If you are ready to take your career to the top, but don’t have the time to do a PhD, you will want to pursue an Educational Specialist Degree Program (Ed.S). These online courses are for individuals who already have what it takes to lead the charge, but need just a few extra courses and a certification to take the wheel. You will learn how to engage with the district and the community, lead a school and advocate for individuals. Today’s schools call for leaders who are compassionate, ethical, and versatile. The curriculum of an Ed.S is designed to prepare individuals to be that type of leader. A number of courses recognize that there are in fact many ways to lead and many different populations in education looking for a high quality leader. These school offers options- where that be in K-12 education, special education or as a superintendent. We understand that as a working professional time is valuable and money may be tight. That’s why we highlighted programs that are accelerated affordable and high quality. To top it all off, we realized that this is not the type of job where you want to jump in without getting your feet wet first. Which is why, we believe the best programs also include some form of internship or practical application. Those are just a few of the key elements that made up what we believe to be the top 20 best online education specialist degrees.

Steps to Becoming a Principal

Earn A Bachelor’s Degree in Education

A bachelor’s degree in education offers the introductory course work in the field of education and provides individuals with the field experience necessary to move on to the next step.

The next step is obtaining an initial teacher certification. Upon completion of your course material, you will begin student teaching. Once you have successfully completed your student teaching experience, head to your state’s department of education site to fill out the appropriate forms, obtain a background check and apply for your teacher licensure.

Begin teaching! Take a few years to live in the shoes of a teacher. You’ll learn crucial organizational skills and how the “guts” of the organization works. Your knowledge of a school’s innerworkings, and your empathy towards teachers will help you become not only a powerful leader, but a much more likely candidate for the job as principal.

After a few years on the job, and maybe experimenting with different grades, head back for a master’s degree. You can find a number of online programs in Instructional Leadership. A Master’s degree with years of experience are typically the baseline requirements for a position as a principal. Here you will learn how to research, budget for your school, effectively lead a team, and much. We recommend taking a look at a wide range of programs to ensure you have found programming to match your career needs.

While doing all of this, make sure your face it recognized in the community. Really, your reputation helps you to become a much more likely candidate than someone who is “coming in cold.” So, involve yourself with educational advocacy, volunteer with a nonprofit organization, and keep showing up to events to show your community that you care. A trusted school leaders understands the community’s needs first and foremost.

Plan your work, and work your plan. If you’re not yet ready to lead a school, come up with an individualized plan that will set you up for success in your career. Could you take a different administrative role? Would you like to get your feet wet as an assistant principal? You don’t want to waste your talents and time at this stage so choose a job where you will further your knowledge of the job. If you feel confident that there’s no further in between step, apply to your dream job as a principal!

Steps to Becoming a Superintendent

Learn your State’s Requirements.

Become a Certified Principal

Spend a few years working as a Principal

Obtain and Educational Specialist Degree in Superintendency

Sit for the Superintendency Exam

What is an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S)?

An Educational Specialist Degree Program (Ed.S) is a post-master’s degree that typically requires about 30 credit hours after your Master’s degree for completion. The programs are often very specific and match the board certification requirements for a career as a superintendent. An Ed.S is a great option for any individual who is looking to become a superintendent but simply does not have the time resource to spend on a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D). The Ed.D by comparison may take around 3 or 4 additional years to complete where as an Ed.S may be completed part-time while working as a principal or full time in 18 month to 2 years. As you can see, the Ed.S. is a quicker route towards your career as a superintendent.

At What Stage in My Career Should I Pursue an Ed.S?

While in many respects, the answer to this question is highly subjective, we came to the conclusion that one should complete and Ed.S. as soon as possible. Obtaining an Ed.S. can both give you a pay boost as a principal and prepare you for a career as a superintendent. We like the principle to strike while the iron is hot (and before you’re too burned out to take on another degree and life as a professional). Pay attention to your state recommendations for certification. The only true non-subjective contributing factor to this is whether or not a time lapse between when you complete your Ed.S. and sit for the exam is a determining factor of whether or not you can actually sit for the exam. Always check ahead as these types of variables differ state to state.

1.) University of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska is a public research institution located in Lincoln, Nebraska. There are 26,079 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 21:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UN to award comprehensive degrees and professional certificates. According to U.S. News, UNL ranks as the 124th best school in the nation, 96th best value school, 12th best school for online graduate education programs, and 29th best school for online graduate engineering programs. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, military friendly solutions, and on-campus daycare. When it comes to academics, UNL offers a ton of fantastic options from accounting to veterinary studies. They excel in the sciences and some of their other robust programs include programming in business, and educations. There are currently nearly 20 degrees and certifications available online.

Nebraska Online offers a Superintendent Specialist Program. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and high quality of the academics. The University of Nebraska ranks in the top 15 for best online graduate education degrees, and this 33-credit hour program costs approximately $425 per credit hour. Those in-state pay just $302. The online format means that you can study whenever you have time- a great match for busy professionals and parents. The program itself is divided into three main component parts: core, electives, and an internship. The internship is your opportunity to put theory into practice and helps to prepare you for what lies ahead in the real world. For an affordable and flexible route towards a career as a superintendent, you cannot go wrong with Nebraska online.

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• Affordability: $425

2.) University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. There are 27,558 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UArk to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News University of Arkansas ranks as the 133rd best school in the nation, 83rd best college for veterans, 16th best school for online bachelor’s programs, and 56th best school for online graduate education programs. The student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and military support. When it comes to academics UArk offers a wide range of degrees from public administration to educational psychology to anthropology. There are currently nearly 40 online degrees and certifications available.

The University of Arkansas offer an online Education Specialist Program in Educational Leadership. This program made it to our list for the outstanding academic excellence and affordable tuition. U.S. News ranks UArk as the 56th best school for online graduate education studies, and this 30 credit hour program costs just $420 per credit hour. Most students are able to complete this program in as little as 2 years. You will study finance, school business and management, community relations, governance, legal issues, and complete an internship. For a fast and affordable route towards a career as a leader in education, UArk is a fantastic choice.

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• Affordability: $420

3.) University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UKY) is a public research university located in Lexington, Kentucky. There are 29,465 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UKY to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. According to U.S. News The University of Kentucky ranks as the 133rd best school in the nation and among the top 300 for bets online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including tutoring, academic counseling, career counseling, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics UKY offers programming that ranges from acting to zoology. There are hundreds of degrees in all areas of interest. Some of their most robust schools are in the performing Arts, health, education, and foreign languages. There are currently 9 online degrees and professional certifications available.

UKY offers an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Principal Preparation/ Education Specialism. We selected this course for the stellar academic programming and affordable tuition rate. The cost of this program is just $472 per credit hour, may be completed in just 5 semesters, and requires on 30 credit hours for completion. The course provides you with the requirements to meet the Level I and Level II principal certification requirements. UKY uses competency based learning, and allows student to complete the first 12 credit hours asynchronously. The remaining 18 credit hours are completed live. There are dozens of electives from which to choose so that you can tailor your degree to match your interests and desired career focus.

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• Affordability:$472

4.) Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University (AState) is a public 4-year institution located in Jonesboro, Arkansas. There are 13,930 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits AState to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. According to U.S. News AState ranks as the 68th best school in the South, 12th best school for online MBA programs, and 180 for best online graduate education programs. Their student support services include remedial help, career and academic counseling, placement aid for graduates, on-campus day care, employment services for students and military support. When it comes to academics, AState offers an impressive range of degrees in the liberal arts, Arts, maths, and sciences. There are currently 20 online degrees and professional certifications available.

Arkansas State offer an online Ed.S. in Superintendency. We selected this Education Specialist program because it’s accelerated, affordable, and ranked highly. In fact, U.S. News ranks AState as the 180th best school for online graduate education programs. The program itself requires just 18 months to complete and costs just $306 per credit hour. You will study: school business management, school district administration, personnel administration, curriculum theory and practice, Schooling in a Pluralistic Society and more. We like this contemporary program, and think this is a great fit for anyone seeking to become a superintendent who can truly handles 21st century challenges.

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• Affordability: $306

5.) Bowling Green State University

Bowling Green State University (BGSU is a public research university located in Bowling Green, Ohio. There are 17,357 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits BGSU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News BGSU ranks as the 202nd best school in the nation, 109th top public school, 31st best school for online criminal justice programs, 77th best school for online bachelor’s programs, and 88th best school for online graduate education programs. Their student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, employment for students, and credit for life experiences. Bowling Green’s academic offerings are impressive. In fact the university offers programming in the liberal arts, nutrition, law, human development, education, dance, foreign language, and so much more. There appears to be something for all interests at BGSU. They are currently offering nearly 20 online degrees.

BGSU awards a Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership. We like this program for the academic quality and affordable tuition rates. This is a good fit for individuals who already hold a master’s degree. As we mentioned above, BGSU is among the top 100 schools in the nation for online graduate education. The cost of the program is just $445 per credit hour and requires 30 semester hours for completion. You may choose to focus on PreK-6, 4-9, or 5-12. To become licensed, students must complete a comprehensive exam, internship and the OAE initial administrative licensure examination.

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• Affordability: $445

6.) University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi is a public research university located in Oxford, Mississippi. There are 23,136 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UM to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News Ole Miss ranks as the 145th best school in the nation 97th best value school, 25th best school for online MBA programs, and 173rd best school for online graduate education programs. Their student support services include remedial help, academic and career counseling, military service, and employment for their students. When it comes to academic offerings, Ole Miss offers everything from anatomy to Art history. There are currently 16 online degrees available.

Ole Miss offers an Educational Specialist Program in K-12 Leadership. We selected this online course for the high quality of the academic programming, and affordable rates. U.S. News rates Ole Miss as the 175th best school for online graduate education programs, and the cost of this 30 credit hour program is just $465 per credit hour. Applicants must hold a master’s degree from an accredited college and a class AA teaching license. This program is accelerated and may be completed in as little as 14 months. Students will study core value of leadership, equity and cultural leadership, instructional leadership, building level human resource leadership, data-informed leadership, ethics, and so much more. All participants will be involved in a community and external leadership program.

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• Affordability: $465

7.) University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a public 4-year university located in Columbia, Missouri. There are 30,844 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Missouri to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News University of Missouri ranks as the 120th best school in the nation, 75th best college for veterans, and 77th best value school. The student support services include academic and career counseling, tutoring, and employment services. Their academic offerings are robust including a wide array or program from music management to medicine. There are currently 40 online degrees and professional certifications available.

The University of Missouri offers a PK-12 Educational Specialist degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. This online course made it to our list for the high quality of the academic programming and affordable prices. The cost of the program is just $517 per credit hour and requires between 31 and 37 credit hours for completion. This is a 2-year program where the majority of classes are taught in the first year and the second year consists of two internships. You will learn about organization and leadership, structures and processes for effective schools, advanced leadership for learning environments, education politics and policy making, leadership for data driven change, instructional leadership, fiscal and legal leadership, and ethics in education. If you see yourself as a strong leader principal or otherwise, this is a great fit.

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• Affordability: $517

8.) University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public 4-year institution located in Vermillion, South Dakota. There are 10,261 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 16:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits USD to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. NewsUSD ranks as the 223rd best school in the nation, but 43rd for best online graduate education programming. The university offers tutoring, and academic counseling among their student support services. The university offers a wide array of academic programs including Native American studies, Drama, Chemistry, and more. There are currently 17 fully online degrees and certifications.

USD offers an Online Educational Specialist Program in Education and Leadership. We selected this course for the high quality of the academic programming. USD provides small classes, flexible scheduling and a great curriculum. Students may either pursue their school district superintendent plan or their principal degree completion plan. Each course is two years and requires about 32 credit hours to complete. The cost of these online programs is just $450 per credit hour.

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• Affordability: $450

9.) University of Central Missouri

The University of Central Missouri is a public 4-year university located in Warrensburg, Missouri. There are 12,333 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. According to U.S. News the University of Central Missouri ranks as the 87th best school in the region, 21st best public school, and 62nd best school for online graduate education programs. The university offers the full gamut of student support services including: tutoring, military support, academic counseling, career counseling and credit for life experience. When it comes to academics, the university offers a very solid mix of programs in the fields of agriculture, business, education, performing Arts, and more. There are currently 21 degrees and professional certifications available online.

The University of Central Missouri offers an Educational Specialist degree with a focus on Superintendency. If you have what it takes to lead your school district and are ready to move into a position of leadership, definitely check this program out. The cost for tuition is just $348 per credit hour and requires about 32 credit hour for completion. You will learn about the fiscal responsibility of leadership, how to lead teams, learn about leadership and the law and culminate your experience with an internship. Not sure if you want to be a superintendent? Not a problem. This online course allows a ton of wiggle room- you can focus on their elementary school principal program, secondary principle,or special education director program. There’s even an option to complete an MSE.

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• Affordability: $348

10.) University of Nebraska Kearney

The University of Nebraska at Kearney (UNK) is a public 4-year institution located in Kearney, Nebraska. There are 6,644 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 14:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UNK to award bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certifications. According to U.S. News UNK ranks as the 64th best school in the region, 46th top value school, 12th top public school, and 25th best school for online graduate education programs. The student support services include academic and career counseling as well as placement aid for graduates. When it comes to academics UNK a wide array of career-ready degrees in fields like social work, criminal justice, business administration, and education. The university offers 23 online degrees.

UNK offers an Education Specialist program for individual looking to become a superintendent. Depending on your past degrees, you will either be required to complete 33 or 69 credit hour. The course costs $425 per credit hour. For those who already have a master’s degree you will just need to complete the 33 credit hour which includes programming in administrative theory, educational administration, school law, school and community relations, a field study and an internship.

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• Affordability: $425

11.) University of the Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands is a private 4-year institution located in Williamsburg, Kentucky. There are 10,097 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits University of the Cumberlands to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. U.S. News ranks the university of the Cumberlands among the top 300 schools in the nation, 6th best school for online graduate criminal justice programs, 88th top school for online bachelor’s programs, and 88th best school for online graduate education programs. Their academic offerings include programming in biology, business,health, and more. Their largest department is their education department which offers nearly 20 different focus areas. Currently, there are 50 online degrees and professional certifications available.

UC Cumberlands offers an Educational Specialist program that may be completed in as little as 16 months. Though students may take this program at a pace that is right for them. The program prepares students for jobs as either a superintendent of educational supervisor and includes programs like: Administration Strategies for School Improvement, The Politics of Education, School Law, Leadership, Advocacy, and Accountability in School Counseling, Diagnosis of Abnormal Behavior and much more. The cost of this program is $500 per credit hour.

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• Affordability: $500

12.) Wayne State College

Wayne State College (WSC) is a public 4-year institution located in Wayne, Nebraska. There are 3,292 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits WSC to award bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. Their student support services include military-friendly support, tutoring, academic counseling, career counseling, and employment services for students. By far their most robust programming is in education. Though students may pursue degrees from the fields of business, communication, CIS and more. WSC currently offers 10 online degrees and professional certifications.

WSC offers an online Educational Specialist degree with a focus on School Administration. We selected this online program because it is fast and affordable- requiring just 30 credit hours to complete and $361 per credit hour. The program includes the following 10 courses and an interview: The superintendency, School Law for Administrators, Problem Resolution in Educational Organization, School Improvement Planning, Educational Facility Planning, Human Resources Administration, Educational Finance and Business Management, School and Community Relations, Information Management, and an Advanced Internship in Educational Leadership. Halfway through this program, you will be interviewed by your supervisor. For a fast and affordable Ed.S., definitely check out this program.

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• Affordability: $361

13.) Liberty University

Liberty University is a private Evangelical Christian university located in Lynchburg, Virginia. There are 75,044 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1.The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Liberty to award comprehensive degree programs and professional certifications. U.S. News ranks Liberty University among the top 300 schools in the nation, and 190th for best online graduate education programs. The student support services include remedial help, academic counseling, career counseling, military support, and credit for life experiences. When it comes to academics, Liberty offer a huge number of programs for individuals interested in the Performing Arts, Business, Health, Education, CIS and more. There are hundreds of online degrees offered through Liberty.

Liberty University offers and online Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) program. We selected this online degree because it is fast, and high value. The Ed.S may be completed in as little as 1.5 years and requires just 30 credit hours for completion. The cost is $615 per credit hour. Though one of our more expensive programs, the cost is relatively low for a private school education. This program provides you with a wide-range of career opportunities including a career as a curriculum specialist, instructional supervisor, school administrator, teacher, and college administrator.

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• Affordability: $615

14.) Delta State University

Delta State University is a public 4-year institution located in Cleveland, Mississippi. There are 3,785 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits Delta State to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. According to U.S. News Delta State University ranks as the 114th best school in the region. Their student support services include tutoring, academic and career counseling, employment for students, and placement aid for graduates. The focus of their academic offerings appears to be high needs fields like education and health, though students are able to find liberal arts degrees, degrees in the sciences, and even the visual and performing arts. The university currently offers 14 online degrees and professional certifications.

Delta State offers an online Educational Specialist (Ed.S) program in Educational Administration and Supervision. We selected this program because it is fast and affordable- costing only $393 per credit hour. This online course is just 33 credit hour in length and 11 courses. The majority of programming focuses on educational administration and supervision, as well as curriculum development, and superintendency.

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• Affordability: $393

15.) University of Northern Colorado.

The University of Northern Colorado (UNCO) is a public research university located in Greeley, Colorado. There are 13,399 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UNCO to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. According to U.S. News UNCO ranks among the top 300 universities in the nation, 77th best online bachelor’s program, and 150th best online graduate education programs. The university supports its students with remedial help, academic and career counseling, employment for students, and placement aid for graduates. When it comes to academics, UNCO offers a broad range of degrees in fields like sociology, drama, nutrition, education, health, and much more. There are currently 18 online degrees and professional certifications available.

UNCO offers both an Ed. S. program in special education as well as MA with a dual licensure as a principal and special education director. The latter is a good fit for individuals who have earned a bachelor’s degree. We selected this online program for the flexibility, high quality of academic offerings, and affordable tuition. Some of the core courses include programming in principalship, program planning and organization, policy budget and resource development, applied research, contemporary educational issues, as well as parent/ community engagement. The cost of this program is $575 per credit hour

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• Affordability:$575

16.) Northwest Nazarene University

Northwest Nazarene University is a private university located in Nampa, Idaho. There are 2,168 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 15:1. The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits NNU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees. There are a wide range of student support services including remedial tutoring, academic and career counseling, and credit for life experiences. According to U.S. News NNU ranks as the 47th best school in the region, and 12th best value school. Their academic offerings includes programming in education, liberal arts, business, and much more. There are currently 20 degrees and professional certifications available online.

NNU offers an Ed.S in Educational Leadership. We selected this program for the affordable cost of tuition. Students complete 33 credit hours of course material with a year of supervised internship. The cost of this program is $505 per credit hour. You will study conceptual statistics and application for educators, special education law for administrators, data driven decision making, labor relations in schools, school facilities, advanced school finance, public relations and marketing for schools, the superintendency, and special populations: issues and resources.

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• Affordability: $505

17.) East Carolina University

East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. There are 29,131 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 19:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits ECU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as post-master’s certificates. According to U.S. News ECU ranks as the 20th best school in the nation, 113th top public school, 18th best school for online graduate education programs, and 143rd for best online bachelor’s programs. To support student success, ECU provides tutoring, academic and career counseling, employment for students, and placement aid for graduates. The university offers a vast number of programs including academic degrees in molecular biology, marketing, curriculum and instruction, construction, nurse anesthesia, and more. There are over 50 online degrees and professional certifications available.

ECU offers an online Educational Leadership Specialist (Ed.S.). We selected this program for the high quality of academics. Though one of our more expensive programs, we feel the quality of programming is where students find the value. This is post-master’s program that requires 38 semester hours for completion and costs $893 per semester hour. The program is divided into three main components: core, internship, and concentration courses. The areas of concentration include: superintendent, and dual language immersion administration. All students will study Public School Administration, Staff Personnel Problems, an Introduction to Internal Evaluation in Education, Theories of Educational Administration, School and Community Cultures, and engage in Directed Readings in Educational Leadership. There are two levels of the internship.

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• Affordability: $893

18.) University of West Alabama

University of West Alabama (UWA) is a public 4-year university located in Livingston, Alabama. There are 4,646 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools accredits UWA to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. According to U.S. News UWA ranks as the 114th best school in the region, 227th best bachelor’s program, and 224th best online graduate education program. The university offers the full range of student support services from tutoring to credit for life experience. When it comes to academics, UWA focuses on a few high demand fields like education, business, and psychology. There are nearly 30 online degrees and professional certifications.

UWA offers an online Educational Specialist degree for individuals looking to become either a principal or an administrator. We selected this program for the high quality of academic programming and for the affordable tuition rates. The cost is just $429 per credit hour and requires 30 credit hours to complete. The program is divided into two main component parts: professional courses, and instructional support areas. The professional courses are in curriculum design or advanced educational research, challenges in rural education or teaching english language learners, educational assessment, and school reform models in elementary schools.

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• Affordability: $429

19.) Walden University

Walden University is a private 4-year distance learning school headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There are 49,680 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits Walden University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certificates. To support student success, Walden University offers credit for life experiences, remedial help, and academic as well as career counseling. When it comes to academic offerings, Walden provides a high number of programs that are career-ready in fields like business, education, and health. All programs are offered online.

Walden offers an online Education Specialist (Ed.S) degree. This online program is a good fit for individuals looking to become leaders in the field of education. The cost of this program is $615 per credit hour. Those who follow the Prek-12 program will learn about leading the future, research theory design and methods, collaborative communication for administrators, recruiting and retaining effective school personnel, research theory design and methods, and more.

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• Affordability: $615

20.) Northcentral University

Northcentral University is a private distance learning university headquartered in San Diego, California. There are 10,788 students enrolled, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 1:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Northcentral University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as professional certifications. NCU ranks as the 51st best school in the region. Their student support services include academic and career counseling, and credit for life experiences. NCU offers online degrees in the fields of psychology, health, business, CIS, and education.

Northcentral University offers an Education Specialist degree program. We selected this degree for the affordable tuition rate and high number of specialists available. The cost is just $653 per credit hour and requires about 33 credit hours to complete. On average, students complete this program in 18 months. For a fast and affordable program that is highly flexible, this one is hard to beat.

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• Affordability: $653

Related Rankings:

• 10 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Degree Programs
• 10 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degrees
• 10 Best Online Master’s in Educational Policy Degree Programs