Principal Licensure - Initial (Online)

Educational Leadership

Principal Licensure (Online)

This 24 credit-hour program is entirely online and prepares you for K-12 building-level leadership positions, including principal or assistant principal. Coursework may be taken only for licensure or as part of the 36 credit-hour Master of Science in Educational Leadership.

To earn this license, candidates must:

  • Have two years of experience as a licensed teacher or licensed counselor  
  • Hold a proficient or accomplished practitioner license, or a valid equivalent out-of-state license 
  • Hold a master’s degree  
  • Complete the 24-credit hour program, including the A695 practicum course (at least 18 credits must be earned through IU Bloomington) 
  • Maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 in all licensure course work (i.e., A624, A510, A608, A635, A629, A515, and A695).  
  • Achieve a qualifying score on the state licensure test
  • Application Deadlines
    Starting SemesterDeadline
    Fall Aug 8
    Spring Dec 1
    Summer Apr 22
    International students are encouraged to apply early to allow extra time for their materials to arrive.
  • Admission Requirements

    In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Graduate Studies Office will accept unofficial transcripts and self-reported test scores for admission reviews. Any admission made with these documents would be conditioned on receipt of official documents, which should be provided as soon as possible.

    Note: If you are currently enrolled or have applied in the past year, you should qualify for an application fee waiver. Click here for criteria and how to obtain the waiver.

    1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
    2. Master’s degree from an accredited institution
    3. Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 out of 4.00
    4. Completed online application that includes:
      • Personal statement
      • Resume
      • Two letters of recommendation
      • Minimum 79 TOEFL score or minimum 6.5 IELTS score (international students only)

    Learn more about how to apply

  • Program Requirements
    • Tuition and Fees

      Per credit hour

      ResidencyTuitionDE FeeTotal
      IN Resident$480.93$39$519.93
      Non-resident$576.45$39$615.45

      Find more information and calculate your expected costs at Student Central.

    • Funding

      Below is a list of potential resources for graduate students. Note: graduate assistantships are generally intended for students studying and working on the Bloomington campus.

      • Learn about the variety of fellowships and assistantships available to graduate students.
      • Visit Student Central for information about financial assistance.
      • Consult your employer about the availability of tuition reimbursement or tuition assistance programs.
      • Active duty military, veterans, and military families should visit the Center for Veteran and Military Students to take full advantage of available financial assistance and educational benefits.
    • Program of Study

      Licensure course work encompasses 24 of the 36 credit hours required for a Master's of Science in Educational Leadership. It is possible to take all principal licensure courses online through IU Bloomington. 

      • A624 Educational Leadership: The Principalship K-12 
      • A510 School-Community Relations 
      • A608 Legal Perspectives on Education 
      • A635 Public School Budgeting and Accounting 
      • A629 Data-Informed Decision-Making for School Leaders 
      • A515 Education Leadership: Teacher Development and Evaluation 
      • A695 Practicum in Educational Leadership (6.0 credits, two semesters)

      Students must complete two consecutive semesters of A695 totaling six credits to acquire 240 hours of supervised field experience in order to earn licensure. Before enrolling in A695, students must complete A624, A510, A608, and A635. It is beneficial to take A629 and A515 with A695 as assignments in both courses require access to a school site.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this program. 
    Go there now »

    Our faculty

    Profile Picture

    Visiting Clinical Assistant Professor

    Research Areas:
    Culturally Responsive Leadership, English Learners, Bilingual Learners, Exceptional Needs
    Email:
    larachri@iu.edu
    Phone:
    (812) 856-2090
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    Associate Professor

    Research Areas:
    Legal and policy issues in special education; legal literacy of educators and school leaders
    Email:
    deckerjr@indiana.edu
    Phone:
    (812) 856-8375
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    Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies Department Chair

    Research Areas:
    Educational Leadership; Instructional Leadership; Leadership Development; Resource Allocation; School and District Improvement; Improvement Science
    Email:
    clochmil@indiana.edu
    Phone:
    (812) 856-8235
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    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Research Areas:
    Principal and superintendent leadership; school finance
    Email:
    micdmill@indiana.edu
    Phone:
    (812) 856-1373
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    Assistant Professor

    Research Areas:
    Leadership preparation; principal's role in teacher development and career trajectories; education policy
    Email:
    fperrone@indiana.edu
    Phone:
    (812) 856-8254
    Profile Picture

    Lecturer

    Research Areas:
    K-12 and higher education law; education policy, education governance, charter schools
    Email:
    jrippner@iu.edu

    Contact Us

    Michele Moore
    ED 4230
    (812) 856-1373
    micdmill@indiana.edu

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