Your gateway to a career as a principal
Educational leaders shape the future—not just one classroom at a time, but across entire school communities. From curriculum decisions to staff development, principals and other building-level administrators create the conditions where both students and teachers can thrive. Kansas building-level administrative licensure opens doors to principal, assistant principal, and other leadership roles where you can make lasting impact.
Understanding Kansas building-level administrative licensure
Kansas building-level administrative licensure qualifies you to serve as a principal, assistant principal, or other building-level administrator in Kansas public schools. This endorsement requires completion of an approved program, supervised internship experience, and passage of the required Praxis examination. To add the building leadership endorsement to your license in Kansas, applicants must also hold a valid professional-level license, verify five years of accredited teaching experience, and earn a 3.25 GPA or higher in their graduate coursework.
This licensure enables you to:
- Serve as an elementary, middle, or high school principal
- Work as an assistant principal or vice principal
- Lead as athletic director or activities coordinator
- Advance to district-level administrative roles
- Pursue superintendent positions with additional experience
Choose your pathway to administrative licensure
Starting your graduate education journey?
The KU building leadership master’s track combines your graduate degree with comprehensive administrative preparation. You'll gain both the advanced degree and licensure preparation needed for school leadership.
Already hold a master's degree in education?
KU’s PK-12 certificate in educational administration provides focused training specifically designed to meet Kansas licensure requirements. Complete your administrative preparation in as few as 12-16 months while maintaining your current teaching position.
What to expect as a building-level administrator
School administrators like principals hold unique positions in the educational ecosystem. While your daily student interactions may vary, your decisions directly affect learning experiences and outcomes across your entire school community.
Core responsibilities include:
- Instructional leadership: Guide curriculum development and support teaching excellence
- Staff management: Recruit, evaluate, and develop teachers and support staff
- Student services: Create disciplinary policies and oversee student support programs
- Community relations: Connect with parents, families, and community stakeholders
- Resource management: Oversee budgets, facilities, and educational materials
- Policy implementation: Ensure compliance with state and federal education requirements
Advance your skills, expand your impact
The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.
- ✓ 8-week focused courses
- ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
- ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
- ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*
*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
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Requirements for Kansas administrative licensure
To earn Kansas building-level administrative licensure, candidates must:
Educational requirements
- Hold a master's degree from an accredited institution
- Complete an approved educational leadership preparation program
- Demonstrate at least five years of successful PK-12 teaching experience
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in their graduate coursework
Examination requirements
- Pass the Praxis School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA)
- Meet minimum score requirements set by the Kansas Department of Education
Experience requirements
- Hold a professional-level teaching license in the state of Kansas
- Complete supervised administrative internship (minimum 300 hours)
- Demonstrate competency in all required leadership areas
Licensure disclosure
KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. For more information, visit our licensure disclosures page: soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures
Ready to step up as an education leader?
Erica and Tatiana are experienced admissions outreach advisors dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they'll help you clarify your teaching and leadership goals, determine which program is the best fit for you, and help you navigate the application process.
Make a lasting impact in education
Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.