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 2024
- Apply by May 15, 2024
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 15% of online master's in education programs in 2023 by U.S. News and World Report
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.
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Kenneth Hayes Program Coordinator Instructor, Educational Psychology, Foundations and Leadership Studies |
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Janelle Finke Enrollment Contact janelle.finke@uni.edu |
Request Information
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 2022 Program Sequences:
Fall 2023 Program Sequences by cohort:
Fall 2024 Program Sequences by cohort:
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.
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
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 2022 Program Sequences:
Fall 2023 Program Sequences by cohort:
Fall 2024 Program Sequences by cohort:
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.
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
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.
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!
Apply now
Along with the application, students should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Office of Admissions.
Submit your application by May 15, 2024.
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).
Kathleen Konrardy
"I met some of the greatest people through my cohort! (#purple2020) We got to know each other over Monday night Zooms, but the best week was really when we converged on campus and met face to face. Our cohort keeps in touch regularly; it is such a great support system we have built. Beyond my classmates, the professors in the principalship program are amazing. Within just a few days of beginning my new role as principal, I had a professor from the program check in on me and see how I was doing! I have already reached out to a few of them for advice! It's clear that the professors care long after our classes are finished!"
Principal, Our Lady of Guadalupe Spanish Immersion School
Anthony Jahr
"The cohort model was my favorite part of my UNI experience. Getting to hear about everyone's different experiences and background really allowed me to grow as a leader. I still keep in touch with several cohort members and see utilizing them as a resource for the rest of my career."
Class of 2020, Principalship MAE
Patty Foster
"I wanted a program that would stretch my thinking and build my capacity as a leader. Because the majority of the program's instructors and mentors have been practicing principals and superintendents, they brought a wealth of experiences. This deepened my commitment and desire to find a position where I felt I could foster change and make a difference for today's students."
Principalship ASC