times and places that are most convenient for you. Because there is no specific login time each week, you can access course content at any time around your job and family obligations. Also, beginning in Fall 2024, some courses will be offered in 8-week or 16-week options to provide you with more flexibility. Contact us for more information.
Program Contacts
Ted Rankin
Academic Advisor
Calculate the Cost of a Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision
It's important to you to understand the expenses associated with your education. We encourage you to utilize our cost calculator to gauge the anticipated costs of your education to plan for your future. Need assistance? Our student success specialists stand ready to support you.
Calculate Your Costs
Learn From the Experts in Educational Leadership and Administration
The MAE is the largest principal preparation program in Indiana, with an excellent reputation for rigor and relevance. Learn from doctoral-level MAE professors who are practitioners with extensive industry experience, offering real-world insight and expertise. Our faculty are committed to shaping state policies and promoting awareness in education.
This graduate program is designed to help you succeed in educational leadership roles in both school and community settings. The programs are based on high standards of excellence, innovation, applied research, and service and lay the groundwork for careers as school principals, administrators, and superintendents. We continuously evaluate industry trends and revise the curriculum to meet market demands.
- Ball State is consistently highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report in best online graduate education programs.
- U.S. News & World Report ranks our Master’s Degrees in Education Programs 21st in the nation for Best online programs for veterans.
- Our Teachers College ranks in the top 25 in the nation for number of nationally recognized educator preparation programs offered.
- The MAE in Educational Administration program is nationally recognized by the nation’s leading accrediting organization for principal preparation programs, the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA).
- Our national presence in the field of education gives Ball State grads an edge when competing for education leadership positions.
For the widest array of PK-12 experiences, your 6-credit Principal Internship is served at an elementary school and a middle school or high school. Your internship can be served at your workplace, as well as a nearby second school location of another level.
The required internship gives you practical experience in applying the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards for principals as you work collaboratively with a building level administrator. For two semesters, you will actively participate in the decision-making role of a school administrator. For an “on level” semester, you will serve in your own school or grade level of teaching. You will also pursue an “off-level” semester internship in another building and at other grade levels. Both an elementary and secondary internship experience are required.
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Federal Academic Alliance
Ball State has joined the Federal Academic Alliance and is offering reduced tuition rates for all eligible, non-Indiana resident Federal Government Employees (civil servants), spouses, dependents, and retirees who enroll in online graduate-level programs and courses through Ball State’s Teachers College.
Learn more.
Courses
This 36-credit program can be completed in as little as 18-20 months allowing you the flexibility to learn at a pace that fits your schedule and goals. Some courses will be offered in 8-week or 16-week options.
For a full list of required courses and their descriptions, see the course catalog.
View Catalog
EDCU 665: Special Topics
A New Integrative STEM Education Course
Check with your advisor, Ted Rankin, before enrolling, to see if this course is right for you and your career goals.
Courses from the Department of Educational Leadership:
- EDAD 600 Introduction to Educational Leadership (3 credits)
- EDAD 630 Human Resource Development (3 credits)
- EDAD 635 Educational Decision Making (3 credits)
- EDSU 650 Supervision of Instruction (3 credits)
- EDAD 684 Educational Finance and Ethics (3 credits)
- EDAD 686 School Law (3 credits)
- EDAD 689 The School Principal (3 credits)
- EDAD 694 Principal Internship (6 credits)
Courses from other departments:
- EDPS 640 Methodology of Educational and Psychological Research (3 credits)
- EDCU 601 Principles and Procedures of Curriculum (3 credits)
Select one of the following:
- EDCU 665 Integrative STEM Education: Principles and Pedagogy (3 credits)
- EDFO 621 Education and Ethics (3 credits)
- EDFO 641 History of American Education (3 credits)
- EDMU 660 Multi-cultural and Multi-ethnic Education in American Schools (3 credits)
Additional Indiana Requirements
In addition to earning a master’s, the state of Indiana mandates that building leaders must have completed a minimum of two years of teaching experience prior to serving as a principal. Also, the state of Indiana—like most states—requires that applicants for a principal’s license pass a leadership assessment administered by the state.
“I wanted to change their life trajectories."
While teaching in a local charter school, Jeremy Coleman enrolled in Ball State’s online master of arts (MAE) in educational administration and supervision.
Read His Story
Harris Says Doctorate Prepped Him to be VP of World-Class High School
"Class sessions were facilitated by experts. I am persuaded that they are truly the best in the business," says Jonathan Harris
READ HIS STORY
Kindergarten Teacher Motivated by Passion for School Leadership
"When I discovered that Ball State had an online degree program that combined my two interests, education and leadership, along with the opportunity to pursue my passion for leading a public school organization, it was the motivation needed for me to pursue my degree online."
READ HER STORY
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Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in our program? Then it's time to apply! Our streamlined admission process means you can apply to the program without the need to prepare for and take the GRE. We aim to make the admission process more accessible and inclusive, allowing students to showcase their strengths and qualifications beyond standardized test scores.
Apply Now
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Want to Learn More?
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We’re here to help! You may request more information using our online form, explore frequently asked questions, or reach out directly to one of our staff.