Administrator Licensure

  • Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
K-12 school administration buildings.
Format
  • Online
Location
  • Online
Estimated Completion Time

1-2 Years

Start Date

Fall Term (Aug.)
Spring Term (Jan.)
Summer Term (May)

Tuition Rate

$722/Credit

Credits

21 (or Fewer)

Area of Study
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Online Administrator License Program

Do you have a principal license and want to become a superintendent or take on another job in a school district’s main office? Our online Administrator Licensure program is designed for K-12 educators like you. This program will give you the skills and knowledge you need to improve education for everyone.

What You’ll Learn

This license will prepare you for the daily demands of a district leadership job. You’ll learn how to:

  • Plan strategic, positive change across a whole school district.
  • Build effective governance to guide and support all schools.
  • Work collaboratively with diverse groups, including families, staff, and community members.
  • Make data-based decisions for better policy development.

Continue working in your current role. You will complete coursework online and collaborate with other educational leaders.

Become a Superintendent for the Modern Era of Education

This program will qualify you for credential requirements in most states. If you plan to work outside of Colorado, please see the Licensure Eligibility by State section below.

Eligibility for Administrator Licensure

This program prepares you for an Initial Administrator License with endorsement as an Administrator (K-12). Become a District Superintendent or prepare for other district leadership positions.

Choose Between This Program and a Degree Program

This standalone licensure program can be completed in 21 credits or less (based on your previous coursework), so it may be a great fit for you if you already have a master’s degree.

However, completing Administrator Licensure as part of a degree, or as an added program combined with a degree, provides eligibility for federal financial aid and could have pay scale impacts.

If you aren’t sure which program is right for you, speak with an Admissions Coach or the Program Coordinator.

Course of Study

Convenient Online Delivery

You will take your licensure coursework online and complete field-based learning experiences in your area.

Synchronous Online Sessions

Each online course will include synchronous learning sessions where the professor and students meet online at the same time. These sessions will be held one weeknight per week during the academic terms.

To see specific course offerings, visit the current students page for this program.

Courses and Requirements

This is a 21-credit licensure program.

View Courses & Licensure Requirement Details

If You Currently Hold a Principal License

Depending on where you completed your Principal Licensure requirements, you may have already completed up to three of the required Administrator Licensure courses. Those courses may be waived if you took them (or equivalent courses) within the past eight years, or can demonstrate the knowledge and skills for a Colorado Administrator License. Those who already hold Principal Licensure can finish in one year.

Transfer Credit

If you have taken graduate courses that align with program courses, you can request transfer credit. Approved transfer credit can reduce the cost of completing this program. Program faculty will review your transfer credit to confirm that it matches course content and objectives. See the full graduate transfer credit policy for details.

Combine Administrator Licensure with a Degree Program

Administrator Licensure is also available as part of a degree program or as an "added" program for some degrees. Degree program students are eligible for federal financial aid. Explore degree options based on your educational background.

Have Questions? Get in Touch!

Tuition Rate

Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate

You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.

$722

Per Credit

Rate for the 2025-26 academic year (fall, spring and summer terms).*

No Student / Technology Fees

Certain courses, e.g., field experiences, may include course fees to support added services and materials.

*Tuition for the 2026-27 academic year will be decided mid-June 2026.

Estimates of additional costs: For the purposes of determining financial aid, UNC follows Colorado Department of Higher Education (CDHE) and federal guidelines to develop an estimated, average Cost of Attendance (budget) for different student classifications. For your personal tuition estimates, we recommend using the program-specific tuition information above. But UNC’s official Cost of Attendance/Student Budgets page can help you identify other estimated expenses for which you may be responsible while completing your program.

Financial Aid and Support

  • The federal government only awards financial aid for courses that count toward completion of a UNC degree, so federal aid is not available for this stand-alone licensure.
  • If you will need financial aid, please work with UNC Office of Financial Aid for information about non-federal loans.
  • UNC also offers a monthly payment option.

Program Eligibility

General Admission Requirements

  • Possess a master’s degree from an institutionally accredited college or university.
  • Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better, on a 4.00 point scale, for the most recent degree earned or current degree in progress.
    • If you are in the process of completing a previous degree or have special GPA considerations, please read the specific requirements for this program type.
  • The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is NOT required for graduate school admission.

Program-Specific Admission Requirements

  • Have a valid teaching and principal license.
  • Have completed two years of successful educational leadership experience at time of application.

Eligibility for Out-of-State Students

Eligibility by State

UNC can offer distance learning in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the major U.S. territories. We check for changes in state rules as needed. Some states may have extra rules for internships, clinical placements, and student teaching. Visit the State Authorization page to learn more.

Licensure Eligibility by State

UNC’s professional licensure programs are designed to lead to Colorado licensure. Each state sets their own requirements, so a UNC program might not lead to licensure in other states. Visit the UNC Licensure page to learn more about which states UNC programs meet educational requirements for licensure.

It’s important to understand requirements in the state where you plan to work. Visit the State Licensure Boards page to find each state’s licensing agency and contact information. Questions? Contact Licensure@unco.edu.

International Student Eligibility

You are eligible to apply: We accept international students to online UNC programs. We can’t guarantee that our programs meet distance education requirements for every country. Before you apply, check your country’s policies and regulations. You should not apply if you live in a country that is subject to U.S. sanctions.

No student visa: Students in online UNC programs do not need to come to the United States. You will not get a student visa or receive any immigration documentation. You do not need to provide financial documentation when applying.

You will need to provide proof of your English language ability or complete the UNC Intensive English Program. Please visit the International Admissions page for information about:

  • Minimum English language requirements
  • Applying as an international student

Meet with an Enrollment Counselor

Speak with an Enrollment Counselor by phone or video.

Meet with Enrollment Counselor

Faces of our four Enrollment Counselors and a UNC logo

Meet the Program Faculty

Visit the Academic Department

Are You Ready to Apply?

Thank you for your interest in this UNC program! Here are some elements you can check to be sure you are eligible and ready to apply to this program.

Program Eligibility

See the Program Eligibility section above.

Licensure Eligibility by State

This program is related to a state licensure, endorsement or other credential. If you intend to pursue a credential outside of Colorado, please check the Licensure Eligibility by State section above.

International Applicants

Please see the International Student Eligibility section above to check your eligibility for this program.

Recommended Application Deadlines

For the best possible admission, enrollment and orientation experience, we recommend that you complete your application by these dates, which are approximately 60 days before the start of each term:

  • Summer term: March 15
  • Fall term: June 15
  • Spring term: Nov. 15

You can still apply after these dates, but if the date has passed please contact an Enrollment Counselor for support to apply and begin classes in the upcoming term. View the UNC Academic Calendar for the start dates for upcoming terms.

Application Process Details

On the application, you will choose:

  • Licensure: Administrator Endorsement
  • Start term: You can begin this program fall term (Aug.), spring term (Jan.) or summer term (May). Which courses you need for completion of the licensure may impact which term you begin.

View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.

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