Principalship (MAE/ASC)

Master of Arts in Education / Advanced Studies Certificate

Advance your school administrative career with hands-on experience and award-winning faculty.
  • Next cohort begins: August 2025
  • Full consideration date: April 15 
  • Apply now!
Amy Schmidt

Features

Primarily Online | 35 Credits | 2 Years
  • Designed for those seeking endorsement in Iowa as a Pre-K-12 Principal/Pre-K-12 Supervisor of Special Education
  • Award-winning faculty who have led and practiced in the field, and conducted a wide array of research, are now your teachers and mentors
  • Program requirements and outcomes are based on Iowa leadership standards
  • Ranked in the top 20% of online master's in education programs in 2024 by U.S. News and World Report 

Here to Help

As an Online & Distance Education student, you’ll have a dedicated Enrollment Contact and Program Coordinator to assist you with registering for classes, navigating the course sequence and billing process, preparing for graduation and much more.

Kenneth Hayes headshot

Kenneth Hayes

Program Coordinator

Instructor, Educational Psychology, Foundations and Leadership Studies
kenneth.hayes@uni.edu
319-273-6264

Janelle Finke headshot

Janelle Finke

Enrollment Contact

janelle.finke@uni.edu
319-273-7740

Request Information





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Delivered Primarily Online

Courses are offered in asynchronous and synchronous formats. Some courses are synchronous and take place via interactive video conferencing (Zoom) on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Courses are supported using Blackboard, a dynamic learning management system that will enhance your experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. The first summer session includes an engaging, six-day, on-campus experience.

Fall 2023 Program Sequences by cohort:

‌Gold  Black ‌Purple

Fall 2024 Program Sequences by cohort:

female student working on a laptop
Our graduates are prepared to:
  • Become principals or special education supervisors at the building/district/AEA levels
  • Serve in leadership roles such as lead teachers, school administration managers and more
  • Enter any school setting as a Leader of Learning, Leader of Service and Leader of Change
What are the benefits of pursuing the Principalship MAE/ASC?

Although the program is especially aimed at developing the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed for effective school leadership, our graduates routinely and consistently say their experiences in the program have made them better teachers. The degree opens many career opportunities including positions as principals, lead teachers, School Administration Managers.  Graduates benefit from professional advancement, developing a balcony view of schools and leadership, sharpening one's philosophy around what schools are and should become, and expanding an engaging, widespread professional network of mentors, colleagues, and resources.

three program graduates walking together
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
two principalship students talking in a classroom, smiling
Delivered Primarily Online

Courses are offered in asynchronous and synchronous formats. Some courses are synchronous and take place via interactive video conferencing (Zoom) on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Courses are supported using Blackboard, a dynamic learning management system that will enhance your experience and sense of community with fellow classmates. The first summer session includes an engaging, six-day, on-campus experience.

Fall 2023 Program Sequences by cohort:

‌Gold  Black ‌Purple

Fall 2024 Program Sequences by cohort:

female student working on a laptop
Our graduates are prepared to:
  • Become principals or special education supervisors at the building/district/AEA levels
  • Serve in leadership roles such as lead teachers, school administration managers and more
  • Enter any school setting as a Leader of Learning, Leader of Service and Leader of Change
What are the benefits of pursuing the Principalship MAE/ASC?

Although the program is especially aimed at developing the skills, knowledge and dispositions needed for effective school leadership, our graduates routinely and consistently say their experiences in the program have made them better teachers. The degree opens many career opportunities including positions as principals, lead teachers, School Administration Managers.  Graduates benefit from professional advancement, developing a balcony view of schools and leadership, sharpening one's philosophy around what schools are and should become, and expanding an engaging, widespread professional network of mentors, colleagues, and resources.

three program graduates walking together
Individualized Support Services

Throughout every step of your program, you'll have a dedicated team of support staff ready to assist you. You'll also have access to UNI services such as:

  • Personalized academic advising
  • Support from Financial Aid, Career Services and Rod Library staff
  • Academic support and tutoring opportunities from the Learning Center
  • Access to student accessibility services and staff
  • Technical support assistance
two principalship students talking in a classroom, smiling

Students who have previously earned a master's degree in education often choose the ASC over a second master's degree. Also, if you are considering applying to the UNI Doctor of Education program, the credit hours (units) earned for the ASC can be counted toward the Principalship Intensive Study Area in the doctoral program.

Admission Requirements

  • 2.75 is the minimum GPA to be accepted without provision; applicants with a GPA lower than 2.75 may still be admitted provisionally, at the discretion of the program and the Division of Graduate Studies.
  • Along with the application, you’ll need to submit:
    • Letters of Recommendation (one from an administrator)
    • Resume that includes your educational background, leadership/teaching/work experiences, professional development/professional memberships, and other related activities, etc.
    • Applicant statement
    • Writing sample (no more than two pages, double-spaced)
    • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.

Teacher Licensure Requirements

To be admitted to the program, applicants must hold a “Standard Teaching” license or provide a statement from their principal regarding the intent to recommend standard licensure once the candidate has completed their probationary period. According to Iowa licensure, candidates must have a minimum of 3 years of successful teaching and hold a standard teaching license to qualify for the PK-12 Principalship endorsement. Those that are on a “Professional Service” license will qualify to enter the program but will need to meet the Professional Education Core requirements, in addition to our program requirements, to qualify for licensure with the BOEE.  Please contact the program coordinator with any questions or concerns.

If you are a post-BA student and have been in the workforce for several years, you may wish to explore an alternative licensure program - the Regents Alternative Pathway to Iowa Licensure (RAPIL). 

Next Steps


Express Interest

Complete our online information request form. We'll send program updates, important information and application deadlines directly to your inbox!


Learn More

Visit the Department of Educational Psychology, Foundations & Leadership Studies webpage to learn more. 


Contact Us

Our team of support staff is available to help you throughout your UNI journey.

Contact us at 319-273-7206 or online@uni.edu for assistance!

 

Delivery of this program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program. 

This program meets the licensure requirements for the state of Iowa. UNI has not determined if the program meets the licensure requirements in any other state. For further information about whether or not this program meets the licensing requirements in your state, please contact your state board (a list of state agencies can be found here).