Alternative Principal Licensure + MA in Education

A student teacher assists elementary students in a classroom.

Part of: MA in Education, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Education Licensure, Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Alternative Principal Licensure

Part of: MA in Education, Education Department, School of Graduate Studies

Offered as: Education Licensure, Master's

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Alternative Principal Licensure

Our Alternative Principal Licensure Program is a one-year, fully online initiative tailored for individuals who have secured principal positions but lack formal licensure. The program offers extensive support and mirrors the structure of the university’s traditional principal program. To qualify, candidates must possess a minimum of three years of licensed experience in elementary or secondary education and hold a role that necessitates a principal license.

Upon successful completion of the program, students have the opportunity to pursue a master’s degree by undertaking an additional 12 semester hours, thereby also becoming eligible for an administrator license. The program is designed to accommodate educators statewide, providing flexibility through its online format.

Licensures are issued by the Colorado Department of Education. While Western’s curricula are designed to prepare students for licensure exams after their first two semesters, successful licensure is ultimately determined by the CDE and cannot be guaranteed.

Alternative Principal Licensure to MA in Education Pathway

Our Alternative Principal Licensure program is a one-year, fully online program designed for professionals who have been hired as school principals but still need to obtain their license. Rooted in Colorado’s Principal Quality Standards, the program blends online coursework with practical administrative experience, guided by mentor principals, regional coordinators, and Western instructors. Upon completing the required licensure credits, students have the option to pursue an additional 19 credits to earn a Master of Arts in Education with a focus on Educational Administration, equipping them for an Administrator License.

Licensures are administered by the Colorado Department of Education. Western’s curriculum is designed to prepare students for their licensure examinations after completing their first two semesters; however, licensure is not guaranteed.

After completing their Alternative Principal Licensure, students can take the additional credits needed to receive a post-licensure added endorsement from the state or concentration through Western. While Alternative Principal Licensure students can pursue any of Western’s post-license programs, they are the only ones who can study the Educational Administration concentration. This remainder of coursework will prepare students to receive their Administrator Licensure from the Colorado Department of Education.

Educational administration is the work of a dedicated leader who drives success at the school or district level. These leaders are well-versed in local, state, and federal policies that shape student learning and guide school management. They understand the unique needs of students and staff alike and have the skills to foster a culture of productivity, collaboration, and achievement that supports everyone in reaching their full potential.

Currently offered Endorsements and Concentrations:

Name	Available as
Educational Administration	Concentration
Curriculum & Instruction	Concentration
Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Education	Endorsement
Special Education	Endorsement
Reading Leadership/Specialist	Concentration and Endorsement (Optional added Reading Specialist Endorsement)

Admissions, Cost & Requirements

Candidate must submit:
- Proof of fingerprint clearance and background check by state agency
- Two professional recommendation forms
- Letter from principal or HR office confirming employment as licensed teacher or counselor for two years upon starting the program (Note: This requirement does not apply to Alternative Principal Licensure Candidates.)
- Payment of university application fee
- Official transcript of conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university showing recommended 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher
- Personal statement
- Statement of mentor principal support

Additional Requirements for Alternative Principal Authorization Candidates

Obtain a Statement of Eligibility from CDE.
Secure a full-time principal or assistant principal position.
Submit a letter from a mentor principal agreeing to act as your mentor for 1-2 hours/week for school year.

For more information on Alternative Authorization, see the Colorado Department of Education Alternative Principal Authorization webpage.

March 15 – Priority Deadline in all programs to be considered for Education Department Scholarships
July 15 – Final deadline for application to all programs including:
- Teacher Licensure + MA in Education
- Principal Licensure + MA in Education
- Special Education Licensure + MA in Special Education
- MA in Education, Educator Effectiveness (MAEE) including Added Endorsements

Term	Credits	Tuition per Credit	Fees per Credit Hour*	Flat Fees**	Total Tuition & Fees
Year 1: Fall	13	$353.60	$73.40	$1,533.00	$7,084.00
Year 1: Spring	12	$353.60	$73.40		$5,124.00
Year 2: Fall	10	$353.60	$73.40		$4,270.00
Year 2: Spring	9	$353.60	$73.40		$3,843.00
Program Total	44				$20,321.00