Become a Principal: Licensure-Only, or with an Educational Leadership Master's or Specialist Degree
Choose from three online program options, all designed according to the Standards for Principals through the Colorado Department of Education and State Board of Education, to prepare for a Colorado Principal (K-12) license. Students from other states should check to see what standards and reciprocal agreements will apply in your state.
- Principal (K-12) Licensure - the licensure-only program.
- Educational Leadership Master of Arts (MA) degree - includes Principal Licensure.
- Educational Leadership Educational Specialist (EdS) degree – includes Principal (K-12) Licensure, for those who already have a master's degree.
Most students choose to pursue the degree program options because those programs only require one additional course, and degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid (licensure-only students are not).
You'll Develop In-Depth Understanding About...
- Leadership roles and responsibilities
- Working with external environments
- Policy development
- Organizational behavior
- Contemporary educational issues
Designed for Working Educators
These programs feature intensive instruction, innovative scheduling for busy professionals, and internship opportunities scheduled during the school year so that you can apply projects to your work goals. Earning an Educational Leadership degree or licensure from UNC will enable you to develop the vision and skills to successfully lead K-12 educational organizations. You will study with other professionals and share ideas, problems, and successes with individuals who face everyday challenges similar to yours.
Note: this program will prepare graduates for Principal Licensure in Colorado. Residents of other states may be eligible for reciprocal recognition or your advisor will work with you on state-specific licensure requirement needs.
Synchronous Online Sessions
Each online course will include synchronous learning sessions where the professor and students meet online at the same time approximately one weeknight per week during the academic terms.
Required Coursework
To see a typical list of courses by term, visit an example Current Students page.
Principal (K-12) Licensure – 27 Credit Hours
Leadership Core – 12 Hours
- ELPS 601 Leadership Development Through Inquiry (3)
- ELPS 603 Shaping Organizations: Management and Leadership in Education (3)
- ELPS 604 Understanding People: Professional Development and Educational Leadership (3)
- ELPS 605 External Environments: Social, Political, and Economic Influences in Educational Leadership (3)
Additional Coursework – 9 Hours Minimum
- ELPS 654 Instructional Leadership and Supervision (3)
- ELPS 660 Law and the Administrator (3)
- ELPS 670 The Principalship: Leadership at the School Site Level (3)
Field-Based Learning - 6 Hours Minimum
- ELPS 606 Internship in Educational Leadership (6) – Satisfactory performance on activities approved by division faculty, in accordance with Graduate School policy, must be demonstrated.
Educational Leadership Master of Arts (MA) – 30 Credit Hours
Educational Leadership Courses – 27 Hours
- Complete the same coursework listed for Principal (K-12) Licensure.
Research – 3 Hours
Educational Leadership Educational Specialist (EdS) – 30 Credit Hours
For those who already have a master’s degree and would like to obtain the principal license with an advanced degree. Coursework earned in the EdS may be applied toward a terminal degree.
Educational Leadership Courses – 27 Hours
- Complete the same coursework listed for Principal (K-12) Licensure.
Research – 3 Hours
One of the following courses, determined by group consensus:
- SRM 602 Statistical Methods I (3)
- SRM 670 Evaluation: Models and Designs (3)
- SRM 680 Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)
- PSY 674 Measurement I: Educational Testing (3)
Please note: EdS students can incorporate both Principal Licensure and Director of Gifted Education Endorsement preparation. Please contact the Program Coordinator for details and advising.
For full details, see the official program listings in the UNC Graduate Catalog:
- Principal (K-12) Licensure – 27 credit hours.
- Educational Leadership Master of Arts (MA) – 30 credit hours, includes Principal Licensure.
- Educational Leadership Educational Specialist (EdS) – for those who already have a master’s degree; 30 credit hours, includes Principal Licensure.
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Additional Resources
- Visit the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies department to learn more about each degree/licensure option.
- Learn more about the Educational Leadership faculty.
Related Programs
- Educational Leadership: Administrator Licensure (for District-Level Leadership)
- Educational Leadership (Doctoral)
- Educational Leadership: Director of Gifted Education Endorsement (Educ Specialist) (Principal Licensure can be added to this program)
- Educational Leadership & Special Education Administration (Master's or Educ Specialist; with Dual Licensure)
- Higher Education & Student Affairs Leadership (Master's)
- Teacher Leadership (Graduate Certificate)