Major vs. Minor vs. Concentration: What’s the Difference?
Education | 6min Read
Online Master’s in Educational Leadership MEd Concentration
Program Overview Why get a master's in educational leadership online?
Gain an in-depth perspective on teaching, learning and educational leadership with the online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University — and pursue a career where you could transform the lives of students and staff.
If you're a certified teacher or K-12 professional who's looking to lead in the area of curriculum and instruction, this could be the degree program for you. And because SNHU's MEd program and educational leadership concentration are aligned with national standards and frameworks from the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA), you can feel confident about the value of your degree.
Skills you'll learn:
- Positive change development for diverse learning communities
- Curriculum design for today's complex learning environments
- Student support strategies using universal learning standards
- Technology integration to enhance teaching and learning
Courses & Curriculum Online educational leadership courses that fit your goals
In this program, you'll acquire leadership skills that are directly applicable to classroom or administrative roles. You'll learn about innovative, student-centered curriculum development and instruction models, and you'll leave the program with practical experience that can help you advance your career in education.
Online educational leadership courses
The online Master of Education (MEd) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Educational Leadership at SNHU includes 11 courses, 3 of which are leadership-focused: Educational Law and Ethics, Building Community Through Education and Leading Educational Organizations.
Your courses will help you develop an understanding of curriculum planning and instruction models, while establishing understanding of leadership functions in both traditional and non-traditional settings. Learning how to engage with students' various learning differences is crucial in today’s classroom — and creating leaders in those environments helps to create and sustain critical communities of learning.
Courses may include:
The Educator as Leader
Course ID:
EDU 515
Discover the frameworks and approaches used in the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program. Explore what it means to be an educational leader in today's rapidly changing, multi-cultural education environments and investigate the many traditional and non-traditional facets of contemporary educational leadership. Examine competencies, characteristics, and practices that relate directly to student achievement and are grounded in current professional standards.
Leadership in Teaching and Learning
Course ID:
EDU 545
Explore educational leadership concepts by focusing on the characteristics and best practices needed to define and increase success in learning. Employ multiple measures to resolve learning challenges utilizing effective communication and collaboration in ways that empower oneself and others to enhance one's role as an educational leader. Learn about legal, ethical, and professional issues existing in today's educational environments that impact effective leadership.
Educational Law and Ethics
Course ID:
EDU 612
Examine the roles of law and ethics in education and their relationship to becoming effective educational leaders. Investigate ethical decision-making, aligning with laws and standards, that is critical for any educator to practice. Utilize case studies and theory to explore topics such as equality versus equity, privacy versus safety, and responsibility versus accountability.
Building Community Through Education
Course ID:
EDU 617
Explore the tools, resources, and knowledge educational leaders must utilize in order to sustain a quality educational program as well as be the drivers of positive change within communities. Examine educational leaders' responsibilities to and decisions surrounding key community stakeholders such as students, instructors, parents/guardians, advisory boards, and local businesses.
Leading Educational Organizations
Course ID:
EDU 619
Study and reflect on the different approaches to leading educational organizations and the decision-making process inherent in leadership roles. Success in the dispositional qualities of leadership comes with the knowledge and skills of managing people, data, and processes that promote growth for all stakeholders. Examine leadership qualities, finance and budgeting, resource management, strategic planning, and personnel management.
Visit the course catalog to view the full MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Educational Leadership curriculum.
Minimum Specifications:
- CPU: Intel Core i7 12th Gen or AMD Ryzen 7 5000 series
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 3070 (Laptop GPU) or AMD Radeon RX 6750M+
- RAM: 16GB DDR4 (32GB recommended for multitasking and creative work)
- Storage: 512GB NVMe SSD (1TB recommended for longevity)
- Display: 15.6” FHD (1920x1080), 60Hz+ (QHD optional for creative/visual work)
- OS: Windows 11 Home or Pro
- Internet/bandwidth: 5Mbps download, 1Mbps upload and less than 100ms latency
Additional Information:
- Laptop or desktop? Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility.
- Where to purchase: You may purchase any computer brand you wish from any location/reseller, relying on the minimum specs provided to ensure the acquisition of an appropriate machine. We recommend asking your preferred vendor if they offer a student discount, since many do.
- Mac users: You must verify your machine offers comparable specs.
- Devices that don’t meet minimum requirements: Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device.
- Microsoft Office software: Office 365 is available to all students for free. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion.
- Antivirus software: This is strongly recommended for online students. Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers.
Licensure Information
The online MEd in Curriculum and Instruction degree program does not lead to licensure. SNHU offers online post-licensure Master of Education (MEd) programs for currently licensed individuals who are interested in furthering their professional development and enhancing their credentials.
However, since state requirements for adding endorsements vary greatly, SNHU does not guarantee that the completion of those programs will result in rank, endorsements and/or salary increases and strongly encourages interested individuals to contact their state licensure board prior to enrolling.
SNHU provides additional information for education programs on our Licensure and Certification Disclosures page. View disclosure information.
Apply for free in minutes
Our no-commitment application can help you decide if SNHU is the right college for you and your career goals. Apply up until 2 days before the term starts!
Upcoming term starts: April 20, 2026 | July 6, 2026
Next term starts:
February 2, 2026
Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?
Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.
What to expect:
10-week terms
Learn around your schedule
24/7 online support
Learn from instructors with classroom experience
The faculty members you'll learn from are all credentialed educators in the field of K-12 education. They bring with them a plethora of experience in classrooms and leadership roles within the educational community, and are eager to share their knowledge with you.
Featured Faculty
Jay Nagy
Jay Nagy joined Southern New Hampshire University in 2019 as a facilitator for the Master of Education in Online Instruction program before stepping into his current role in 2024. With more than 20 years of experience in educational leadership, Nagy previously held the role of director of career and technical education for the New Hampshire Department of Corrections, overseeing secondary and postsecondary programming across multiple facilities. He’s served on state and county advisory committees advancing education within correctional environments and brings extensive knowledge in program development, compliance and accreditation.
Position
Associate Dean
Joined SNHU
2019
Education
- MS in Business Education and MBA from Southern New Hampshire University
- BA in Psychology from Notre Dame College
- AS in Drafting Technology from New Hampshire Technical College
What does an online course look like?
You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:
- Schedule of weekly assignments
- Discussion boards
- Grades
- Instructor announcements
What support services are available?
- Chat with your advisors
Get hands-on help from dedicated academic and career advisors. - Drop in for tutoring
Work with a tutor, any time of the day or night – no appointment necessary. - Learn from industry professionals
Instructors lead discussions and offer guidance – and they’re just an email away. - Use the online library
Access 600,000+ resources or chat with a librarian 24/7. - Reach out for accessibility help
Receive accommodations as an eligible student with disabilities. - Focus on your well-being
Connect with professionals to improve your health and wellness.
Why SNHU?
At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 400,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.
Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:
- U.S. News & World Report
Named SNHU the 2024 Most Innovative University in the North - The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
Awarded SNHU the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology - Google.org
Gave SNHU a $1 million grant to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 250,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality.
Admission Applying to SNHU is fast and free
No application fee. No test scores. And no college essay. Just a simple form with basic information. It’s another way SNHU helps you reach your goals sooner.
All it takes is 3 simple steps
Step 1: Complete the online application – it only takes minutes.
It's easy, fast and free.
Step 2: Submit additional forms.
Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)
Additional Requirements:
- Resume including any relevant K-12 instructional or curriculum development experience, for at least six months
- Non-Licensure Acknowledgment form
Step 3: Make your decision.
After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.
Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think
As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.
Online graduate tuition
Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 36-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$659
$1,977
$23,724
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$470
$1,410
$16,920
*before previously earned credits are applied
Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.
**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.
Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:
$1,977 $3,954 $5,931 $7,908If 3 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $21,747
If 6 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $19,770
If 9 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $17,793
If 12 of your prior learning credits ($659/credit) are accepted toward your master’s degree.
Your remaining tuition cost: $15,816
How we estimate your tuition cost:
We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for a master's degree. Most master's degrees require 36 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 12 credits, requiring a minimum of 24 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.
Ways to save on online tuition
Transfer your credits
Transfer credits toward your master's degree program at SNHU. If you’ve taken one course or many, we’ll evaluate them for you.
Apply for financial aid
Fill out the FAFSA to see if you’re eligible for grants or work-study. (You could also be offered loans, though you’ll have to pay those back later.)
Military discounts and credit
Earn credits in leadership, technology and more – while taking advantage of an online graduate tuition discount for active-duty service members and spouses.
Explore scholarships
Getting free money for college – from SNHU or an outside organization – could help you save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Earn credit for exams and certificates
Bring in credits from popular options like CLEP, Sophia Learning, Google and other common credit for prior learning (CPL) experiences.
Tuition Reimbursement
Learn how you can save money with tuition reimbursement from your employer.
Benefit from your employer
Take advantage of an online tuition discount through your organization’s partnership with SNHU. Check with your employer to see if your organization partners with us and if you’re eligible for additional tuition savings and partner education benefits.
Career Outlook What can I do with a master’s in educational leadership?
There's a great need for leaders in education spaces who understand the need for higher-performing students and schools. A master's in education can help qualify you for opportunities that allow you to advance your career in education: as a leader, classroom teacher or advocate in the nonprofit space.
An MEd could help you stand out as a credible and competitive candidate in the job market. And once you've landed a position, the educational theory and classroom management skills you learned in your degree program can help you increase your value as an educational professional even more.
Occupations
Instructional coordinators can find roles in a number of educational environments, including:
Educational leader
Work in leadership positions like site administrator or school principal in school or district administrator's offices.
Classroom teacher
Work directly with students as a classroom teacher and serve as a mentor to other teachers.
Nonprofit consultant
Consult based on field experience in support of an organization or lobby for policy to support schools and teachers.
19,200
The national number of open instructional coordinator positions nationally predicted annually, through 2032, by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1
$74,620
The median annual salary nationally for instructional coordinators as of May 2023, according to the BLS.1 Statistic not based on wage data for SNHU graduates.
Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.
What SNHU students are saying
This degree will open up opportunities to achieve my dreams. It also has helped to show that no matter what my physical limitations are, I have knowledge and skills that are incredibly valuable.
Angelina Kump ’23G
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I use a master's in educational leadership professionally?
Teaching is a special profession. As a teacher, you not only guide and coach your students – you're a lifelong learner as well.
There are many options for professional development in the field of teaching. One of the most comprehensive is to earn a graduate degree that combines research, leadership and curriculum design components that together can position you to lead in the classroom, as an administrator or beyond.
Some jobs you might enjoy with an educational leadership degree are:
- Principal or assistant principal: Principals lead schools by managing staff, budgets, facilities and policies. Coursework in educational law, ethics and community building provides the knowledge needed to guide both students and staff effectively.
- District administrator: District administrators oversee programs, curriculum and staff across multiple schools. A strong background in leadership principles, including ethics, curriculum design and organizational leadership can be the key to success here.
- Instructional coordinator: Instructional coordinators design and implement curriculum, evaluate its impact and may oversee staff. Knowledge of curriculum design, educational law and instructional improvement is essential.
- Classroom teacher: Classroom teachers lead every day by applying management, curriculum design and interpersonal skills to create a positive learning environment, guiding student learning and fostering classroom community.
Is a master's in educational leadership worth it?
Teachers are lifelong learners, making continuing education an exciting part of the profession. There are many options for graduate study in education, including specializing in a content area or in the areas of reading, language-based learning disabilities or technology. SNHU makes it convenient and affordable to earn your degree online, in whichever area you choose.
The educational leadership concentration focuses on 3 key areas:
- Educational Law and Ethics, where you'll examine the roles of law and ethics in the classroom. You'll investigate decision-making processes and use case studies to explore theory and best practices for managing a classroom or learning community.
- Building Community Through Education, where you'll focus on the leadership role in managing various community stakeholders in the field of education. This includes learning how to drive positive change among students, faculty, parents and even local businesses and community organizations.
- Leading Educational Organizations, where you'll examine leadership roles more closely. This could include the study of finance and budgeting as well as resource management and strategic planning. This course is designed to help you prepare for the well-rounded role of a school principal or district administrator.
Read more: Is a Master's in Curriculum and Instruction Worth It?
What can I do with an MEd?
An online master's in educational leadership can prepare you to be a leader in the classroom or in any business environment you choose. The online nature of the program allows you to earn this credential at your pace, and on your schedule. We know how important this is for students who are furthering their education while working full time.
There are many opportunities to use an MEd in educational leadership in addition to a vibrant teaching career.
Some opportunities that may interest you include:
- Education policy analyst: Use your research and education skills to help shape policies that benefit schools, teachers and students.
- School and career counseling: Guide students one-on-one, helping them succeed in school and plan for life beyond the classroom.
- Education administration: Lead schools or districts by shaping policies, curriculum and programs that drive educational success.
- Instructional design and technology: Create courses, curricula or teaching materials that make learning engaging and effective.
- Corporate trainer: Design and deliver training programs in the workplace, putting your teaching and leadership skills to work.
You may also wish to use your master's in education leadership as a jumping-off point toward a doctorate in educational leadership. Our admission counselors and academic advisors are ready to help you choose the path that is right for you.
How much does a master’s in educational leadership cost?
How much a master's degree costs can depend on several factors. At SNHU, affordability is a top priority. Case in point? We offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. For both full- and part-time students, our online graduate tuition is just $659 per credit — meaning a 36-credit master’s in educational leadership comes to about $23,724 in total. You could save even more by transferring up to 12 previously earned graduate credits. We also offer discounted tuition rates to active duty military personnel and their spouses, National Guard and Selected Reserve. Plus, our Financial Services team can help you explore funding options and set up a payment plan that works for you.
Learn more about how to pay for a master's degree.
Can you get a master’s degree in education completely online?
It depends on the program you choose, but at SNHU, you’ll find plenty of options designed to fit your goals. Our master’s in education programs that don’t lead to licensure can be completed 100% online, giving you the flexibility to learn on your schedule. Taught by experienced educators, these courses combine real-world classroom insight with leadership-focused learning to help you take the next step in your teaching career.
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Sources & Citations
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/instructional-coordinators.htm (viewed June 5, 2024)
Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.