Master of Education - Principalship

Mastering the Challenge of Education to Change and Improve Lives

Earning a Master of Education in Principalship prepares educators for leadership roles in K–12 schools, where principals and assistant principals are typically required to hold both a teaching certificate and an advanced degree in educational leadership or administration. Today’s school leaders are expected to drive student success while meeting state and federal standards, making strong leadership, instructional expertise and data-informed decision-making essential.

Designed for aspiring K–12 building principals, SVSU’s M.Ed. in Principalship aligns with Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards and is approved by the Michigan Department of Education for the Administrator Certificate with a Building-Level Endorsement. The program emphasizes improving student achievement through organizational and instructional leadership, blending current research with real-world application.

Students engage in a cohort-based experience that fosters collaboration and professional support while completing the program in approximately 24 months. Coursework is delivered in a flexible hybrid format and integrates field-based projects, problem-based learning, case studies and reflective practice. Throughout the program, students develop practical skills in leadership, technology, and data analysis to effectively support students, teachers and school systems.

The College of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and SVSU is approved by the Michigan State Board of Education as a teacher preparation institution.