Education Leadership - Licensure K-12 Principalship

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Administrative Licensure Requirements

The Education Leadership Program of study can be used to meet the requirements for licensure for K-12 Principal and Superintendent in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Licensure can be earned before completing the EdS degree requirements; the EdS field study is the additional requirement for the degree. Our program of study complies with all of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA) requirements for licensing K-12 Principals and Superintendents (MR3512) and is accessible to the public. Initial licensure requires that you:

apply for admission into the EdS degree program (actually earning the degree is optional)
complete a minimum of 30 credits beyond the MS (and fulfilling the required coursework below)
have completed three years of teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level while holding a teaching license valid for the position or positions in which the experience was gained
complete six semester credits of internship (320 hours) with a site supervisor appropriately licensed in the licensure area you are interested in
demonstrate knowledge of administrative competencies to the satisfaction of a joint faculty/administrator panel (at WSU this is called the Licensure Review Panel). Educational requirements for licensure in other states for administrative positions may be satisfied by specific program modifications. Contact the department for state licensure requirements.

Core Administrative Courses (24)

Specific courses may be waived if taken (or their equivalent) at the Masters level.

EL 604 - Curriculum Planning and Development (3 S.H.)
EL 610 - School Law (3 S.H.)
EL 612 - Systems Thinking (3 S.H.)
EL 614 - Change Leadership (3 S.H.)
EL 622 - The Principalship (3 S.H.)
EL 628 - Human Resources and Collective Bargaining (3 S.H.)
EL 704 - Supervision and Curriculum Development: An Action Research Approach (3 S.H.)
EL 736 - Educational Governance, Policy, and Politics (3 S.H.)

K-12 Principalship Courses (9)

EL 627 - School Business Management (3 S.H.)
EL 761 - K-12 Principal Internship I (3 S.H.)
EL 762 - K-12 Principal Internship II (3 S.H.)

Total Program Credits: 39

Internship (Licensure) (6) - two internships are to be taken within 12 months

The internships are a capstone field experience intended to bring the theory of the classroom to the practice of the profession. Individuals seeking K-12 Principal and Superintendent licensure will serve in the capacity of an administrative aide or intern. As a guideline for when to register for the internship, it is suggested that a minimum of 75% of program credits be completed. For individuals seeking careers in other settings, an internship can be arranged specific to career aspirations.

Licensure Review Panel

This is a panel of practicing school administrators and college faculty who review each candidate for licensure endorsement in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The panel serves as a final check on the professional preparation for the K-12 Principal and Superintendent license. Candidate activities and experiences in the competencies, as required by the MN Board of School Administrators (BOSA), are reviewed in a personal interview and as documented. Participation in the Panel is scheduled when all requirements have been completed.

Elective Courses (Variable)

Taken as necessary to meet degree and/or licensure requirements.