School of Education | Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC) | School Principal Preparation

School Principal Preparation

Preparing School Leaders for Over 30 Years

For more than three decades, UNC Greensboro’s Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundations (ELC) has equipped passionate educators to become licensed school administrators across the Piedmont Triad and throughout North Carolina.

Our principal preparation programs provide comprehensive training in key leadership domains—instructional, managerial, cultural, and micro-political—aligned with the North Carolina Standards for School Executives. Students explore critical topics such as:

  • Culturally responsive leadership
  • Student and school achievement
  • Conflict resolution
  • Community and family engagement

Our faculty bring together the best of both worlds: seasoned K–12 leaders and active researchers in educational leadership. Each program is thoughtfully designed to meet the needs and schedules of adult learners.

Graduates who meet all program and state requirements are eligible for North Carolina principal licensure.

Program Pages

Education students in mock scenarios they'll face in the workplace.

Master’s in School Administration (MSA)

Students engage the content of leadership preparation through graduate classroom engagement and assignments, observing schools and school leaders in their practice, and performing tasks under the supervision of a school-based and university mentor during the internship. 

This 2-year program is offered fully online.

Learn More About the MSA Program
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PPEERS – MSA

Principal Preparation for Excellence and Equity in Rural Schools (PPEERS) is looking for those who are passionate about rural schools and who would like to participate in a fully-funded, intensive 42-credit hour Master of School Administration (MSA) two-year degree program.

The admissions process for the next PPEERS cohort begins in January.

Learn More About the PPEERS Program
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Post Masters Certificate in School Administration (PMC-SA)

The P.M.C. in School Administration is designed to help build skills to meet the needs of all students and have a significant impact beyond the classroom. Students will learn about being a principal while studying anywhere, anytime in a convenient, first-rate program.

This 1-year program is offered fully online.

Learn More About the PMC-SA Program

SOE SCHOLARSHIPS & FUNDING

A variety of financial aid is available to our students, including scholarships based on academic merit and financial need. We invite you to explore the many scholarship and funding opportunities offered in the School of Education.