MS in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration Note on Licensure

Walden University’s MS in Education, Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Program) meets the Ohio Board of Regents’ standards for graduate programs and the Ohio State Board of Education’s 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. Candidates who complete this program may qualify for principal licensure in many other states; however, individuals must review their state’s regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to their state. Graduates in some states will be eligible for licensure based on completion of a state-approved program, where they can apply directly to their state educator board (“direct apply”). Other states have a separate application and process for someone completing an out-of-state approved preparation program (“license-in-hand pathway”), where in order for a graduate to be eligible for licensure or certification, he/she must first obtain a license in an approved state (Ohio) prior to applying for licensure in his/her state of residence.

Prospective students must research their state licensure requirements to determine (1) if they are required to complete a state-approved licensure program to be eligible to apply directly to their state board, (2) if they need to obtain a license from the state where the program has been approved (Ohio) prior to applying in the state they reside, and (3) any additional requirements the student will need to complete prior to their state granting the license. Students residing in Ohio are eligible to apply directly to their state board, as Walden’s MS in Education, Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Program) is approved by the Ohio Board of Regents. 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.

Please refer to the chart below for state professional licensure eligibility status for Walden’s MS in Education with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration program. Please remember that licensure eligibility determinations are ultimately determined by the appropriate state board that issues the credential to practice, and prospective students should visit their state board’s website for the most updated and accurate information.

Check with your state. Licensure and endorsement requirements vary by state and are subject to change. For specific guidelines regarding teacher licensure and endorsements for the state where you will teach, please contact our advisors at 1-866-492-5336 and your state’s department of education. Be sure to inquire whether you are required to complete a state-approved licensure program, and determine if there are any other requirements that apply, especially requirements pertaining to programs provided by out-of-state (except Minnesota or Ohio, depending on the program) or online institutions.

For more information on eligibility for licensure, candidates should contact [email protected].

State-Required Disclosures

Some states require specific notifications to students interested in certain programs offered in their respective states. For all prospective students interested in Walden’s College of Education programs, please see below for required statements.

• Note to all Alabama residents:
  State Authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate. Applicants who complete an educator preparation program at a non-Alabama institution must apply for an Alabama professional educator or professional leadership certificate through the Alabama Certificate Reciprocity Approach. Current requirements may be found at www.alsde.edu.

• Note to all Minnesota residents:
  Students who wish to pursue licensure as an educational leader who reside in Minnesota are not eligible for admission into the MS in Education, Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Program), but should instead enroll in the EdS – Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Licensure Program) that is approved by the MN Board of School Administrators to meet requirements for eligibility for licensure as a school principal in Minnesota.

• Note to all Pennsylvania residents:
  Walden University’s Master of Arts in Teaching program is approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board as leading to licensure. Because this program is not reviewed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, candidates are instructed to apply for Pennsylvania certification as out-of-state graduates of a teacher preparation program.

• Note to all Washington residents:
  Eligibility for initial educator certification in Washington is based on completion of a state-approved educator preparation program. The Master of Arts in Teaching program is approved in Minnesota and is authorized for field placements in Washington by the Professional Educators Standards Board. Even though you may be residing in Washington while in this program, your application for educator certification in Washington will be processed as an out-of-state application. Go to https://www.pesb.wa.gov/educator-pathways/becoming-a-washington-educator/out-of-state-license-transfers/ for more information. Teachers are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for teacher advancement.

Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide general information on state licensure; however, it remains the individual’s responsibility to understand and comply with all licensure requirements in the state they reside. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure or endorsement.

October 11, 2018