Licensing and leadership development for educational administrators

"[We] could not help but be impressed with the educational leadership program. It is a program worth emulating."
—NCATE / Minnesota Board of Teaching Review Team, Fall 2005

Welcome to the licensing and leadership development program for educational administrators. Housed within the University of Minnesota's Department of Educational Policy and Administration, we offer an individualized program to prepare aspiring administrators for administrative licenses as a:

• K-12 principal [Competencies]

• Superintendent [Competencies]

• Director of special education [Competencies]

• Director of community education [Competencies]

The administrative licensure program offers a variety of courses specifically designed to address the competencies required by the state for the various licenses. Courses are offered throughout the year with evening courses offered during fall, spring, and summer semesters, and day courses offered during summer semester. Most students who enroll in the program are practicing teachers. On average they complete the program in one to two years. A unique feature of our program is the option to complete multiple credentials simultaneously. Please see Only at the U! for details.

Practice informed by research

The University of Minnesota’s Licensure and Leadership Program is committed to honoring the diversity of communities and learners through integrating professional wisdom; research, inquiry, and reflection; and authentic practice in the life-long development of educational administrators. Project-based learning is embedded throughout the program to ensure authentic learning opportunities. Read more about our vision and core beliefs.

Certificate in PK-12 administration and non-certificate options

Students may earn a certificate in PK-12 administration as a stand-alone program or in addition to an Ed.D or Ph.D. Students in the certificate program are eligible for financial aid. Individuals already licensed in one or more areas of educational administration in Minnesota or another state are eligible for a non-certificate option to complete Minnesota requirements for a specific license.

Charter area learning center and school administrative leadership

Area learning centers, charter schools, and other alternative education programs have unique requirements and necessitate specialized administrative skills. Students enrolled with a career goal of administration of an alternative setting will seek a principal’s license.