Principal Licensure + MA in Education

Student teacher, Cristian Aguilar, helping students with their class work.

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Principal Licensure

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

Offered as: Master's, Education Licensure

Degree: Master of Arts in Education

Licensure: Principal Licensure

Western’s one-year Principal Licensure preparation program allows you to pursue your principal license while gaining hands-on administrative experience. Aligned with Colorado’s Principal Quality Standards, our program provides personalized support during your online coursework and continuous feedback from your mentor principal, regional coordinator, and Western instructors throughout your residency.

After the 25 credits of your licensure preparation year, it’s a short step to complete the additional 19 credits of coursework to earn your MA in Education with an emphasis in Educational Administration. This degree will also prepare you for an Administrator License.

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.

Principal Licensure to MA in Education Pathway

Western Colorado University’s Principal Licensure program is a one-year, online initiative designed for professionals aiming to become school principals. Aligned with Colorado’s Principal Quality Standards, the program combines online coursework with hands-on administrative experience, supported by mentor principals, regional coordinators, and Western instructors. After completing the required credits in the licensure year, students can pursue an additional 19 credits to earn a Master of Arts in Education with an emphasis in Educational Administration, preparing them for an Administrator License.

After completing their Principal Licensure, students can take the additional credits needed to receive a post-licensure added endorsement from the state or concentration through Western. While 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