Accelerated Licensure Program for Principals

Schools across Ohio are in need of highly trained and effective licensed school principals. Ohio State's highly sought Principal Licensure Program is training the next generation of school principals and preparing future administrators to meet the challenges they will face in schools. The program is ranked 11th in the nation among all educational administration preparation programs by U.S. News and World Report.

36-semester hour program allows you to earn your Master of Arts in Educational Studies, but if you already possess a master's degree, you can obtain licensure only.

This cohort-based program is offered in an accelerated (15-month) schedule and provides you with an engaging curriculum as well as mentorship with university faculty and practicing principals in your school district.

The program begins summer semester and concludes the following summer.

Courses are scheduled so you come to campus no more than one night (day during the summer) a week.

To enroll in the accelerated program, you must be nominated by your school district's superintendent or designee.

Integral to the program is a yearlong field experience in school administration. During this experience, you will complete activities designed to help you develop the skills to address real issues and responsibilities facing a building leader.

Although demanding, the program is designed to allow you to continue to work/teach full time.

Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students for licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure and certification at go.osu.edu/onground. 

Program Requirements

Deadline to apply: February 1
Program start: Summer semester
Minimum semester hours to degree completion: 36
Prerequisites: Two years successful teaching experience
Coursework: Leadership, administration, school finance, human relations, field experience

PDF iconView the accelerated licensure curriculum
Nomination Form

Faculty

Superintendents in Residence

John Marschhausen, PhD, Hilliard City Schools
Talisa Dixon, EdD, Columbus City Schools
Marie Ward, PhD, Fairfield County Educational Service Center

Contact

Student Services and Graduate Studies
614-688-4007
edstudies@osu.edu

Melissa Conrath
conrath.2@osu.edu