The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:

Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) Program (Quarter)

For students beginning their program February 26, 2024 or later.

Walden University’s Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) program is approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators as a principal preparation program that leads to P–12 Principal Licensure in Minnesota, as well as the Ohio Board of Regents as a principal preparation program that leads to Building Level Principal Licenses (grades PreK–6, grades 4–9, and grades 5–12). With curriculum aligned to key professional organizations such as the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium, the National Policy Board for Educational Administration, the Ohio Board of Regents, and the Minnesota Board of School Administrators, principal candidates can expect a learning experience that is based on established standards by respected organizations.

This program will prepare principal candidates to become exemplary, well-informed school leaders who can manage complex educational issues, evaluate and improve instructional programs, develop diverse school personnel, and create a shared strategic vision, as well as encourage and inspire students, staff, families, and the community to provide a safe and secure learning environment. This unique, scholar-practitioner program is grounded in research and provides authentic school leadership experiences that will lead to the successful development of principal candidates.

Walden is approved by the Minnesota Board of School Administrators and by the Ohio Department of Higher Education to offer a program leading to initial principal licensure. Candidates must select if they wish to pursue Minnesota or Ohio licensure requirements before the end of their first course in the program. Candidates seeking licensure in Minnesota or Ohio are responsible for completing any other Minnesota or Ohio requirements beyond Walden's state-approved program. The Minnesota Board of School Administrators or the Ohio Department of Higher Education is solely responsible for reviewing applications and issuing licenses.

Individuals interested in licensure in states other than Minnesota or Ohio may qualify by virtue of completing a state-approved educator preparation program; however, individuals must review their state's regulations to ensure the program meets all requirements, paying particular attention to any requirements specific to out-of-state program completers. Individuals who reside in certain states may be ineligible to enroll in this program. Walden Enrollment Specialists can provide guidance on licensure questions however, it remains the individual's responsibility to understand and comply with all state licensure requirements. Walden makes no representation or guarantee that completion of Walden coursework or programs will permit an individual to obtain state licensure.

• 56 total quarter credits
• Foundation course (5 quarter credits)
• Core courses (45 quarter credits)
• Field Experience* courses (6 quarter credits)
• ePortfolio

*Note: In addition to Walden’s general technical requirements, candidates must have access to technology (i.e., scanner or camera) that allows them to electronically submit signed documents verifying their field experience hours.

Foundation Course (5 quarter credits)

Core Courses (45 quarter credits)

Field Experience Courses (6 quarter credits)

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Walden University requires that all candidates in its principal preparation program review the Candidate Handbook and the Field Experience Handbook in order to help them understand the guidelines and requirements of the program.

Candidates can access both handbooks (PDF) from their ePortfolio. Candidates enrolled in the principal preparation program should refer to the Candidate Handbook for complete information on the program and other university policies and procedures related to the program’s specializations. Candidates should refer to the Field Experience Handbook for detailed information regarding the field experience requirements in the program.