Online Master's Degree in Educational Leadership (Principal Licensure)

Earning an online master's degree in educational leadership with principal licensure can help you become a school principal while keeping your current job. Read about program and licensure requirements below. Schools offering Education - Organizational Leadership degrees can also be found in these popular choices.

Can I Earn a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership with Principal Licensure Online?

You can find a range of online master's degree programs in educational leadership with principal licensure from schools around the country. While you complete most of your coursework online, you must complete in-person principal practicums, which can usually be arranged near your home. Additionally, some programs require periodic campus visits for tests or seminars.

Regardless of any on-campus requirements, these online master's degree and principal licensure programs are designed to allow you to continue working at your current job. Most programs don't require you to log into online class platforms at any particular time, but some do. You're able to communicate with instructors and classmates via discussion boards, e-mail and chat software, giving you opportunities to discuss readings and collaborate on projects.

What Courses Am I Required To Take?

The courses you take in an educational leadership master's degree program teach you about curriculum development, student policy implementation, staff coordination and school board communication. You also gain a deep understanding of learning psychology and school operations. Human resources, legal issues, school finances and education trends are also discussed. Research is a common component of a master's degree program, giving you the skills you need to analyze and utilize new information in your school.

A principal practicum or internship is a major requirement to earn your master's degree in educational leadership and to gain principal licensure. This gives you the opportunity to observe and participate in real-world school operations under the guidance of a principal. This can usually be arranged near where you live.

How Do I Get Principal Licensure?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most states require you to obtain a license before working as a public school principal ( A master's degree is a typical requirement, and you probably need some work experience in a school, such as teaching. The BLS also reports that you might also need to pass a test, and many states require you to work with a mentor.


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