Educational Leadership

Master of Education | Principal Licensure

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Earn your principal licensure and become a leader in education.

Principals are some of the most important and visible members of any school district. Serving as the bridge between students, families and teachers, principals are seen as respected leaders of not only their schools but of their larger communities. The Regis M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure was created to help accomplished educators transform their knowledge and experience into a valuable leadership role at the school or district level.

Being a principal or district leader combines the administrative, ethical and fiscal challenges of running an organization with the guidance, foresight and educational requirements of being a teacher. Our program focuses on practical skills and measurable outcomes — you’ll gain increased self-awareness and explore different leadership styles, as you refine your own leadership preferences and educational methodologies. The cohort-based model provides peer support and networking opportunities, as you build your skills and gain new experiences alongside other future school leaders.

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Statement of Purpose

The Division of Education at Regis University prepares educators who are committed to our Jesuit values, including social justice, anti-racist teaching, inclusive, culturally sustaining, multilingual education and building a compassionate community. We are committed to preparing empowered, resilient educators who work with their students, schools and communities to advocate for change.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
8-week courses in a blended format

Time Commitment
12 - 18 months

Key Dates
Starts are offered in August, January and May

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"We focus on helping our students understand all facets of leading a school or district"

Name: Jerry Goings

Title: Program Director, Educational Leadership

Hometown: Morrison, CO

Read More About Dr. Goings

What kind of professional expertise and knowledge do you bring to the education classroom?
I am a graduate of Regis College, where I earned my B.A. in History and Education. I have 32 years of experience in K-12 public education, with the last 16 years as an assistant principal and principal at the high school level. My last 10 years I served as principal of Highlands Ranch High School. I have and continue to serve as a mentor for school leaders and am certified to facilitate workshops utilizing STEP (Student/Teacher Emergenetics Program).

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure program and the certificate program at Regis?
All faculty and staff have extensive experience in K-12 education. We strive to make learning relevant and applicable in leading K-12 schools and districts. Our program is flexible, offering blended programing for full-time K-12 teachers.

What are the key skills and/or experiences students gain in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure program?
Our first goal is to help our students gain a better understanding of themselves and their presence as a leader. Our program is aligned with the Colorado Department of Education Principal/Leadership standards. We focus on helping our students understand all facets of leading a school or district, starting with the foundation of building a strong organizational culture. We then focus on the knowledge and skills needed to lead the day-to-day operations and instructional programming in a K-12 school or district.

What differentiates the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure from similar programs at other universities?
Our program is accelerated, meaning a teacher can earn an Educational Leadership Certificate and Colorado principal licensure in less than a year. Students have the choice to continue and earn a master’s degree in less than 15 months. We use Emergenetics, a thinking/behavior profile used to help students gain a better understanding of themselves and others. We use the profile to help our potential leaders with building and maintaining trust with those they lead.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering finishing their degree, continuing their education, or pursuing a degree for the first time as an adult?
Most adults pursuing a degree in our program are also working full time. Time management is key to success; you have to be disciplined with a schedule of when you do schoolwork and studying. Make sure you communicate with your instructors and ask for help when you need it. Find your passion — this will make learning enjoyable and rewarding.

By the Numbers

94%

Of enrolled students who complete the program

10%

Tuition discount offered for licensed or contracted teachers

$98400

Avg. salary for K-12 principals*

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm

sign reading Classroom 139 on the wall outside a room where a teacher and student sit conversing at desks

Fast Track to Principal Licensure

For those who already have a master's degree or are looking to achieve principal licensure in fewer credit hours, our graduate certificate is a great option to propel your career forward.

Master of Education + Principal Licensure
30 credit hours

Graduate Certificate + Principal Licensure
24 credit hours

Check Out the Certificate Program

Program Details

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Get all the details on our Master of Education in Educational Leadership program, including course requirements, application materials and a sample course sequence. And explore the Academic Catalog for full descriptions of all courses.

Imagine Yourself In ...

EDLS 614: Educational Research for Leaders

Evaluate current research on effective leadership practices in educational settings and gain essential knowledge about the validity and reliability of effective educational research to lead a variety of school improvement initiatives.

EDLS 690: School Strategy and Sustainability

Analyze the forces shaping the education environment and the fundamental strategic choices leaders make that influence school performance including processes for the development and articulation of vision and mission.

EDLS 694: Education Policy and Organization Leadership

Examine educational policy debates, reform efforts at both the federal and state levels and issues such as teacher policy and leadership, teacher unions, and historical and recent reform efforts in schools across the nation.

To apply to the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program, you will need:

Completed online application
Official degree-bearing transcript(s) from a regionally accredited college or university
Resume

Real people. Really invested in you. Contact your admissions counselor today and learn how we help you each step of the way.

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Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year: $589 per credit hour
10% tuition discount is available for licensed or contracted teachers.
For information on program-specific fees visit regis.edu/cost. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Total program credits: 30

Earning your Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Regis sets you apart and expands your professional network — think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or sign up for one of our upcoming graduate financial aid information sessions.

Learn More About Financial Aid Options

Principal Licensure Requirements

The M.Ed. Educational Leadership program is a CDE state-approved principal license preparation program. Licensure is subject to the rules of the Colorado Department of Education’s experience requirements. To earn a principal’s license in Colorado, applicants must have three years in a licensed capacity in a school district.

A Culture of Excellence

Want to learn more? Here's something for you:
The Master of Educational Leadership is offered by the Division of Education within Regis College.