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.
View Full Course Descriptions
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:
