College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Educational Leadership and Administration (M.A.)
College of Health, Education and Social Transformation
Educational Leadership and Administration (M.A.)
Meet the Needs of Diverse Students — Earn Your M.A. in Educational Leadership and Administration
The Master of Arts in Educational Administration with a Higher Education concentration at NMSU prepares you as an educational leader to meet the needs of students from all backgrounds. This NCATE- and UCEA-accredited program develops your educational leadership skills, informs you about current trends and policies affecting higher education, and prepares you for advancement in community college or university administration.
Admission Deadlines
Fall admission: March 15 Global campus programs might have different application deadlines.
- Total credits: 33
Delivery Format
In-person or 100% online
Career Pathways
With an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration, you’ll be well prepared to pursue career opportunities in positions such as:
- Academic advisor
- Chief academic officer
- Compliance officer
- Dean of students
- Department head
- Development director
- Education consultant
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration? Fill out our inquiry form.
Why choose an MA in Educational Leadership and Administration at NMSU?
Choosing NMSU’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership and Administration means investing in a program designed for real-world impact, career advancement, and meaningful leadership in both PK–12 and higher-education environments. This flexible, professionally focused degree combines rigorous academic preparation with hands-on administrative experience through structured internships that ensure you graduate ready to lead with confidence. The curriculum emphasizes equity-centered leadership, data-driven decision-making, and the skills needed to navigate today’s complex educational systems — all grounded in a strong commitment to serving diverse communities. With online learning options, supportive faculty, and clear pathways toward administrative licensure or higher-education leadership roles, NMSU gives you the tools, experience, and credibility to advance your career and make a lasting difference in the institutions you serve.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
For the MA in Educational Leadership and Administration concentration in PK-12, students must complete a total of 33 course credits and an internship in their second year.
The program of study for Pk-12 school administration includes all coursework and internships required by the New Mexico Public Education Department for Administrative Licensure. The internships require attendance at monthly seminars that are held face-to-face on the Las Cruces campus. There is a mandatory face-to-face orientation in Las Cruces prior to the start of the spring semester, January. All other coursework in online.
Students interested in the PK-12 school administration must have a current U.S. teaching license and three years of full-time teaching experience in the PK-12 sector.
Take classes like:
- ELAD 5110 – The Principalship
- ELAD 5120 - Leadership and Administration of Bilingual Education
- ELAD 5130 - Basing Decision on Data: Pk-12
- ELAD 4150 - Educational Financial Management
- ELAD 5150 - Public School Law
- ELAD 5160 - Management of Educational Change: Public Schools
For the MA in Educational Leadership and Administration concentration in Higher Education, students must complete a total of 33 course credits. There is a mandatory face-to-face orientation in Las Cruces prior to the start of the spring semester, January. All other classes are 100% online.
Take classes like:
- ELAD 5240 – Management of Student Services in Higher Education
- ELAD 5260 - Administration of Adult and Continuing Education
- ELAD 5270 - Basing Decision on Data: Higher Education
- ELAD 5230 - Higher Education Finance and Funding
- ELAD 5250 - Higher Education Law
- ELAD 5220 - Management of Educational Change: Higher Education
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, 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.
NMSU 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: financialaid@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.