Program Quick Facts
Inspire Others
Pursue a fulfilling career in helping others reach their potential and achieve their goals.
Learn With Peers
Connect with your cohort in monthly seminars to supplement your online coursework.
Nationally Recognized
Ranked among the best online MA in Education programs for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report.
Build Your Leadership Potential
Accelerate your career in the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure program at NMSU Global Campus. Enhance your organization and administration skills, and become an influential decision-maker with the help of our diverse, efficient curriculum.
Upon completion of this affordable MA and licensure program, you’ll be equipped with the necessary skills for a career in public school leadership, professional research, and educational administration.
Our next cohort for this program begins in Fall 2027.
Apply NowCareer Pathways
With a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure, you’ll bring advanced knowledge and skill sets to both the public and private sectors. Here is a sampling of the professional possibilities:
- Administrative Director
- C-Level Executive
- Human Resources Manager
- Management Analyst
- Operations Manager
- Sales Manager
- School Principal
- Strategy Analyst
- Training and Development Manager
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information“Pursuing a degree online from NMSU meant that I could further my education, develop new knowledge, and still be the best father, husband, and principal that I could be.”
Rick M., Class of 2024
The Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration in Pre-K-12 + Licensure program improves your professional ability to help others achieve their goals. Learn how to apply data-driven organizational methodologies to maximize others’ potential for success, and expand your leadership potential with the help of our expert faculty.
In this flexible MA and licensure program, you’ll drive strategic improvements across interdisciplinary teams, all while learning the most effective ways to motivate and inspire others.
Delivery Format: 100% online coursework with residency; online coursework and on-campus meetings during internship
Program Credits: 33 credits
Program Length: 2 years
Cost Per Credit Hour: $444.40**
Active Military Cost Per Credit Hour: $250*
College: Health, Education, and Social Transformation
Fall Application Deadline: July 31, 2027 (Priority deadline for 2027-2028 academic year; later application submissions will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Fill out the form to talk to an advisor.
Courses in this program follow a planned progression, and internships align with the fall and spring semesters. This timing allows you to work closely with mentor supervisors in a K–12 setting.
Program Roadmap
This roadmap outlines the recommended courses to take each term in order to complete your program on time. Not all courses are available each term. Please speak with your advisor to coordinate the best schedule for you.
Master’s Degree + Principal Licensure
| Fall 1 | ELAD 5110 The Principalship |
Credits: 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELAD 5130 Basing Decisions on Data: PK-12 |
Credits: 3 |
| Spring 1 | ELAD 5120 Leadership and Administration of Bilingual Education |
Credits: 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELAD 5320 Educational Leadership, Supervision, and Evaluation |
Credits: 3 |
| Summer 1 | ELAD 5140 Educational Financial Management |
Credits: 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELAD 5170 Special Education Administration |
Credits: 3 | |
| ELAD 5310 Leadership for Social Justice and Equity |
Credits: 3 |
| Fall 2 | ELAD 5150 Public School Law |
Credits: 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELAD 5180 Residency Public Schools Part 1 |
Credits: 3 |
| Spring 2 | ELAD 5160 Management of Educational Change: Public Schools |
Credits: 3 |
|---|---|---|
| ELAD 5185 Residency: Public Schools Part 2 |
Credits: 3 |
Total Credit Hours: 33
View MoreAdmission Requirements
- Three letters of recommendation
- A statement of purpose
- A resume
- A writing sample
At NMSU Global Campus, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
The New Mexico Higher Education Department offers additional support for future and current teachers. The Teacher Preparation Affordability Scholarship helps aspiring educators cover tuition, fees, and materials as they work toward licensure. Licensed teachers may also qualify for up to $6,000 annually in student loan relief through the Teacher Loan Repayment Program, which supports educators who have taught in the state for at least three years, especially in high-need areas.
NMSU and NMSU Global Campus students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: globalFA@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.
*Terms and conditions apply.
**For NMSU Global Campus programs and courses, the per credit hour cost is listed above. Special tuition agreements (Western Undergraduate Exchange, Descubre, etc.) are not applicable to NMSU Global Campus programs. Course fees still apply and are charged separately. Textbooks, uniforms, equipment, etc., are additional program costs. Additional per credit costs might be charged by the program, department or college.