Courses provide an understanding and leadership experience in the 13 core competencies and the three that are specific to principal licensure. There are 11 core courses required for administrative licensure and two courses (six credits) that are specific to principal leadership: the field experience internship - a 320 hour field experience internship (a minimum of 40 hours at elementary, junior/middle, and high school levels), and Principal as Building Leader.

Students compile an electronic portfolio documenting the development of their competencies throughout the courses and internship. An efolio is presented at their exit assessment meeting.

The program is offered in a flexible format, often cohort-based, to meet the needs of working adults. Classes are scheduled primarily in the evening and Saturday mornings during the school year. Instruction focuses on applied research and practical skills needed by school administrators to become leaders of effective schools.

Principal licensure is typically completed in 18 to 24 months. The program is currently offered at the following locations: Minneapolis campus, Apple Valley, Minnetonka, Cottage Grove, Anoka, Rochester, Worthington, Mankato, Marshall, St. Cloud, Eveleth/Duluth, and Buffalo, and other cohort locations are proposed.

Courses are intended to provide an understanding and leadership experience in the 13 core competencies and the five specific to special education leadership. Nine core courses are required for director of special education licensure. Four courses are specific to special education director licensure: Finance and Law for the Special Ed Director, Technologies in Special Education, the field experience internship - a 320 hour field experience internship (a minimum of 40 hours at second district or organization), and The Special Education Director.

Students compile an electronic portfolio documenting the development of their competency throughout the courses and internship. An efolio is presented at their exit assessment meeting.

The program is offered in a flexible format to meet the needs of working adults. Classes are scheduled primarily in the evening and Saturday mornings during the school year. Instruction focuses on applied research and practical skills needed by special education directors to become leaders of effective special education programs.

The Director of Special Education licensure program is 33 post master’s credits and typically is completed in 18 to 24 months. Students pursuing licensure as both principal and special education director will complete a total of 45 credits which includes two intern field experiences – one for each licensure area, and complete two exit meetings – one for each licensure area.

Potential students must possess a master's degree in an education related field, typically have completed principal or director of special education licensure, and have experience in education leadership.

Courses required for superintendent licensure include the core courses and two courses specific to school district leadership: the field experience internship a 320 hour field experience internship and a course covering the specific competencies of the superintendency. The field experience internship will engage the student at the district leadership/cabinet level with a minimum of 40 hours in a second district or educational organization.

EDS 760: The Superintendency course is offered in two formats. Most students choose to complete the course in a cohort format where they meet in extended sessions with superintendents, school board and other district leaders. During these sessions, students engage experienced leaders in analyzing the competencies and issues faced by superintendents and school districts. Cohort meetings are typically four full day sessions. Cohort meetings are scheduled in various locations throughout Minnesota and on the Twin Cities campus.

Students who have already earned administrative licensure will complete the two courses (6 credits) required for superintendent licensure, document their competency in an electronic portfolio, and present their efolio at an exit assessment meeting.

Students who have not completed an administrative licensure program prior to starting superintendent licensure are required to complete the core competency courses (27 credits) and include the competencies addressed in the core courses in their electronic portfolio and their exit assessment meeting.