Educational Leadership & Administration (MS)
Cairn University’s Online MS in Educational Leadership and Administration program empowers Christian educators to advance into principal and administrative roles through a flexible, asynchronous online master’s degree focused on management, instructional leadership, and data-driven school improvement.
Grounded in a biblical worldview, this accredited educational administration program integrates faith-based principles with practical training in school law, finance, organizational theory, and team building, while offering pathways to Pennsylvania Principal Certification or ACSI Principal Certification.
Our Distinctives
Cairn is a place that faithfully upholds the authority and centrality of Christ and the Bible in its programs, curriculum, community, and ethos. Students are taught to think biblically about God, themselves, and the world in which they live.
*Cairn University Ranks #2 in Glanzer’s Guide to Christian Colleges and Universities
Hands-On Education
The program provides opportunities to apply concepts and coursework in the field while working closely with licensed, practicing principals as mentors.
Biblically Rooted
While you will study the same educational leadership concepts you would expect from any quality master's in educational leadership program, all instruction is grounded in the timeless Truth of God’s Word.
Experienced Faculty
Our online courses are developed and taught by faculty members who have experience working as principals and are committed to your professional and spiritual growth.
Affordable
Cairn is an affordable option among private Christian schools.
Program Description
The MS in Educational Leadership and Administration program provides a biblical model of leadership that enables graduates to face the challenges of today’s educational settings with a strong knowledge base and professional skills. As a community of learners, students in the program draw from one another’s experiences and perspectives, creating an environment that makes learning applicable both in and out of the classroom. Students immediately put what they learn in classes into practice in their employment and involvement outside of Cairn.
Program Overview:
- Educational Leadership and Administration Core Curriculum: 18 credits
- Educational Leadership and Administration Specialization: 15 credits
- Bible/Theology: 6 credits
Learn More
Program Highlights
Curriculum Highlights:
- EDL 741 Principalship PK-12
- EDL 742 Data Analysis and School Improvement
- EDL 743 Financial and Business Mgmt
- EDL 744 School Law
- EDL 745 Org Theory/Team Building
Learn more: List of Courses and Descriptions
Certification Options
The following are options to prepare for certifications:
ACSI Principal Certification
Students who complete the Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration (MS in ELA) may apply for principal certification through the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Additional information and requirements are available from here.
Pennsylvania (PA) Principal Certification
Pennsylvania (PA) Principal Certification may be added to the MS in Educational Leadership and Administration Program (MS in ELA). Additional information and requirements are available from here.
Additional certification, program entry, and exit requirements can be obtained by contacting the Graduate Enrollment Team.
Program Competencies
The curriculum is designed to assist the student in meeting specific competencies. The goal is that the graduate is able to:
- Apply theories of educational leadership, including systems theory, data-driven decision making models, and cultivation of a school culture which promotes holistic learning through best practices and action research in a school environment.
- Effectively communicate and personally interact with organizations in the social and political environment including school boards, community organizations, state boards, accrediting agencies, special interest groups, and other professional organizations.
- Understand and apply historical and contemporary issues of school law to employment, discipline, privacy, safe schools, crisis planning, drug-free schools, sexual/physical/emotional abuse and harassment, and due process.
- Retain and apply fiscal operations, including facilities management, strategic planning, long-range planning, the budget process, technology implementation, and resource allocation.
- Apply a personal, educational philosophy and integrated biblical worldview in curriculum design, instructional methodology, assessment, and educational decision making based on the individual needs of students and supported by professional development.
- Assess and design curriculum based on outcomes, ongoing learning assessment, differentiated learning, authentic learning experiences, and PA Academic Standards.
- Design, conduct, and evaluate best practices and procedures in educational research to improve instruction and learning.
Career Paths
- Principal
- Academic director or supervisor
- Assistant principal
- Superintendent
- Educational consultant
Tuition and Aid
Cairn University strives to keep tuition costs affordable despite providing a rigorous education. Courses are taught by faculty not TAs.
The tuition rate for the 2026-2027 academic year is $580/credit for full-time status. Additional details on fees and part-time status are available on this page.
Christian school educators and employees may be eligible for the $400/credit discounted rate. Cairn University also partners with many organizations and offers tuition discounts. Please contact us to find out if your organization has a partnership with Cairn University.
Information on scholarships, grants, and loans is available from this page.
Admission Requirements
All Cairn University students must have professed a faith in Jesus Christ as Savior as evidenced by providing a personal testimony that details this faith. By submitting an application, students acknowledge the University’s doctrinal position and standards of conduct as outlined in the Foundational Statements. Below are the admission requirements for this program:
- Application: Submit the Application for Admission along with the $25 non-refundable fee. Apply today using code faithmatters, and we will waive the fee.
- Personal Testimony: Describe your conversion to Christ, spiritual growth, and church involvement. (250-500 words)
- Statement of Purpose: Describe your reasons for pursuing graduate studies in this field at this time. Please explain your current employment situation and your long-term goals. (250–500 words)
- Transcripts: Order official transcripts for all conferred degrees to be sent to Cairn University.
- References: Submit two Professional References. One of these professional references must be from the student’s supervisor.
The Statement of Purpose and transcript requests can be submitted via the admissions portal once you submit the application.
If pursuing Principal Certification concurrently with the MS in ELA, please submit the following additional documents:
- Resume
- Copy of valid state or ACSI teaching certificate
- A letter from a chief school administrator verifying three years of teaching experience (include name of school, contact information, length of employment, and nature of duties)
Required Principal Certification Internship for the program must be completed in PA. This is not an admissions requirement, but a program requirement non-local students should be aware of.
Accreditation Information
Cairn University is regionally accredited by Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).
Cairn University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
Related Programs
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership | Online
- Education (MS Ed) | Online
- Special Education, Instruction (MS) | Online
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Endorsement | Online
- Graduate Certificate in Autism | Online
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology | Online
- Special Education (PK-12) Certification | Online
“I have really enjoyed the very organized online environment that has allowed me to learn the content around my work and family schedule. Most of all, I have appreciated the high standards of upholding the content through a biblical worldview.”
– Amanda B.
FAQs
What is the experience like?
Our program is intentionally grounded in God’s Word. Courses are thoughtfully designed by Cairn faculty to promote deep learning and active engagement through instructor-led instruction, research-driven activities, active learning, and meaningful interactions with peers and faculty. At Cairn, the students’ education and experience is designed to shape Christian character, cultivate wisdom, and prepare them to think, live, and serve biblically in an ever-changing world.
All courses, except the research courses, are structured in seven units and delivered in accelerated 7-week terms.
Each unit contains 5–7 modular activities, including:
- Assigned readings and reading reflections
- Instructional videos from Cairn faculty
- Active learning activities
- Weekly application projects
- A component of the ongoing course research project
Faculty also schedule a few optional Zoom sessions throughout the term to connect with students and address questions.
Faculty are actively involved throughout the week—guiding learning activities, leading asynchronous discussions, grading work, and delivering personalized feedback. Online students also receive priority technical support and have access to valuable resources from the Masland Library and the Writing Lab.
Is financial aid available?
Cairn is approved to offer financial aid because of its regional accreditation. There are many options available and typically students qualify for at least one type of federal aid. Many students receive scholarships and grants that make earning their degree even more affordable. Cairn offers a variety of scholarships and discounts in addition to options for loans and grants. Please refer to this page for details.
Please note that international students are not eligible for financial aid.
Is advanced standing available for Bible and theology courses?
Advanced standing may be granted for Bible/Theology credits earned at an accredited Bible college, Christian liberal arts college or university, or seminary. Credits will be granted on a course-by-course basis.
When can I start the program?
There are six entry points in the program: September, October, January, March, May, July.
Provided you submit the enrollment materials, applications are typically processed within 2 weeks of submitting your application.
What are the licensure test requirements?
All principal certification candidates must take the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) through Educational Testing Service (ETS). More information about the test including study guides, how to schedule the exam, what to expect, etc. is available at the ETS preparation website: https://www.ets.org/sls/resources/slla-test-prep.html
When can I schedule the test?
It is recommended that you take the exam after all of your coursework is finished and you have done about 6 months of your internship. This will most likely be the final semester of coursework before graduating.
What are the steps for certification?
These are on the School of Education Graduate Student Portal.
Where can I do my principal internship?
This internship can be completed in any K-12 school in Pennsylvania as long as the student is doing their internship under the supervision of a Pennsylvania Certificated Principal.
What if I wanted to do my internship at my private school and my principal only has ASCI certification?
This is not sufficient for the required qualifications of a mentor for state certification. In some situations, accommodations may be made to have a PA certified principal work in tandem with your ASCI certified principal to oversee your internship experience.
I live outside of Pennsylvania. Can I still do this internship?
Yes, but you will need to do your internship at a Pennsylvania school under the direction of a Pennsylvania certified school principal. You would likely need to do your internship in a cyber school program that will allow you to work remotely on your internship.
What are the requirements of the internship?
All students must complete a minimum of 360 hours of an internship, in all grades K-12, with hours accumulated in each month across a 12-month period. For example, if a student starts their internship in August, he or she will be accumulating 360 hours until July of the following calendar year.
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