Educational Leadership & Director of Instruction
Welcome to your next leadership chapter
Advance your career with our online Educational Leadership programs for educators pursuing Wisconsin Principal or Director of Instruction licensure.
Designed for full-time, working teachers and administrators, UWL’s Educational Leadership and Director of Instruction programs help you take the next step in your career. Build the skills to lead schools, support teams and foster effective learning environments.
Our programs are:
- 100% online and asynchronous
- Financial-aid eligible
- Tuition as low as $396/credit
- DPI PK–12 Wisconsin Principal (5051) license-eligible
- DPI Director of Instruction (5010) add-on license-eligible
Choose your path.
(Principal 5051 License) program
MSED + Educational Leadership Certificate
Who is this for?
Teachers who hold a bachelor’s degree in an education-related field.
You will earn:
- Master of Science in Education (MSED)
- Educational Leadership Certificate for WI DPI’s Principal (5051) License
Program requirements about MSED + Educational Leadership Certificate
(Principal 5051 License) program
Educational Leadership Certificate
Who is this for?
Educators who already hold a master's degree in an education field such as education, counseling, or related areas. This certificate-only option offers a direct path to the Wisconsin Principal (5051) license.
You will earn:
- Educational Leadership Certificate for WI DPI’s Principal (5051) License
Program requirements about Educational Leadership Certificate
Meet additional credentials needed for Director of Instruction standards
Director of Instruction (5010) Add-On
Who is this for?
Teachers or administrators who currently hold—or are eligible for—the Principal (5051) License. Build on your principal preparation by completing the additional credentials required for the Wisconsin Director of Instruction (5010) license.
You will earn:
- Director of Instruction Certificate for WI DPI’s Director of Instruction (5010) License
Program requirements about Director of Instruction (5010) Add-On
This flexible, fully online program supports current teachers, administrators and K–12 education professionals seeking leadership licensure in Wisconsin. After successfully completing the required coursework and competencies, you will earn a certificate that qualifies you to apply for a Department of Public Instruction (DPI) licensure as a Principal (5051) or Director of Instruction (5010).
Career outlook
Why choose UWL’s Educational Leadership and Director of Instruction Programs?
At just $396/credit UWL’s programs are some of the most affordable education leadership and director of instruction programs available nationwide.
With 100% online, asynchronous courses, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that fits your life and your classroom.
UWL and the School of Education are fully accredited. In addition, the Master of Science in Education (MSED) + Educational Leadership Certificate and Educational Leadership Certificate programs meet the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, the Wisconsin Administrative Standards, and professional educational requirements for principal licensure in Wisconsin.
Our programs use a cohort model that builds strong connections among peers and faculty. Graduates frequently highlight the supportive environment and the ability to learn from one another while applying concepts to real leadership scenarios.
Courses emphasize practical, real-world application of materials, offering a balance of theory and hands-on experience. You’ll engage with authentic leadership challenges and applied projects that prepare you to lead effectively from day one.
About 90% of program graduates report feeling “fairly or very well prepared” to meet ILA standards — recognized benchmarks for principal, superintendent and K–12 leadership preparation.
Important dates
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Your application will be reviewed as soon as it is complete.
Continuous notification
