Both principals and assistant principals (APs) play central roles in running a school, but they serve different functions and carry different levels of responsibility. Understanding the distinction helps educators who are planning their careers decide which path to pursue first.
The online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation program from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) prepares educators for both roles, helping them build the leadership skills needed to advance to the principalship. Explore Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s online MSEd program to learn how it prepares you for school leadership.
What Is a School Principal?
A school principal is the top administrator on a campus. Principals are responsible for the overall direction and performance of the school. They set academic goals, evaluate teachers and staff, manage budgets, address problems and serve as the primary point of contact for the district and the community.
Principals are also responsible for school culture and ensure that the environment supports learning for every student. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for school principals was $104,070 in May 2024.
What Is an Assistant Principal?
An assistant principal (AP) supports the principal by handling day-to-day operations and student services. The AP role is often focused on student discipline, scheduling, attendance and logistics. In larger schools, multiple assistant principals may divide responsibilities by grade level, department or function.
The exact mix of duties often depends on school level. In elementary schools, an assistant principal may focus more on individual student support and family communication, while in middle and high schools the role frequently expands to include athletics oversight, extracurricular programs and a higher volume of discipline referrals.
Principal vs. Assistant Principal: Role Comparison
Principals and assistant principals both contribute to a school’s success, but their day-to-day responsibilities differ significantly. The table below summarizes how the two roles compare across key areas such as focus, reporting lines, budget authority and typical salary.
Reviewing these differences side by side can help educators pinpoint which role aligns with their current experience and career goals. It’s also useful context for anyone comparing the two positions before choosing a graduate program or licensure pathway.
| Principal | Assistant Principal | |
| Primary focus | School-wide vision, academic outcomes, community leadership | Day-to-day operations, student services, staff support |
| Reports to | District superintendent or district office | School principal |
| Teacher evaluation | Leads and signs off on evaluations | Often assists with observation and documentation |
| Budget authority | Full budget oversight | Limited or advisory role |
| Discipline | Sets policy; handles escalated cases | Manages daily student discipline |
| Visibility | Represents school to district and community | High visibility within the school building |
| Median salary (BLS) | $104,070 (May 2024) | Typically lower; varies by state and district |
These distinctions aren’t rigid in every district, but they reflect the general division of labor most schools follow. Educators moving between the two roles should expect the shift in scope, even when specific duties overlap.
Do Assistant Principals Need the Same Credentials as Principals?
In most states, assistant principals are required to hold the same administrative license as principals. That means the same master’s degree, state-approved preparation program and licensure exam requirements apply to both roles.
Some states have separate endorsements or pathways for assistant principals, but the preparation is generally the same. Earning your administrative license qualifies you for both the assistant principal and principal role in most states. Checking with your state’s department of education is the best way to confirm the exact requirements where you plan to work.
The Career Path From Assistant Principal to Principal
Most school principals spent time as assistant principals before taking on the lead role. The AP role builds the operational experience, including discipline management, scheduling and staff coordination, that prepares educators for the broader responsibilities of the principalship.
BLS projects approximately 20,800 principal job openings per year through 2034, creating consistent demand for qualified candidates in the pipeline. Educators who move through the assistant principal role are typically well-positioned to compete for principal openings. For a detailed breakdown of licensure requirements at each stage, see The Pathway to Becoming a School Principal in Illinois.
Which Role Should You Pursue First?
For most educators, the assistant principal role is the practical first step, though some move directly into the principal role from the classroom, particularly in smaller or rural districts.
Either way, earning a master’s degree in educational leadership is the key first move. SIUE’s online MSEd in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation program can prepare candidates for either path. One SIUE graduate’s path from classroom teacher to district superintendent illustrates how far that foundation can lead.
Prepare for School Leadership With an Online MSEd From SIUE
SIUE’s online MSEd – Principal Preparation program gives educators the credentials and competencies they need to pursue both the assistant principal and principal role. The program meets Illinois licensure requirements for the Pre-K – Age 22 Principal Endorsement through a combination of online coursework and a supervised field internship.
SIUE faculty support candidates through every stage of the process, from coursework through the licensure documentation required by the Illinois State Board of Education. That guidance helps working educators stay on track for graduation and licensure without losing momentum in their current roles.
Learn more about SIUE’s online MSEd in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing between the assistant principal and principal path often raises additional questions about credentials, timelines and day-to-day expectations. The answers below address some of the most common questions educators have as they plan their next career move.
How long does it take to become an assistant principal?
Most educators become eligible for an assistant principal role after several years of teaching experience and completion of a state-approved administrator preparation program, which often takes about one to two years to finish.
Can you skip the assistant principal role and become a principal directly?
It’s possible in some districts, especially smaller or rural schools, but most hiring committees prefer candidates who have first served as an assistant principal.
Do assistant principals need a separate license from principals?
In most states, assistant principals and principals hold the same administrative license, though some states offer distinct endorsements or pathways for each role.
What is the biggest difference between a principal and an assistant principal?
Principals hold final authority over a school’s budget, staffing and overall direction, while assistant principals focus on day-to-day operations and student support under the principal’s supervision.
About SIUE’s Online MSEd in Educational Administration With a Specialization in Principal Preparation Program
SIUE’s online MSEd in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Principal Preparation program is designed around the practical demands of working educators. SIUE offers a combination of academic rigor, licensure-aligned coursework and flexible scheduling that fits around a full-time teaching career, making it a strong choice for aspiring administrators in Illinois.
SIUE is a public research university located in Edwardsville, Illinois, part of the Southern Illinois University system. The university serves students through undergraduate and graduate programs across business, education, health sciences, engineering and the arts and sciences. SIUE’s School of Education is known for preparing classroom teachers and school leaders who go on to serve Illinois public schools, and the university’s online Master of Science in Education programs extend that mission to working professionals across the state.
