Administrative Licensure Programs
Online or Hybrid
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Hamline’s Online Administrative Licensure Programs
As classrooms evolve to meet the challenges of education today, so too must school administrations. You've already shown your dedication to education, now, you can take the next step to guide the field into the future.
When you pursue your principal, superintendent, or director of special education license, you will:
- Build your foundational knowledge through instruction that blends theory and practice
- Develop confidence in the complex duties required of education leaders in today's schools and districts through hands-on learning experiences
- Learn culturally-responsive instructional leadership to meet the needs of an increasingly broad range of stakeholders, foster leadership across learning environments, and implement result-based education
What will it take?
Minnesota Administrative License program details
Start dates and application deadlines
We review applications on a rolling basis, meaning you can apply and start your Administrative Licensure program at three separate times throughout the year. We recommend applying at least six weeks before the term you want to start begins to ensure your spot.
Online Administrative License programs format
With our flexible format, you'll have the option of fully online or hybrid courses.
- Online courses are synchronous and held in the evenings with varied start and end times, but generally, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Hybrid courses are online with one to three sessions in-person on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Time to complete your administrative licensure program
You can complete your administrative license at your own pace, and finish in as few as 21 to 24 months.
Minnesota administrative license courses
Hamline’s Administrative Licensure program is a hybrid model, which allows you to complete coursework primarily online with limited on-campus instruction in as few as two years.
A Hamline administrative license includes:
- Completion of coursework (details below)
- Electronic portfolio
- 320-hour field experience
The state of Minnesota requires administrative licensure applicants to acquire a minimum of 60 credits past a baccalaureate degree, which must include a master’s degree.
Administrative licensure candidates at Hamline complete a pre-assessment of the state’s administrative licensure competencies in the Initial Leadership Assessment course. This course will determine development of the state competencies, collaborative and equity leadership, as well as establish a program plan for course sequencing and licensure completion.
An initial Minnesota administrative license requires 26 credits.
General courses for all licensure areas (16 credits):
- GED 8145: Introduction to Administrative Licensure (2 credits)
- GED 8150: Initial Leadership Assessment (2 credits)
- GED 8100: Leadership and Organization (4 credits)
- GED 8125: School Finance (2 credits)
- GED 8142: Education Law and Ethics (4 credits)
- GED 8101: Human Relations in Organizations (2 credits)
One licensure-focused course (4 credits):
- GED 8135: The K-12 Principal
- GED 8120: The District Superintendent
- GED 8115: Director of Special Education
Field experience (6 credits):
- Field Experience I: Plan (2 credits)
- Field Experience II: Portfolio (2 credits)
- Field Experience III: Exit (2 credits)
Elective courses (0 to 4 credits):
- Number of electives varies by student and ranges from 0 to 4 credits
- The minimum number of elective credits required is determined by evaluating two factors:
- Whether the candidate needs additional coursework to develop leadership competencies
- If the candidate still needs additional credits to satisfy the state requirement of acquiring 60 credits beyond their bachelor's degree, including post-BA credits, a master's degree, and licensure coursework
- Transferred coursework can be included with approval by the program director
- Electives are selected to develop leadership competencies
Hamline offers a pathway to administrative licensure for K-12 principals, district superintendents, and special education directors. Hamline's Administrative Licensure program is compliant with all requirements described in Minnesota Administrative Rules, Chapter 3512. Hamline's Administrative Licensure programs are licensure only and may be applied toward Hamline's Doctorate in Education (EdD).
How to apply to Hamline's administrative licensure programs
Applicants must have:
- A master's degree
- Hold a teaching license
- Have three years of teaching experience
- (Applicants may also satisfy MN Rule Chapter 3512.0700, subpart 4)
Application materials:
- Online application (no fee for US residents). Create a new account to apply or complete your application.
- Official transcript of a master's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 and a bachelor's degree transcript from a regionally accredited university.
- Current Minnesota educator license.
- Resume or curriculum vitae verifying at least three years of classroom teaching experience to meet licensure requirements.
- One-page personal statement that addresses why you aspire to be an educational leader.
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work. If your transcripts are in a language other than English, you must submit both the original transcript and an official course-by-course English translation by a NACES-approved organization. Official transcript of a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0 from a regionally accredited college or university. This should be sent directly from the institution to Graduate Admission or provided in a sealed, signed envelope. Official electronic copies should be emailed to gradprog@hamline.edu. You do not have to provide transcripts for courses taken at Hamline University.
- Two letters of recommendation written by people unrelated to you who are familiar with your academic and/or professional history and who can accurately assess your potential for successful graduate study. The person writing the recommendation must send letters directly to Graduate Admission.
- Non-native speakers of English must also submit evidence of either a bachelor’s degree from an English-language university or a TOEFL iBT of 80, IELTS score of 6.5 or Duolingo of 105.
How we help make your Administrative Licensure affordable
Competitive tuition
When you invest in getting your administrative license from Hamline, you benefit from licensure with a prestigious reputation from Minnesota's first university. We work hard to ensure our tuition, accompanied by tuition discounts and other financial aid, is a worthwhile investment for all students.
Financial aid
In addition to the tuition discounts listed below, additional financial aid is also available, and many graduate students use low-interest loans to finance their education.
- Learning partnership discounts - 10% off tuition
- Service scholarships - 10% off tuition
- Alumni discounts - 10% off tuition