Frequently Asked Questions

What Kind of Program Is It?

Walden University's Ed.S. program with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) is designed to help students develop the management, communication, and problem-solving skills they need to assume administrative positions in a variety of educational environments. Program coursework addresses school improvement strategies; resource management; curriculum development and assessment methods; teacher hiring and retaining processes; educational research; faculty management; financial management; and methods for handling school violence, budgeting, student diversity, legal issues, and teacher motivation. A succession of field experiences allows students to work in a professional environment under the guidance of a licensed principal and to attend residencies where they will work closely with faculty members to further enhance skills developed throughout the program.

What Are the Prerequisites?

Students seeking to enter Walden University's Ed.S. program with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) should have a master's degree in addition to administrative experience in an academic setting. Applicants to Walden University's programs should already have a bachelor's degree or higher; applicants may need to complete additional requirements for some programs.

What Are the Program Requirements?

You must complete a total of 36 semester credit hours to earn Walden University's Ed.S. program with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation). This total represents 30 credits in foundational and advanced courses and six one-credit field experiences.

Course Requirements

• Foundations: Educational Leadership and Administration
• Teaching and Learning for School Leaders
• Communication and Collaboration for Leaders
• Ensuring Quality Education for Students with Diverse Needs
• Policy and Law in School Organizations
• Using Data to Strengthen Schools
• Budgeting and Allocating Resources
• Creating Positive, Safe, and Effective Learning Environments
• Leading Curriculum Initiatives: Literacy and Math
• Recruiting, Evaluating, and Retaining School Personnel
• Field Experiences

What Could I Do After I Graduate?

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of Walden University's Ed.S. with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation), you could meet requirements to take the Minnesota state licensure exam for principals. Upon successful completion of state exams, you could pursue principal positions in pre-schools, elementary schools, middle schools, or high schools.

Career opportunities may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this degree program.

Advanced Degrees

While graduates of Walden University's Ed.S. program with a specialization in Educational Leadership and Administration (Principal Preparation) could sit for licensing examinations and seek employment in a variety of academic environments; some might choose to continue their education. Degrees listed are not institution-specific but constitute a sampling of continuing education options for graduates. Doctoral degrees you could pursue include:

• Ph.D. in Education
• Ph.D. in Educational Administration
• Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
• Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in K - 12 Educational Leadership