Principal (K-12) Licensure
- Graduate Educator Licensure or Endorsement
- Online
- Online
18 Months
Fall Term (Aug.)
Spring Term (Jan.)
Summer Term (May)
$722/Credit
An Online Principal Licensure Program
Ready to lead a school? Our Principal (K-12) Licensure program helps you get your license to become a principal. This program is for educators who want to become leaders in elementary, middle or high schools.
With our online delivery, you can complete the program from anywhere. Keep working in your school while learning online with other leaders. Our expert faculty will prepare you to be a great school principal.
What You’ll Learn
- Foundations of leadership: Understanding how to lead and manage.
- Leadership in education: Managing, supervising and leading at the school site level.
- Inquiry-based learning: Using inquiry to gain knowledge and lead better.
- Leading with purpose: Guiding people, instruction and organizations to succeed.
- Policy and legal issues: The rules and laws that affect schools.
- Community engagement: How to work with parents and the community.
Become a School Principal and a Strong Leader
Eligibility for Principal (K-12) Licensure
This program prepares you for the Principal (K-12) License / Endorsement. Become a Principal or prepare for other school leader jobs.
Choose Between This Program and a Degree Program
This standalone licensure program covers the principal licensure content that is part of our Educational Leadership degree programs (see below). But since it can be completed in just 27 credits, it may be a great fit for you if you already have a master’s degree.
However, completing Principal 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
Delivered Fully Online
Attend from Anywhere
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 an example current students page for this program.
Courses and Requirements
This is a 27-credit licensure program.
Combine Principal Licensure with a Degree Program
Principal Licensure with a Master’s Degree
If you do not have a master’s degree, the following master’s degrees include Principal Licensure options:
Principal Licensure with a Post-Master’s Degree
If you already have a master’s degree, the following programs include (or allow you to add) Principal Licensure:
Have Questions? Get in Touch!
Anna Taylor
Enrollment Counselor
Michael Cohen
Program Coordinator
Tuition Rate
Simple Per-Credit Tuition Rate
You pay the same rate whether you are in-state or out-of-state.
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 license.
- Have completed two years of experience as a licensed teacher or special service provider.
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
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: Principal (K-12) Endorsement
- Start term: Fall Term (Aug.), Spring Term (Jan.) or Summer Term (May)
View the full program-specific application details in the UNC Graduate Catalog.
Apply to This Program
Register & Start Your Application
Submit a Started Application
Application Checklist & Status