Online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement
Shape the Future of Education: Become a Principal
100% Online Coursework
As Few as 14 Months
33 Credit Hours
$665 Per Credit
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Strengthen Your Leadership Skills with a Principal Endorsement
If you are an Illinois teacher, you can train to become a sought-after principal with North Park’s accelerated online Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with Principal Endorsement.
Through 100% online coursework and in-person practicums, experienced faculty will hone your leadership skills and prepare you to oversee school operations. Earn your master’s degree in as few as 14 months and, upon graduation, an NPU Licensure Officer will help you add the principal endorsement to your teaching license.
Program Details
- Learn from highly experienced educators
- Small class sizes
- No GRE/GMAT required
- Personalized academic advising
Curriculum
Engaging Curriculum Designed for Educators like You
33 Credit Hours
11 Courses
Designed for busy teachers, the master’s in educational leadership with principal endorsement curriculum is comprised of accelerated, seven-week courses and delivered through an accessible online learning format. For added convenience, the year-long practicum requirements can be completed at your school. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to take the relevant state exams and add the principal endorsement to your Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
Program Highlights
- Instructional Leadership
- School Community Relations
- Leading Professional Learning Communities
- School Finance
Admissions Requirements
How to Apply to NPU
Application Deadline 08/26/2025
Start Date 09/08/2025
With no entrance exams, GPA requirements, or application fee, NPU’s streamlined admission process is simple to begin. Choose from multiple start dates and kick off your online master’s in education in educational leadership journey when it makes sense for your schedule. If you have questions, knowledgeable North Park admission counselors are eager to help.
| Online Application Form | Apply Now |
|---|---|
| Degree and Minimum GPA |
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| Transcripts | Provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Please send transcripts to: North Park University Admissions 3225 W. Foster Ave., Box 19 Chicago, IL 60625 Electronic transcripts can be submitted to: DataEntry@northpark.edu If ordering directly from Parchment or Clearinghouse, please select North Park University. |
| Transfer Credits | Transfer credits will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. |
| Official Test Score(s) | No entrance exams required. |
| Additional Requirements | Two professional or academic references. |
It’s Always a Good Time to Apply to North Park
With multiple start dates per year, we make it easy for you to apply to the program of your choice and begin your educational journey. Our admissions process is straightforward, and our team is always here to guide you through the process.
AdmissionsTuition & Aid
Affordable Tuition for a High-Value Master’s Degree
Calculate your cost for attending North Park
Use our tuition calculator to help you estimate your total tuition costs.
With North Park’s competitively priced MAEL – Principal Endorsement online program, you can accomplish your next academic milestone and increase your earning potential—while sticking to your budget.
| Cost per Credit Hour | $665 |
|---|---|
| Total Number of Credit Hours | 33 |
| Total Estimated Tuition | $21,945 |
| Additional Fees |
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| Other Costs to Budget For | Your only additional costs will be for books and materials not billed to you by North Park. These costs can vary depending on what courses you need to take, how you obtain textbooks, and a variety of other factors. |
Military Students at North Park
North Park University welcomes veterans of the US Armed Forces as students. Financial benefits are available for veterans attending the university as undergraduate or graduate students. Questions about benefits for veterans should be directed to the veterans coordinator in the Office of the Registrar at (773) 244-5560 or by email.
Paying for Your North Park Degree
There are multiple options for financing your degree at North Park. Be sure to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year and explore third-party scholarship opportunities. Investing in your education is a big decision, and we are here to help you finance your degree in a way that fits your needs. Programs are not eligible for NPU scholarships, Graduate Assistantship, or tuition discounts.
Tuition Details
Become a School Leader with an Illinois Principal Endorsement
Elevate your ability to guide students, faculty, and staff to success with NPU’s Master of Arts in Educational Leadership online program. You will cultivate the advanced administrative expertise required to become a principal, vice principal, or assistant principal in elementary, middle, and high school settings. With these in-demand qualifications, you can increase your earning potential and continue to help students achieve their goals.
Median Annual Pay for Related Careers
Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals $103,460 per year1
Kindergarten Through Secondary Education Administrators $111,020 per year2
What You’ll Learn
North Park’s MAEL online program offers more than just a classroom education. With field-based experiences specific to your goals, you will gain valuable leadership capabilities in a broad range of scenarios.
Program Outcomes
- Demonstrate the ability to collaboratively develop, implement, and sustain a shared learning vision that promotes every student’s academic success and well-being.
- Foster a positive school culture by designing and implementing instructional programs that promote rigorous academic standards, data-driven instruction, and professional development.
- Lead initiatives that foster inclusive school environments and ensure equity and access are central to policy development to instructional practices, particularly for historically marginalized students.
- Analyze data to inform decisions, evaluate instructional programs, manage resources efficiently, and ensure accountability in building school and district administration.
Expert Faculty Who Are Committed to Your Success
Our instructors have professional experience in their respective fields and are ready to form meaningful relationships with you as they guide and mentor you toward success. Our faculty are committed to the achievement of every student.
Teri Madl, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership
Faculty Spotlight: Teri Madl
As a lifelong learner who wanted to be an educator since childhood, Dr. Teri Madl believes that it is important in today’s society for teachers to have strong fundamentals. She holds a Superintendent License and won the Horace Mann Award for Innovative Educator in 2007.
Credentials
- BSEd Elementary Education, Illinois State University
- MAEd Educational Leadership, Dominican University
- EdD Educational Leadership, Concordio University
Professional Organizations and Associations
- Illinois Association of School Administrators
- Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
- EdLeader21 Network
Online Learning Experience
At North Park University, we’re here for you — even when you aren’t here. Our online programs are delivered through Canvas and taught by responsive faculty. You’ll be supported every step of the way.
Benefits:
- Hands-on, supportive faculty who have experience in online learning environments
- Flexible coursework that can be completed when and where you are
- Connections with a diverse student body from many walks of life, helping you develop a global perspective
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. “Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals.” Retrieved February 24, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/elementary-middle-and-high-school-principals.htm.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary.” Retrieved February 27, 2025, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes119032.htm.