Earn your principal licensure from CSU
Prepare for a leadership position in education with a Master of Education and principal licensure program. This degree stands apart from other Colorado principal licensure programs because of its strong reputation with school districts. The educational community's respect for CSU graduates is visible in the fact that almost every school in all of the partner school districts have at least one of the program's graduates in a leadership role. Through your coursework, you will:
- Develop the leadership skills needed to direct educational programs.
- Become a facilitator of educational change.
- Implement new approaches to solve the problems confronting education.
Meet the demand for qualified school leaders in Colorado and surrounding states
The principal preparation program strives to meet the growing needs of public and private schools for highly qualified leaders, including those in high-demand areas such as science, technology, engineering, and math.
- Obtain a stronger understanding of pedagogical skills and effective theories of learning.
- Advance your own education while remaining employed full-time.
- Gain knowledge that can be applied immediately to your career.
Learn from highly qualified Colorado State University faculty members who are experts in educational leadership.
Enroll in a program for working professionals
Wanting to grow in your career should not mean sacrificing current opportunities. This program takes into consideration the demands on working professionals, allowing you the option to finish in one year. If you already hold a master's degree, you only need to complete 24 credit hours over the course of three semesters to earn your principal license. CSU offers another option that allows you to earn your licensure in four semesters by completing 33 credit hours, if you have not completed a master's prior to enrollment.
What you learn
To prepare students to take on leadership positions throughout school districts, expert faculty provide academic preparation and hands-on experience. CSU's Master of Education and principal licensure curriculum covers topics such as:
- School resource management
- Climate and culture
- Leadership and ethics
- Curriculum development
- School law
- Supervision evaluation
Students also complete a 300-hour internship that allows you to apply theories and research to real-world scenarios. During this time, you will build a portfolio that illustrates your strength as a candidate to future employers. Faculty work with you to ensure your portfolio reflects Colorado's principal quality standards. This internship placement can occur at your school district of employment.
Study online and in-person in a hybrid program
Designed for busy professionals, this program allows you to complete most coursework online*. Students meet in person to attend a three-week summer course in northern Colorado, and come back to class one more time for a weekend-long capstone course before graduating.
*Online coursework consists of recorded lectures as well as synchronous sessions in which you virtually interact with the instructor and fellow students real-time.
Health and Human Science Matters Podcast
Find out how CSU’s research is making an impact by tuning into the Health and Human Science Matters Podcast, a collection of lively, engaging conversations with members of the college community.