Principal Licensure Program (WI 5051)

Develop the skills, experience, and leadership confidence to become a school principal through our convenient blended program.

30 years preparing Wisconsin educational leaders

Multiple virtual synchronous (or live) cohort options at locations throughout Wisconsin

75%+ principal job rate within three years of completion

Advance Your Career in Educational Leadership With Viterbo’s Principal Licensure Program

Schools need visionary leaders who can advocate for students, foster professional learning communities, and drive improvement. Become that kind of leader through Viterbo University’s Principal Licensure program, which blends real-world leadership training with flexible learning options tailored for working teachers and administrators like you.

For almost 30 years, our educational leadership program has been helping future principals develop the mission-driven, culturally responsive leadership skills that schools need. You’ll learn from experienced principals and superintendents as you earn your principal certificate through evening, weekend, or synchronous online classes designed to fit your busy schedule.

Whether you’re looking to become a principal, assistant principal, or dean of students, our licensure program empowers you with the knowledge, network, and practical experience to lead with integrity.

As a principal licensure student, you’ll:

Complete a two-part practicum experience with an experienced mentor
Build a leadership portfolio aligned with Wisconsin state administrator standards
Cultivate skills in school operations, instructional leadership, and community engagement
Be mentored by experienced school leaders

Principal Licensure Certificate Only

The Principal 5051 program is open to licensed teachers, school counselors, or school social workers. Candidates who hold a master’s degree in an education-related field may be eligible to complete the licensure-only path (24 credits). Students without a master’s will pair the MA in Education with the licensure (36 credits), minimizing the time and resources required to obtain their certificate.

Master of Arts in Education—Principal Licensure

The MA in Education with principal licensure program was designed to optimize the time and resources of our teachers by completing both paths together for a total of 36 credits (13 courses). As a master’s degree is required for any administrative license, this is an ideal way to complete both simultaneously. By obtaining your MA in Education, you’ll be well prepared for a wide variety of school and district leadership positions.

Principal Licensure Program Highlights

Viterbo’s Principal Licensure program is built around flexibility, mentorship, and real-world preparation. You’ll benefit from a learning experience that focuses on your career goals and your professional development.

Principal Licensure program highlights include:

Multiple locations and formats: Choose from five regional cohort sites or join a synchronous online cohort.
Experienced faculty: Learn from instructors who are practicing or retired principals, superintendents, and educational leaders.
Hands-on practicum: Complete a comprehensive, mentored practicum experience aligned with real-world school leadership activities and Wisconsin standards.
Strong career outcomes: 75% of graduates obtain principal or similar school leadership positions within three years, with a nearly 100% placement rate for those willing to relocate.

What Can You Do With a Principal Licensure Certificate?

Completing Viterbo’s Principal Licensure program—either by earning the certificate separately or in combination with an MA in Education—opens doors to a wide range of leadership opportunities in K-12 education. Whether you’re transitioning directly into administration or preparing for future leadership roles, our program equips you with the competencies schools value most.

You’ll graduate ready to meet the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirements for Wisconsin principal licensure and lead with ethical decision-making, instructional excellence, and a strong community focus.

The demand and earning power for school principals remains strong, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projecting that there will be 20,800 school principal job openings annually through 2033. The BLS also states that the median annual salary for elementary, middle school, or high school principals is $104,070.

Possible Principal Licensure Career Paths

Graduates of Viterbo’s Principal Licensure program often go on to pursue career titles such as:

Principal
Assistant principal
Dean of students
Athletic director
Curriculum coordinator
Director of student services

Financial Aid for Principal Licensure Program Students

We believe educational leadership programs should be accessible to students of all financial backgrounds. Viterbo is committed to helping you make your graduate leadership program affordable through a variety of financial aid supports, including:

Federal financial aid available for eligible students
Employer tuition reimbursement program participation
Personalized payment plans to fit within your budget

Examples of Educational Leadership Graduate Program Courses

At Viterbo, our principal training program combines leadership theory with applied practice to prepare you for success from day one. You’ll complete a series of educational leadership courses that blend online learning with high-impact in-person sessions.

Key courses include:

Leadership: Develop leadership frameworks rooted in mission, ethics, and cultural responsiveness.
Organizational Management: Master school operations, human resources, budgeting, and compliance.
Legal Aspects of Education: Navigate the laws and policies impacting schools at the local, state, and federal levels.
Curriculum Development and Instructional Improvement: Learn to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum with a focus on student achievement.
Practicum in Educational Leadership: Apply leadership skills in a real-world setting under the mentorship of a licensed school leader.

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Related Programs at Viterbo University

If you’re interested in building on your education certificate or advancing your school leadership skills, Viterbo offers additional graduate programs for educators, including:

Religious Studies and Theology (BA)

Investigate the nature of God while developing a mature worldview grounded in values that promote the common good.

Internship and job shadowing with nonprofits and parishes

Scholarships available for religious studies and theology students

99% of Viterbo students are employed or in grad school within six months of graduation

Explore Theology, Faith, and Social Justice With a BA in Religious Studies

In Viterbo University’s Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology program, we tackle big questions and explore meaningful answers. You’ll study world religions, Christian theology, and the role of spirituality in a global society, while building skills in writing, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning.

Our small, discussion-based classes and supportive faculty create space for deep reflection and personal growth. With a focus on social justice, our religious studies and theology program encourages you to put your learning into practice through internships, ministry, and community engagement.

Whether you’re called to church leadership, nonprofit work, education, or graduate study, a religious studies degree from Viterbo equips you to lead with purpose and compassion.

In our religious studies and theology program, you’ll learn to:

Analyze scripture, history, and theology across religious traditions
Explore moral and ethical reasoning in contemporary issues
Engage in interfaith dialogue with a global perspective
Apply Franciscan values of service and social justice to your chosen career

Religious Studies and Theology (BA)

Viterbo’s religious studies and theology program explores social justice and the complexities of religion and spirituality in the modern world. You’ll learn from dedicated faculty—both lay and religious—who are active scholars and mentors. Coursework spans religious history, scripture, and theology, with a focus on Christian, Franciscan, and sacramental traditions, as well as moral reasoning.

Religious Studies and Theology (Minor)

Viterbo’s religious studies and theology minor allows students in any major to explore faith, ethics, and spirituality. With 15-25 credits of religious studies coursework, this minor will deepen your understanding of religious traditions and social justice—making it a powerful complement to majors in areas such as nursing, education, social work, and business.

Religious Studies and Theology Program Highlights

Viterbo’s BA in religious studies and theology program combines academic depth, spiritual formation, and real-world experience. You’ll explore Christian and Franciscan theology, engage in interfaith study, and examine today’s moral and ethical challenges—preparing you to lead with insight and integrity.

Program highlights include:

A curriculum rooted in justice and theology: Study scripture, theology, and moral reasoning alongside themes like economic equity, peacebuilding, and social responsibility.
Hands-on learning: Build real-world experience through internships and job shadowing with parishes, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Community engagement: Join events like Theology on (root beer) Tap, take part in campus ministry, and serve through student-led outreach.
Faculty mentorship: Learn from scholars, ministers, and theologians who bring both academic expertise and a deep commitment to student growth.

What Can You Do With a Religious Studies Degree?

A degree in religious studies and theology from Viterbo prepares you for meaningful, mission-driven careers in churches, nonprofits, education, and community outreach. You’ll graduate with the communication, ethical reasoning, and analytical skills needed to lead with compassion—and to pursue advanced study in theology, ministry, counseling, or law.

Demand for professionals with a strong understanding of religion and ethics remains steady. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than half a million jobs exist in the fields of philosophy and religion, with a median annual salary of $60,000. For students interested in nonprofit and community leadership or social and community service manager roles, the BLS projects 8% job growth through 2033, with a median salary of $78,240.

Jobs for religious studies majors include:

Church or campus ministry
Nonprofit leadership
Parish administration
Religious education
Social justice advocacy
Youth ministry

Financial Aid for Religious Studies Majors

Viterbo is committed to making your theology degree affordable, and we offer a range of financial aid services and resources. Religious studies students may qualify for scholarships that support academic and spiritual excellence including:

Clare of Assisi Scholarship
Father Michael C. Braun Scholarship
Phillip G. and Lois F. Roets Award for Biblical Studies
Paula Ripple Comin Spirituality Scholarship

"The rhetoric and social teachings provided by the degree and the leadership of my professors not only strengthened my commitment to serve, but also provided me direction to recognize whom I needed to serve most."

—Molly (Shannon) Johnson, Class of ’13

Examples of Religious Studies Courses

Viterbo’s Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies curriculum provides a strong foundation in theology, ethics, and religious diversity. You’ll also complete internships and a senior capstone that connect academic study with real-world experience.

Examples of our religious studies courses include:

Contemporary Moral Issues: Analyze pressing ethical challenges from a theological lens.
Contemporary Practice in World Religions: Learn how different religious traditions engage today’s global issues.
Franciscan Theology: Study the spiritual and theological heritage of St. Francis.
Senior Thesis Seminar: Conduct research and present on a topic of your choice.
Theology in Contemporary Culture: Explore the role of theology in modern life.
Theology of Justice and Peace: Connect faith with advocacy and social action.

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Related Programs at Viterbo University

If you’re interested in faith, service, and the human experience, you may also want to explore our offerings in:

Ethics, Culture, and Society (BS)
History (ECAS Track)
Philosophy (ECAS Track)

Our Stories

Computer Science (BS)

Solve problems, build solutions, and prepare for in-demand careers with our hands-on computer science degree.

of computer science students complete an internship or co-op

Concentration tracks in business, design, data science, engineering, or mathematics

Collaborative capstone projects with hands-on, real-world learning

Set Yourself Apart With Viterbo’s Computer Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program at Viterbo University combines foundational training in software development and systems design with the ability to apply your skills across industries. You can tailor your computer science degree by choosing coursework that aligns with your personal interests and professional goals. With hands-on training and expertise in your chosen focus areas, you’ll stand out to employers or graduate schools both in Wisconsin and around the world.

Through embedded, team-based projects and career-focused coursework, you’ll gain the tools to solve complex problems and communicate technical ideas as an innovative leader. Whether you choose our internship or co-op pathway, you’ll complete core coursework in computer science, mathematics, information systems, and management.

With our Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, you’ll build skills in data science, software engineering, robotics, and web development, while developing a professional portfolio to showcase your work. You’ll also complete a required internship or co-op, explore another area of interest, and graduate prepared to launch your career or pursue graduate study.

As a computer science major, you will:

Learn to design, build, and evaluate software systems
Apply programming, data analysis, and systems thinking to real-world challenges
Strengthen your communication and teamwork skills through collaborative projects
Gain career-ready experience through internships, co-ops, and capstone courses

Computer Science (BS)

Viterbo’s computer science degree program offers two options for professional experience: the internship pathway (41 credits) or the co-op pathway (47 credits), both of which are part of the 98-108 credits required for your degree. Internships are shorter, part-time roles during a semester or summer, while co-ops are full-time and may alternate with academic terms. In either pathway, you’ll choose a concentration track in business, creative design, data science, engineering, or mathematics.

Computer Science (Minor)

Our computer science minor enhances your major with technical and problem-solving skills in high demand across various industries. Whether you’re studying business, biology, engineering, or the arts, our computer science minor builds foundational knowledge in programming, software development, and data management, broadening your career options and enabling you to apply technology in innovative ways.

Embedded Systems (Minor)

The embedded systems minor integrates computer science and engineering, focusing on programming microprocessors and designing hardware systems. These skills are essential in robotics, where embedded systems control sensors, actuators, and decision-making algorithms. You’ll also explore applications in the Internet of Things (IoT), including smart devices, wearables, automotive systems, and medical technologies. With practical experience in circuit integration and low-level programming, you’ll be prepared for careers in robotics, embedded AI, and advanced automation.

BS in Computer Science Program Highlights

Viterbo’s computer science degree program is ideal for learners who want to make an impact through technology. By choosing a concentration area, you’ll learn to apply your knowledge in innovative ways across a variety of industries. As a CS major, you’ll build a professional portfolio and gain critical teamwork and communication skills that employers value.

Viterbo’s bachelor’s degree in computer science program offers you advantages such as:

Experiential learning: Course-embedded projects will prepare you to solve real problems in teams and showcase your results.
Flexible focus areas: Apply your computer science training in business, creative design, engineering, mathematics, or data science.
Internship or co-op pathway: Gain real-world experience and build your resume with an embedded professional opportunity.
Capstone sequence: Complete a two-semester design project that demonstrates your ability to develop impactful solutions.
Faculty support: Learn in small classes with personalized guidance from faculty who are invested in your success.

What Can You Do With a Computer Science Degree?

Viterbo’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science equips you to pursue exciting and well-paying opportunities with confidence. Whether you’re preparing to enter the workforce or continue to graduate school, our computer science bachelor’s degree provides the skills and experience you need to thrive in a versatile and rewarding career.

The demand for skilled professionals in computing continues to grow across industries, from software engineering and cybersecurity to robotics, data science, and cloud services. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers will increase by 17% through 2033—much faster than the average for all jobs—with a median annual salary of $131,450.

Similarly, job growth for computer network architects is predicted to reach 13% by 2033, with an annual median salary of $130,390, according to the BLS.

With your Viterbo computer science degree, you can pursue jobs such as:

Cloud solutions engineer
Cybersecurity specialist
Data analyst
Network administrator
Robotics programmer
Software developer
Systems architect
Web developer

Financial Aid for Computer Science Majors

At Viterbo University, we believe that a high-quality computer science education should be affordable and accessible. Our financial aid office will work with you to create a personalized funding plan.

Scholarship and aid opportunities may include:

Federal work-study programs
Internship stipends or employer tuition reimbursement
Merit-based scholarships for academic achievement
Need-based grants
Scholarships for STEM majors

"The community was a big reason I decided to come here. People look out for each other, and everyone is really nice. The program’s emphasis on project lifecycle will be a great help on the job and in my career, especially if I want to eventually go into leadership."

—Megan Konkel, Class of ’26

Courses for CS Majors

Viterbo’s bachelor’s in computer science program includes coursework that spans software development, systems engineering, data analysis, and web technologies. You’ll build a strong foundation while customizing your experience through electives and coursework in your focus area.

Examples of courses you may take as a CS major include:

Introduction to Software Engineering: Foundations of design, coding, and software development workflows
Data Structures and Algorithms: Core concepts for efficient, scalable software solutions
Database Systems: Design and implementation of relational and non-relational databases
Networking and Cloud Interface: Exploring internet protocols and cloud-based systems
Embedded Systems Architecture: Programming and designing hardware systems for robotics and IoT
Capstone Design Lab I & II: A two-semester project synthesizing technical and communication skills

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