Master’s Degree + School Principal Licensure

Department of Educational Studies
Licensure Curriculum

Master’s Degree in Educational Studies (EDUCST-MA, EAN) with a specialization in Educational Administration and Principal Licensure

The curriculum for both the accelerated (refer to bottom of website for program details) and 2-year option is identical.

2-year Licensure Requirements (36 hours)

Foundations Requirement (3 hours)

ESEADM 7359 Leadership, Inquiry, and Ethics (3)

Multicultural and Human Diversity Requirement (3 hours)

ESEADM 6360 School Community Relations and Politics (3)

Research Requirement (3 hours)

Consult with your advisor for the most appropriate selection.

ESEADM 6374 Database Decision Making for School Leaders (3)
Or a basic measurement course adapted to the needs of school leaders.

Required Courses (24 hours)

ESEADM 6189 Planned Field Experience and Portfolio Development (3)*
ESEADM 6350 Introduction to Educational Administration (3)
ESEADM 6356 Legal Aspects of School Administration (3)
ESEADM 6362 Strategic Human Capital Management for P-12 Administration (3)
ESEADM 6366 School Finance and Business Administration (3)
ESEADM 7356 Instructional Leadership and Supervision (3)
ESEADM 8317 Legal Aspects of Special Education Administration (3)
ESEADM 8375 Culturally Responsive School Leadership (3)

*Students should complete the assessment(s) in this course that applies to their licensure grades:

ESEADM 6189.01 Field Experience: PK-6 principal licensure
ESEADM 6189.02 Field Experience: 4-9 principal licensure
ESEADM 6189.03 Field Experience: 5-12 principal licensure

Candidates seeking a single grade band must meet the licensure and teaching requirements, complete a minimum of 216 placement hours, and have a qualified mentor for that grade band. To qualify for multiple grade bands, candidates must fulfill the licensure and teaching requirements for each band, complete the necessary placement hours, and have a qualified mentor for each additional grade band.

Elective Courses (choose one, 3 hours)

ESEADM 6372 Educational Technology Leadership and Administration (3)
ESEADM 7350 School Improvement for Educational Leaders (3)
ESEADM 7354 Educational Leadership, Organizational Dynamics, and School Culture (3)
ESEADM 7368 Educational Facility Planning (3)
ESEADM 8202 Positive Psychology and Educational Administration* (3)
- *Preferred Principal Licensure Elective
ESEADM 8310 Educational Change (3)
ESEADM 8421 Leading Professional Learning for Educators (3)
- *Preferred Teacher Leader Endorsement Elective
ESEPOL 8312 Governance and Control in American Education (3)
ESLTECH 7392 Theories of Learning with Technology (3)

Thesis or Non-Thesis Requirement (choose one, 0-3 hours)

Consult with faculty advisor

Thesis option

ESEADM 7999 Thesis Research: Educational Administration (minimum 3)

Non-thesis Options (choose one)

Students must register for a minimum of three hours during the semester they take the examination or the project.

Master's Examination
Action Research Project
Comprehensive Case Study

Accelerated Licensure Requirements (36 hours)

2 courses Summer Semester (First Semester), 5 courses Autumn Semester (Second Semester), 4 courses Spring Semester (Third Semester), 3 courses Summer Semester (Final Semester). Master’s examination occurs during the final Summer Semester in program. A full list of courses is available in the 2-year program section.

Minimum hours: 36

Program	Degree	Department	Email
Principal License	Licensure	Educational Studies	EdStudies@osu.edu

Note: Students exact curriculum may vary depending upon program of study determined by student and advisor.

Ohio State is in the process of revising websites and program materials to accurately reflect compliance with the law. While this work occurs, language referencing protected class status or other activities prohibited by Ohio Senate Bill 1 may still appear in some places. However, all programs and activities will be administered in compliance with the law as of June 27, 2025.