Become a Principal or Administrator at the Master’s Level
For educators who want to become a principal or administrator at the master’s level, Walden’s Riley College of Education and Human Sciences, a CAEP-accredited college, offers an online MS in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation; Licensure) designed to develop the management, leadership, and advanced instructional skills you need to become an educational leader.
This specialization provides the legal, financial, data, and personnel management knowledge needed to meet the daily challenges of school administration as well as the instructional leadership skills required to improve student outcomes.
Designed for aspiring educational leaders, this online program can prepare you to:
- Create a shared strategic vision and collaborative school community.
- Recruit, hire, and inspire school personnel committed to improving student achievement.
- Lead curriculum, assessment, and community-building initiatives to improve student outcomes and the learning environment.
- Manage the complex educational, financial, human resource, and legal issues critical to effective school management.
Program Details
Grounded in best practices and current research, this unique program for scholar-practitioners provides you with opportunities to apply concepts and coursework in the field while working closely with licensed, practicing principals as mentors. In addition, this program is taught by Walden faculty members who have experience working as principals. This program’s objectives are to provide you with the professional skills and dispositions you need to enhance opportunities and outcomes for every student.
This program is approved by the Ohio Board of Regents as meeting the standards for Building Level Principal Licenses (grades preK–6, grades 4–9, and grades 5–12). Upon successful completion of this program, Walden can recommend candidates for principal licensure to the state of Ohio. The Ohio Department of Education is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses. Candidates are responsible for completing any other state requirements beyond completion of Walden’s Ohio state-approved program.
Individuals interested in principal licensure in states other than Ohio may qualify for the license by virtue of completing a state-approved program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Additionally, prospective students are advised if they choose to relocate to carefully review, evaluate and understand the requirements of the applicable licensure board in the state in which they intend to relocate.
Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure issues; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure or endorsement.
Find information about Walden education programs and licensure requirements.
Curriculum
Completion Requirements
- 56 quarter credits
- Foundation course (5 quarter credits)
- Core courses (45 quarter credits)
- Field Experience courses (6 quarter credits)
- ePortfolio
View the COMPLETE CURRICULUM PLAN.
Time to completion will vary by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-646-5286.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this master’s program, you must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, teaching experience, and meet the general admission requirements. All applicants must submit a completed online application and transcripts. Depending on program specialization, additional requirements may apply.
More information for international applicants.
The progress you make now pays you back. You’ll receive your final courses tuition-free, depending on your program.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
*Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| CURRICULUM COMPONENT | REQUIREMENTS | cost | amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 56 quarter credit hours | $375 per semester hour | $21,000 |
| Program Fee | Per quarter | $175 | $875 |
| $21,875** | |||
| BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP YOUR TUITION | -$3,750 $18,125* | ||
*Represents Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation; Licensure) specialization, minimum time to completion, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 855-694-7548.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost between $1,000 and $1,400.
Program Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be prepared to:
- Design and lead initiatives that evaluate and improve instructional programs.
- Develop, implement, and manage ongoing evaluation and professional development in teaching and learning.
- Create strategic plans using a visioning process to be shared and supported by stakeholders.
- Use data to effectively manage the organization and resources for a safe, secure, and effective learning environment.
- Communicate and collaborate with external publics to address community interests and diverse needs.
- Articulate the school’s role within the broader political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context and responding effectively to changes that impact the school community.
- Model democratic value systems, ethics, and moral leadership.
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Accreditation
Walden University’s Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences is accredited based on the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) Standards through June 2026. This accreditation covers specific Walden initial teacher and advanced educator preparation programs, including the BS in Elementary Education, Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) – Special Education specialization, MS in Education – Educational Leadership and Administration specialization, and EdS in Educational Leadership and Administration. The MAT-SPED, MSED-ELA, and EdS-ELA programs were reviewed by Specialized Professional Associations (SPAs), which define content-area standards for programs, and achieved national recognition.
CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Walden’s College of Education and Human Sciences has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement. CAEP is a Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – recognized national accreditor for educator preparation.
Licensure
Walden is approved by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to offer a program leading to initial principal licensure. Candidates seeking licensure in Ohio are responsible for completing any other Ohio requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program. The Ohio Department of Higher Education is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.
Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Ohio may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.
Walden is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) to offer a program leading to a Minnesota Tier 3 license in Elementary Education. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota are responsible for completing all Minnesota requirements beyond Walden’s state-approved program, including passing the Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams. The Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.