Principal License Course of Study

Principal License

Course of Study

Principal License curriculum (40 credits)

Direct instruction and group problem-solving assignments will be completed throughout the year. In addition, each cohort member completes a full-year guided practicum experience. All students must agree to complete the entire cohort program even though they may have already completed courses with numbers or titles similar to those required.

Program of study

Please review the following example programs of study:

Required courses

  • ELP 569 Principal Leadership: Introduction (4 credits)
  • ELP 506 Special Topics: Improvement Science for Principals (4 credits)
  • ELP 570 Human Relations and Educational Foundations (4 credits)
  • ELP 571 Teaching, Learning and Curriculum (4 credits)
  • ELP 572 Human Resource Development and Organizational Change (4 credits)
  • ELP 585 Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students and Families (4 credits)
  • ELP 586 High Leverage Practices to Promote Inclusion and Equity (4 credits)
  • ELP 573 Principal Leadership: Project I (1 credit)
  • ELP 574  Principal Leadership: Project II (1 credit)
  • ELP 575  Principal Leadership: Project III (1 credit)
  • ELP 509 Administrative Practicum (9 credits)

The Principal License practicum experience

The Clinical Experience is the heart of our program; through this, interns receive real world practice, access to critical decisions, and quality mentoring at their sites. The 360-hour field-based administrative practicum is the equivalent of working 120 hours per quarter or 12 hours per week in a building-level administrative capacity. During the practicum, the administrative intern, supported by their on-site supervisor, seeks opportunities to develop fully as an educational leader and to acquire proficiency in the seven areas of administrative responsibility as outlined by TSPC's Performance Standards.


Licensure

Candidates seeking recommendation from PSU for the Principal License must:

  • Possess a master’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • Have completed the Principal Licensure program at Portland State University
  • Have completed three years of successful licensed teaching or personnel service experience in public schools or regionally accredited private schools at the time of application
  • Apply for the Principal License within 1 year of completing the program. Currency of your coursework is a consideration by TSPC in granting licensure
  • Contact the College of Education Licensure Office with any questions about licensure