ksu excellence in actionFrequently Asked Questions

What do I need, in terms of training, to be a principal?

The Ohio Depart of Education requires a license in order to practice as a principal in a public school. Private schools and charter schools have varying requirements. There are currently three types of principal licenses available and they are differentiated by the grade levels they focus on. These are: Grades PreK-nine, Grades four through twelve, and Grades nine through twelve. View prospecti (list of course requirements) for these licenses

What are the requirements for obtaining a principal’s license in the state of Ohio?

  • Five years teaching in a grade level that is reflected on the license the new licenses say that they must have two years successful teaching at the age level for which the license is sought. (For example, a high school teacher, with no experience in first grade can not apply for a PreK-nine license.)
  • A Masters (MED) degree in Educational Administration (33 graduate credit hours) and an additional 15 graduate credit hours in educational leadership.
  • A score of 610 on the Praxis II specialty test area: Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (10410)

What are the requirements for admission into the MA program

Candidates for the Master’s program must meet a 3.00 undergraduate GPA. A GPA under 3.0 will require the candidate to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

How many hours of graduate courses do I need to take to earn a Master’s degree in PreK-12 Educational Administration at KSU?

The MA degree in educational administration consists of 33 graduate hours. That does not include a Master’s thesis. For more detailed questions about requirements, contact us.

Can I transfer any courses from other colleges or universities?

The transfer of certain courses in Educational Administration from another university is possible with the approval of an advising professor. Approval is based on the advising professor’s analysis of how the proposed course compares with the offerings at Kent State University along with a review of the course syllabus. Up to 12 hours (four classes) can be approved for transfer if the number of credits and curriculum offerings are equal from the outside institution to Kent State University. Courses in other areas such as curriculum and instruction, counseling, and general education are generally not transferable. This procedure also applies to candidates for the Educational Specialist and Doctor of Philosophy degrees

I almost have a Master’s degree in secondary curriculum and instruction; can I transfer some of that work into a degree in educational administration?

In general, courses in educational administration are the only ones considered for transfer. Occasionally, one course (three credit hours) outside of educational administration core requirements can be considered by advising faculty for transfer. This is on a case-by-case basis and the requirements for consideration are rigid. For more specific questions, see your advisor

I can’t decide which grade level license I want. What if I want two licenses?

It is possible (although very rare) to apply for two licenses. The requirements for a second license include a review of existing transcripts by the student’s assigned faculty advisor along with a separate two semester internship and two additional courses prescribed by the faculty member in the area that is the focus of the second license

I have a Master’s degree in Counseling (or some area other than Educational Administration), but I still want to be a principal. What can I do?

While the 48 hours is still required by the state of Ohio to obtain licensure, the option available for Kent students is to enroll in the Educational Specialists Degree (EdS), PhD program, or obtain a second Master’s degree. Please contact the Program Coordinator to discuss your options.

What do I need, in terms of training, to be a superintendent?

The Ohio Department of Education requires a license in order to practice as a superintendent in a public school. Private schools and charter schools have varying requirements

What are the requirements for obtaining a superintendent’s license in the state of Ohio?

  • Three years of experience in a position requiring a principal’s or administrative specialist’s license. (For example, a teacher, with a principal’s license but no experience cannot apply for a superintendent’s license.)
  • 24 graduate credit hours in educational leadership beyond a Master’s Degree in Education. This includes two semesters of internship
  • Many candidates for this licensure complete it along with an Educational Specialist or Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration

What do I need, in terms of training, to be an administrative specialist?

The Ohio Depart of Education requires a license in order to practice as an administrative specialist in a public school. Private schools and charter schools have varying requirements. Administrative Specialist licenses currently available are: Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development; Pupil Services, Educational/Staff Personnel; School/Community Relations; Vocational Educational Administration; and Educational Research

What are the requirements for obtaining an administrative specialist’s license in the state of Ohio?

  • Two years of successful teaching experience under a professional teacher license
  • 45 graduate credit hours in educational leadership which can be done in conjunction with a Masters, Educational Specialist or Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Educational Administration
  • A score of 610 on the Praxis II specialty test area: Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision (10410)

What is the Educational Specialist Degree (EdS) in Educational Administration?

The EdS is designed as a degree for practicing educators who strive to serve as principals, assistant superintendents, and district administrative specialists in the PreK-12 school setting. Although it is a terminal degree, many students use the EdS to acquire the knowledge and academic skills to prepare for application to the PhD program

What are the EdS Admission requirements?

EdS candidates must meet a 3.25 graduate GPA, GRE 530 verbal, GRE 510 quantitative, and GRE 4 writing

How many graduate hours do I need to complete an EdS?

This degree requires the completion of 30 postmaster’s hours and does not require a dissertation

What is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Educational Administration?

The PhD is research-based, academically rigorous, and experientially intense degree designed to prepare PreK-12 educators to serve as principals, assistant superintendents and superintendents. This degree is designed to challenge students to excel and take their learning and potential to the next level

What are the PhD admission requirements?

PhD candidates must meet a 3.5 GPA, GRE 550 verbal, GRE 530 quantitative, and GRE 4 writing. Candidates must also complete a writing sample and undergo an interview with the Educational Administration faculty

How many graduate hours do I need to complete the PhD?

A total of 54 graduate credit hours plus 30 dissertation hours are required to earn a PhD in Educational Administration.