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) 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. The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) 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
Real-World Applications
The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) 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 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
The 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 endorsement 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
The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) curriculum 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.
The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) equips graduates to pursue leadership roles requiring advanced school administration and community engagement skills. This 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.
To enroll in the Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree), applicants must meet specific admission criteria demonstrating their academic readiness and professional experience. These requirements ensure that students possess the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for advanced study in educational leadership. Prospective students must provide evidence of their qualifications, including academic achievements, relevant professional experience, and leadership potential. Additional requirements include:
Unofficial Transcripts
Applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, documenting their completion of a master’s degree. These transcripts provide evidence of the applicant's academic readiness and qualifications for the endorsement.
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 $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/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.
Related Programs
Related programs provide additional pathways for professional growth and specialization in educational leadership. Whether pursuing a degree in education administration or seeking additional endorsements, related programs provide diverse opportunities to deepen expertise and expand career prospects in the field of education. Fort Hays State University provides several associated programs that may interest prospective students:
- M.S. in Education Administration
- M.S. in Special Education (Gifted)
- M.S. in Special Education (High Incidence)
- M.S. in Special Education (Low Incidence)
- M.S. in Instructional Technology
- Ed.S in Advanced Professional Studies (Education Innovation and Leadership)
Applicants should have a master's degree in education or a related field and relevant professional experience in school settings.
Yes. Our online Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) allows participants to balance studies with their current job responsibilities.
The Endorsement in Building Leadership (Principal) (Graduate Non-Degree) requires 21 credit hours, which students can typically complete in one year if taken full-time.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue licensure as a building principal, following state-specific requirements.
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.
- CACREP Accreditation:
The Department of Advanced Education Programs holds Advanced-Level Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See the Fort Hays State University CAEP Accredited Provider page for details.
Advanced-Level Accreditation is provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. Advanced-Level Programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified (or similar state language) school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts. CAEP's Advanced-Level accreditation does not include any advanced-level program not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts; any advanced-level non-licensure programs, including those specific to content areas; or educational leadership programs not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts.
- Endorsement
- Online
