Principal Licensure Program
Ohio schools need highly trained, effective licensed principals. Ohio State's Principal Licensure Program prepares administrators to meet these challenges. Ranked 4th nationally by U.S. News and World Report, this sought-after program trains the next generation of school principals.
Program features
Either a 24-month cohort-based program or a 15-month accelerated program
The 36-semester hour program lets you earn a Master of Arts in Educational Administration with Principal Licensure or opt for the Principal Licensure-only program. Both options can be completed at an accelerated pace or extended pace.
Students engage in a field experience in school administration, participating in activities to develop skills for addressing real issues and responsibilities faced by building leaders.
Coursework focuses on leadership, administrative development, school finance, and human relations.
The program is designed to allow you to continue to work/teach full time.
Licensure Requirements
Prerequisites
Master’s degree
- A master's degree in any major is required for admission to the principal licensure-only program.
Bachelor’s degree
- A bachelor's degree in any major is required for admission to the master's degree plus principal licensure program.
Teaching experience
- Two years of teaching experience is needed for licensure, but not for program admission.
Accelerated option available for both the MA plus licensure and licensure-only program.
Priority Deadline
A priority deadline means your application will be one of the first received and reviewed by the admissions team. Faculty review applications in the order they receive them, starting with the earliest (priority deadlines) and ending with the latest (final deadline).
Final Deadline
The final deadline is the latest you can submit your application and still be considered for the program. This deadline allows you additional time to submit your application and all application materials.
Deadline to apply
Summer Start
Priority deadline: March 1st
Final deadline: April 20th
Program hours
36
Additional Requirements
- Completion of at least 216 field placement hours and compliance with field placement requirements is mandatory.
- Two years of teaching (or relevant work) experience is required for the principal license for the specified ages and grades.
- You must complete the Ohio Standards for Educators v4 and Computer Science and Computational Thinking modules.
- You must pass the OAE 015 Educational Leadership licensure exam.
Licensure disclosure
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.
Application checklist
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