Studying Principal Leadership: Degrees and Training Programs at a Glance
The majority of states require that principals be licensed and have a master's degree. Generally, principals are licensed teachers with at least 2-3 years of teaching experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates 10% job growth for elementary, middle and high school principals between the years 2010 and 2020, which is about as fast as average growth (www.bls.gov). Some states require continuing education as part of maintaining licensure, while others require that licensed principles have a long-standing relationship with a mentor.
Let's compare programs:
| Training | Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Who is this program for? | Licensed teachers with a master's degree who wish to obtain principal licensure | Individuals interested in obtaining both a master's degree and principal licensure |
| Common Career Paths (with approximate mean annual salary) | -Principal ($90,000)* | -Principal ($90,000)* |
| Time to Completion | 1 year, full-time | 1-2 years, full time |
| Common Graduation Requirements | - Approximately 24-32 credit hours - State exams -Field experience | - Approximately 33-41 credit hours - Field experience - Thesis |
| Prerequisites | -Master's degree - Teaching license -Approximately 3 years of teaching experience | -Bachelor's degree -Teaching license - Teaching experience |
| Online Availability | Yes | Yes |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2011 figures)
Non-Degree Principal Licensure
Non-degree principal licensure programs are designed for licensed teachers with 2-3 years experience and a master's degree. These programs provide instruction that prepares teachers for administrative roles in schools.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can be completed in a short period of time
- Many programs are offered online, making it easier to attend classes while working
- May allow completion of fieldwork required for licensure at the school in which you work
Cons
- Leads to a career in which you are held accountable for the standardized test scores of your school, which can be stressful
- Required coursework is not much shorter than that in a master's degree program
- May not directly lead to your being hired as a principal; in some instances graduates will need to first work as an assistant principal before advancing in their career
Courses and Requirements
Coursework in these programs is orientated around teaching leadership and how to manage school systems. Fieldwork is also usually required, but can sometimes be completed at the school in which a teacher currently works. The number of hours of required fieldwork varies, but usually approximates 300 hours. Courses in these programs include:
- Leadership and ethics
- School resource management
- School culture, climate and communications
- Supervision and evaluation
- School law
- Role of the principal
Online Degree Options
Online and hybrid forms, as well as evening and weekend programs, are available. The majority of programs available are orientated around and structured for working teachers. The curriculum of these programs is the same as those of their on-campus counterparts.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
Principals have a large amount of responsibility, including that of the safety of students and faculty and the need to make decisions that affect a school and surrounding community. This makes having interpersonal communication, critical thinking and analytical skills essential for prospective principals. Expanding your capabilities in these skills through coursework and extracurricular activities can better prepare you to work as a principal and give you an edge over your competition.
Master's Degree with Principal Licensure
These programs may be titled 'Master of Education', 'Master of Leadership Education' or 'Master of Education Leadership, Renewal and Change'. The curriculum of these programs focuses on leadership, directing change in teaching and problem solving in school systems.
Sometimes, these programs are offered jointly with principal licensure programs. These programs generally only differ from license-only programs by the addition of nine credit hours of study and the need to write a thesis.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- There are many part-time and online program options, making this degree very accessible for full-time working teachers
- Allows teachers to simultaneously earn a master's degree and licensure
- Fieldwork requirements provide hands-on experience
Cons
- May require writing a thesis
- Tuition rates may be higher than those for a license-only program
- Fieldwork credit hour requirements may need to be completed in addition to any teaching experience
Courses and Requirements
The additional coursework in these programs focuses on leadership and handling problems in schools. There are also clinical practice or internship hour requirements. Common course topics include:
- Curriculum development
- Special populations
- Social foundations in education trends
- Statistics
Online Degree Options
Master's degree programs that prepare for a career as a principle are available in online, hybrid, and evening and weekend formats. These programs often have the same class and other curriculum requirements as in-person programs.
Getting Ahead with this Degree
To get ahead with this degree, consider completing courses in statistics and assessment measurement methods. These courses provide you with the tools necessary to analyze data, solve problems, and make educated decisions when working as a principal. Having knowledge in these areas may make you more attractive to employers.
