Education Specialist in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation Online
Help shape the future of PK-12 education while completing the requirements for a Principal Endorsement on your Illinois Professional Educator license.
Enrollment for our accelerated online EdS programs is open. Get started today!
Program Overview
Learn more about the online EdS – Principal Preparation program
$15,934.05
Total Tuition
as few as 12 months
Program Duration
33
Credit Hours
Add to your master’s-level credentials and fast-track your career in school administration with the EdS, Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation online program from SIUE.
This fully accredited online program prepares you to transition into school leadership roles while building on the expertise from your master’s degree. You will study sociocultural foundations of education, school law, instructional and curriculum leadership, data-driven school improvement and accountability, and more. Field experiences are embedded into the curriculum.
Upon graduation, SIUE verifies that you have completed the necessary steps and entitles certification with the Illinois State Board of Education. The principal endorsement is also one of the pathways to earning a superintendent endorsement in Illinois. The course work is generally acceptable for certification in other states, including Initial Administration Certification in Missouri. Click here for considerations regarding licensure in other states.
This dynamic post-master’s program is aligned to standards established by both the National Policy Board for Educational Administration and the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC). Plus, SIUE is a member of the University Council of Educational Administration, a premier organization for educational leadership and administration.
In this online principal preparation program, you will learn to:
- Develop a professional knowledge base integrating both practical and research knowledge and linking theory with inquiry
- Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse communities and build partnerships
- Use school-level data and research evidence to identify problems and develop meaningful solutions
- Understand equity, ethics and social justice as applied to educational practice
- Construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities
- Develop a professional knowledge base integrating both practical and research knowledge and linking theory with inquiry
- Demonstrate collaboration and communication skills to work with diverse communities and build partnerships
- Use school-level data and research evidence to identify problems and develop meaningful solutions
- Understand equity, ethics and social justice as applied to educational practice
- Construct and apply knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities
Career opportunities:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Athletic Director
- Dean of Students
- Department Head
- Instructional Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
- Grade Level Coordinator
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Athletic Director
- Dean of Students
- Department Head
- Instructional Coordinator
- Program Coordinator
- Grade Level Coordinator
In 2013, NCATE merged with the Teacher Education Accreditation Council to form the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). The SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by CAEP.
Tuition
Get the details on our affordable tuition
Tuition for the EdS, Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation online degree program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.
This program is eligible for tuition support through the Illinois School Leader Pipeline Program. For more information see this link.
$482.85
Per Credit Hour
$1,448.55
Per 3 Credit-Hour Course
$15,934.05*
Total Tuition
If you are applying for financial aid, please use Federal School Code 001759. For more information, please contact our financial aid office by calling 618-650-3880 or emailing [email protected].
*Tuition includes all fees and is subject to change without notice. The University reserves the right to increase tuition and fees at any time.
Calendar
Here's when you can get started on your online EdS
The principal preparation program is delivered in an online format ideal for working educators, conveniently featuring six start dates each year. Choose the start date that best fits your goals.
Upcoming Start Dates
1/2/25
Next Application Deadline
1/18/25
Start Classes
| Term | Start Date | Application/Financial Aid Deadline | Document & Financial Aid Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I | 1/18/25 | 1/2/25 | 1/8/25 | 1/14/25 | 1/16/25 | 3/7/25 |
| Spring II | 3/22/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/12/25 | 3/18/25 | 3/20/25 | 5/9/25 |
| Summer I | 5/12/25 | 4/23/25 | 4/30/25 | 5/6/25 | 5/8/25 | 6/23/25 |
| Summer II | 6/28/25 | 6/11/25 | 6/18/25 | 6/24/25 | 6/26/25 | 8/9/25 |
Admissions
Here's what you need to know before applying for our online EdS
Admission to the EdS, Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation online program is based on a variety of factors. You must submit a graduate school application, all post-secondary academic transcripts and a $40 application fee.
EdS online admission requirements:
- Master of Science in Education degree with cumulative 3.25 GPA in graduate studies work
- Transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
- All applicants must show they have at least two years of full-time teaching experience on a valid state license.
- Qualifying for licensure at program completion requires 4 years of experience as a teacher or school support personnel on a valid state license or completion of an Illinois 80-08 form.
- No GRE score required for admission
- All applicants with foreign academic credentials whose first language is not English must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency in advance of admission
- Proof of English Proficiency: minimum requirements are TOEFL (79), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent
Students meeting the admission requirements will be given provisional admission allowing them to enroll in EDAD 500: Organization and Administration of Schools. During EDAD 500, students complete the candidate selection process. This process includes:
- Completion of a leadership portfolio summarizing leadership experience and potential for instructional leadership
- Identification of a qualified mentor for internship experiences
- Participation in a selection interview
- An assessment of written communication skills based on a response to a case study
Upon successful completion of EDAD 500 and selection as a candidate, students receive full admittance to the program.
All required documents (e.g., official transcripts) should be sent to the following address:
SIUE Office of Graduate and International Admissions
Campus Box 1047
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1047
Electronic official transcripts should be submitted to [email protected].
Have a question? Call us at 877-244-4661Courses
Gain insights into the principal preparation online course work
The EdS, Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation online curriculum is comprised of 33 credit hours.
Also available:
MSEd, Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation
