Educational Leadership & Director of Instruction

Welcome to your next leadership chapter

Teacher license Master's Grad certificate

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.

A program within Institute for Professional Studies in Education

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(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

(WI Principal 5051) 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 (WI 5010) Add-On

Who is this for?
Teachers or administrators who currently hold—or are eligible for—the Principal (WI 5051) License. Build on your principal preparation by completing the additional credentials required for the Wisconsin Director of Instruction (WI 5010) license.

You will earn:

Director of Instruction Certificate for WI DPI’s Director of Instruction (WI 5010) License

Program requirements about Director of Instruction (WI 5010) Add-On

About the program

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?

Low cost

With tuition as low as $396/credit, UWL’s programs are some of the most affordable education leadership and director of instruction programs available nationwide.

Designed for working professionals

With 100% online, asynchronous courses, you can complete your coursework on a schedule that fits your life and your classroom.

Fully accredited

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. 

A supportive learning community

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.

Real-world application

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.

Proven preparation

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.