Building Leadership

Endorsement

Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree)

Hours: 21 Online

About

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University prepares educational professionals for building-level leadership roles, focusing on principal responsibilities and school leadership. By focusing on foundational principles, such as ethical leadership, school law, and community relations, graduates are prepared to lead schools effectively and respond to the needs of diverse educational communities.

FHSU's Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program requires the completion of 21 credit hours, enabling participants to specialize in essential areas of building administration and supervision. Courses include topics like personnel evaluation, educational research, and building finance.

Why pursue an Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) at Fort Hays State University?

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) at FHSU stands out for its fully online structure, offering a comprehensive curriculum aligned with the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards.

FHSU provides students with unmatched support and resources, from expert faculty guidance to a curriculum addressing educational leadership's critical aspects. Compared to similar programs, FHSU's Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program is highly customizable, allowing participants to tailor their studies to their career goals.

Who is this program for?

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) is ideal for experienced educators who aspire to advance into roles such as building principals, school administrators, or district-level leaders. This endorsement is particularly beneficial for:

Educators aiming to become principals
Teachers pursuing career advancement in school leadership
Current administrators seeking specialized leadership training
Professionals meeting state licensure requirements for building principals
Educators interested in managing school operations and community relations

Learning Outcomes

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program at FHSU commits to developing capable, well-rounded school leaders. Graduates will gain the expertise to lead effectively, promoting a culture of collaboration, ethical practice, and inclusivity within their schools. These outcomes are based on FHSU's dedication to high-quality, practical education that aligns with the latest standards in educational leadership.

School Mission and Vision Development

Graduates will understand how to establish and communicate a school mission and vision that reflects core educational values, such as equity, digital citizenship, and community engagement. It includes data analysis and strategic planning skills to create an environment where students and staff feel valued and motivated to succeed.

Professional Norms and Ethical Leadership

Students can model and uphold professional dispositions, including fairness, integrity, and trust. That outcome prepares graduates to foster a positive school climate that supports educational success and well-being for all school community members.

Data-Driven School Culture Assessment

This endorsement trains graduates to utilize data in assessing and improving school culture, emphasizing inclusivity and support for all students. That skill set enables future principals to make informed decisions that enhance student engagement, foster diversity, and create a safe learning environment.

Family and Community Engagement

Graduates will be adept at building solid relationships with families and community members, essential for supporting student learning inside and outside school. That capacity for engagement includes strategies to involve diverse families and strengthen school-community ties.

Real-World Applications

Our Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program prepares students for practical, real-world applications by focusing on scenario-based learning and field-specific coursework. Participants gain experience tackling common challenges principals encounter, from fostering community relationships to managing school finances.

In addition, the endorsement's practicum component, AEP 879 Practicum, provides students with practical exposure to the daily responsibilities of school administration. Students work closely with experienced administrators, gaining insight into problem-solving, decision-making, and community-building within school environments.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

FHSU’s Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) integrates the latest trends and advancements in educational leadership to ensure graduates prepare for the evolving demands of school administration. The endorsement curriculum is structured around contemporary educational challenges, from integrating technology to promoting diversity and inclusivity in school environments.

Students stay at the forefront of educational advancements through coursework that includes Educational Research, Ethics and Professional Norms, and other cutting-edge topics. Participants learn to implement effective strategies for data-driven decision-making, digital citizenship, and culturally responsive leadership, preparing them to lead schools that meet today's high standards.

Practical Activities

Our Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) offers valuable interactive experiences to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Central to this is the AEP 879 Practicum, where students gain real-world exposure to school administration tasks, such as personnel evaluation, budgeting, and conflict resolution.

These immersive experiences are vital for participants who wish to build confidence and competency in managing day-to-day operations within a school. Additional practical activities, including collaborative projects and scenario-based exercises, enrich the program further, helping students to refine their leadership style and approach.

What You’ll Learn:

School mission and vision development
Professional norms in school settings
Data-driven school culture assessment
Technological integration in curricula
Family engagement for student success

How You’ll Learn:

Online coursework
Practical exercises and fieldwork
Collaborative projects with peers
Engagement with real-world scenarios
Expert faculty guidance

Courses

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) curriculum at FHSU comprises 21 credit hours covering essential areas of school administration. Core courses, such as School Law, Supervision & Evaluation of Personnel, and Special Education for Building Administrators, provide a strong foundation for building leadership's legal, ethical, and operational aspects.

Courses like Building Finance and School & Community Relations emphasize the financial and interpersonal skills required for successful school leadership. Additionally, Educational Research introduces students to data-driven approaches for evaluating school programs and implementing improvements.

EDL 850: School Law

This course provides prospective educational leaders with a foundational understanding of school law, covering federal and state laws, school board policies, teacher and student rights, and key Supreme Court cases. Topics also include social media, cyberbullying, and other liability issues in public schools.

EDL 852: Intro to Building Administration

This course is designed to help prospective building administrators develop a foundational understanding of administrative roles and responsibilities. It covers six key areas of administration: establishing vision and goals, promoting teaching and learning, managing organizational systems and safety, collaborating with key stakeholders, upholding ethics and professional behavior, and understanding educational systems.

EDL 856: School-Community Relations

This course is designed to help prospective building administrators develop a foundational understanding and practical application of innovative communication tools that facilitate timely, two-way communication between administrators, faculty, students, parents, and the community. The course will primarily focus on the use of social media and free, web-based communication platforms.

Discover the full Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (graduate non-degree) program equips graduates to pursue leadership roles requiring advanced school administration and community engagement skills. The endorsement prepares students to step confidently into roles where they can influence positive change and support the development of thriving educational environments.

Building Principal

As building principals, graduates oversee school operations, implement policies, and foster an environment that promotes student success. They manage faculty, develop school improvement plans, and serve as the primary contact for parents and community members, ensuring the school meets educational standards.

Assistant Principal

As an assistant principal, graduates support the building principal in managing day-to-day school functions, handling student discipline, and consistently following school policies. They play a vital role in fostering a positive school climate and assisting with teacher evaluations, professional development, and parental engagement efforts.

School Program Coordinator

Graduates can become program coordinators who lead and manage specific programs within a school, such as special education, curriculum development, or student support services. Coordinators are instrumental in ensuring that programs align with school goals, meet student needs, and comply with state and federal guidelines.

Educational Consultant

Some graduates work as educational consultants, advising schools, districts, and educational organizations on strategies to improve leadership, curriculum, and overall school performance. Educational consultants use their expertise to recommend changes that enhance school effectiveness, address challenges, and foster environments conducive to learning.

Admission Requirements

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Related programs provide additional pathways for professional growth and specialization in educational leadership. Whether you want to pursue a degree in education administration or obtain further endorsements, our related programs offer diverse opportunities to enhance your expertise and career prospects. Fort Hays State University provides several associated programs that may interest prospective students:

FAQ

What professional background is necessary for admission to the Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program?

Applicants should have a master's degree in education or a related field and relevant professional experience in school settings.

While working, can I complete the online Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program?

Yes. Our online Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program allows participants to balance studies with their current job responsibilities.

How long will it take to complete the program?

The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) program requires 21 credit hours, which students can typically complete in one year if taken full-time.

Will this program prepare me for principal licensure?

Upon completion, graduates can pursue licensure as a building principal, following state-specific requirements.

What support is available from faculty during the program?

FHSU offers dedicated faculty mentorship and guidance, with opportunities to receive feedback and advice throughout your studies.

Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs

FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.

AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.

Accreditations