College of Education
Principal Licensure
Prepare to guide a school and support the people who make it thrive. Combine leadership coursework, personalized mentorship, and an internship as you work toward Ohio principal licensure.
Principal License at Findlay
Why study Principal License at Findlay?
Prepare to lead a school building through online coursework and supervised field experience. Findlay’s Principal License program is designed for educators developing the skills to support teachers, students, and school communities.
- Study school leadership. Develop the knowledge needed for instructional leadership, school operations, and decisions that affect learning.
- Apply your learning. Complete a required internship in a state-approved school setting and connect coursework with leadership practice.
- Choose the path that fits your background. Requirements are tailored for University of Findlay graduates and candidates from other institutions.
- Online courses. Courses are designed specifically for working educators and are in a predictable course sequence that supports degree completion planning.
- Meaningful Experiences. Authentic leadership projects connected to current professional responsibilities and meaningful internship experiences in PK-12 school settings
- Applied problem-solving opportunities. Data-based decision-making experiences as well as school improvement planning and leadership development.
The program offers a route toward principal licensure for eligible educators; confirm current state licensure and admission requirements before enrolling.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Principal Licensure by the Numbers
27
Required credits
Listed for the Principal Licensure program.
200
Internship hours
Principal licensure candidates are provided with extensive field-based leadership experiences in Ohio schools.
89%
OAE Pass Rate
In 2025, 89% of University of Findlay principal licensure candidates passed this assessment.
- The University of Findlay Principal Licensure Program is aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Standards and the Ohio Standards for Principals, ensuring candidates are prepared to meet national expectations for effective school leadership.
- More than 35 aspiring principals have completed the University of Findlay Principal Licensure Program during the past three academic years.
Why Students Choose the University of Findlay
Our candidates consistently value:
- Online courses designed specifically for working educators
- A predictable course sequence that supports degree completion planning
- Authentic leadership projects connected to current professional responsibilities
- Meaningful internship experiences in PK-12 school settings
- Applied problem-solving opportunities
- Data-based decision-making experiences
- School improvement planning and leadership development
student resources
Support Wherever You Learn
Whether you study online, attend weekend classes, or do both, find academic support, writing help, library resources, technology assistance, and health and wellness services.
Coming to campus? Plan your visit with information about dining, lodging, parking, and bookstore and library hours.
College of Education
At a Glance
College
College of Education
Degree
Principal Licensure
Format
On-Campus or Online
Required credits
27 Credits
Curriculum
Course Requirements
If you’ve earned your Masters in Education with a focus in educational administration from the University of Findlay, then you will only need to take the remaining three courses to earn a five-year professional principal license.
If you’ve received your master’s degree from another institution, then you will have to complete the eight required courses and one internship for a total of 27 hours. Transfer credit will be reviewed.
If you need to complete your master’s degree, you can do so through the University of Findlay by successfully completing a required core of 15 semester hours and 18 semester hours of electives selected from the required principal license coursework, for a total of 33 semester hours.
One internship is required and is offered every semester to meet your needs (EDAD 582). Internships are to be completed at a state-approved public or private school.
opportunities
Hands-On Experience
One internship is required and is offered every semester to meet your needs (EDAD 582). Internships are to be completed at a state-approved public or private school.
beyond graduation
Careers
Principal Licensure prepares experienced educators for building-level school leadership. Administrative appointments depend on experience and state credential requirements.
- School principal
- Assistant principal
- Building-level administrator
- Instructional leadership coordinator
Explore related occupations and typical entry requirements in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook profile for school principals.
TESTIMONIALS
The Oiler Experience
Hear directly from students about their experience
at the University of Findlay.
“The University of Findlay’s Educational Administration program was a great choice for me, as they focus not only on traditional leadership, but also a tech-forward future. The Ed Administration program has a clear focus on ethical decision-making, and weaving values such as trust and respect into leadership studies, producing leaders who are digitally fluent and committed to the student as a whole. It was an excellent choice for me, and anyone who wants to lead with innovation and heart.”
“Learning from instructors who had real experience as administrators was the most valuable part of the program.”
“What interested me about attending the University of Findlay was the ability to communicate with faculty and staff. I formed a pretty good relationship with my advisor as I was introduced to the program. I really felt connected and like that advisor was going to listen to me. I didn’t really feel like I’d have a lot of success on a large campus so I wanted something a little more intimate where I could help self-manage myself and Findlay was that place. “
financial aid
Cost of Education
Graduate students can support the cost of their education in a variety of ways during their time at Findlay.
college of education
Accreditation
University of Findlay’s College of Education is accredited by recognized regional and national bodies, ensuring your degree holds weight with employers and institutions nationwide. The College of Education holds national accreditation through CAEP.
Accreditation status is reviewed on a regular basis. For the most current accreditation information, visit the University of Findlay Accreditation page.
GET STARTED
Explore Your Next Step
Ready to see whether Findlay fits your goals?