Principal Licensure: Requirements for Completing Principal Licensure
Teachers who are looking for career advancement opportunities may want to consider becoming a Principal. While licensing requirements vary, Principals at public schools typically need to earn a master's degree to obtain a license. Read on to find out more about the requirements for completing Principal licensure.
Job Overview for of a Principal
Principals manage the operations of an elementary, middle or secondary school. They prepare budgets, hire teachers and staff, approve acquisition and allocation of supplies, oversee curriculum development and set school policies. They work with assistant principals and other staff to maintain discipline and manage various areas of the school, such as the cafeteria. Principals also play a public relations role and interfacing with district administrators, community members, students and parents. Other duties include keeping a school compliant with state and federal standards.
Education Requirements for Principal Licensure
Principals often start as teachers before moving into administrative positions. In public schools, principals are required to earn a graduate degree, such as a Master in Educational Leadership or a Master in Education Administration. Programs are offered at many college and universities as well as through online institutions. Programs generally last two years and cover school law and policy, finance and budgeting, curriculum development, evaluation, public relations, counseling psychology and research methods.
Completing Principal Licensure
Licensing requirements for Principals vary by state. Most states require a master's degree or some graduate study and require Principals to pass a licensing exam. States may also require Principals to earn continuing education credits in order to keep skills current. Individuals should check with their state's board of education for specific requirements. Links to each state's board of education can be found through the American Association of School Administrators website, www.aasa.org. Principals at private schools may not be required to obtain a license.
Featured School Choices:
-
Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- M.Ed. in Educational Administration
- M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
- M.A. in Communication with an Emphasis in Education
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (ITL)
- M.Ed. in Secondary Education with an Emphasis in Humanities (NITL)
More information about Grand Canyon University
-
National University
National University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership
- EdD - Educational Leadership
- EdD - Instructional Leadership
- EdD - Leadership in Higher Education
- EdS - Educational Leadership
-
Purdue Global
Purdue Global responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- M.S. in Education (for Practicing Teachers Grades K-12)
- Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation
- Master of Science in Health Education
- Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design for Organizations
More information about Purdue Global
-
Full Sail University
Full Sail University responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Instructional Design and Technology Masters - Online
More information about Full Sail University
-
Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies
Wake Forest University - School of Professional Studies responds quickly to information requests through this site.
Suggested programs:
- Master of Educational Leadership
-
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama responds quickly to information requests through this site.
More information about The University of Alabama