Transform K-12 education as a visionary leader. Empower teachers and students through the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation Program.
The Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation Program is an online master’s degree program offered through the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis in the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s School of Education — the #1 school of education in the nation according to the 2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Education Graduate Schools rankings. The program is designed to equip leaders with the knowledge and skills to champion equitable opportunities for all students and excel in today’s dynamic educational landscape.
Graduates earn a master’s degree and are eligible to apply for Wisconsin principal licensure (WI 5051). Participants can also elect to pursue the Director of Curriculum and/or Director of Special Education and Pupil Services licensure (two courses respectively). This accelerated program empowers professionals to transition into impactful leadership roles, driving positive change in education.
Now accepting applications for the 2025 cohort.
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Upcoming Webinar
Topic: Discover Your Leadership Potential: Is School Principalship Right for You?
Date: Feb. 26
Time: 6:30 pm CT
Description: Join Dr. Tina Salzman, Director of the Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation program, for an insightful webinar on the path to school leadership. Drawing from her extensive experience as a teacher and administrator, Dr. Salzman offers a unique insider’s perspective on a principal’s governing role in K-12 education.
Degree At-a-Glance
Format
Online
Program Type
Master’s Degree
Commitment
15 months
Credits
30 graduate credits
Tuition
$800 per credit (resident and non-resident)
Additional fees may apply.
Application Deadline
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the cohort reaches capacity.
Final Application deadline is April 15.
Degree Conferred
Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis
Why choose this master’s degree
Wisconsin Principal Licence: Graduates are eligible to apply for Wisconsin principal licensure (WI 5051). Participants can also pursue the Director of Curriculum and/or Director of Special Education and Pupil Services licensure (two courses respectively).
Flexible & Accessible Online Program: Our flexible online course format is designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing students to pursue their education from anywhere in the country while balancing their career demands.
Equity Focus: The program empowers educational leaders with advanced equity-focused knowledge and practical skills to create and sustain socially just schools for all students.
Accelerated Format: The program is 15 months long and can be completed in just four semesters, starting in June and finishing in August next year.
High Quality: Learn from world-class faculty in the #1 ranked School of Education, home to the nation’s #2 Online Master’s in Educational Administration program (U.S. News & World Report, 2024).
Strong Community: Students move through the program as a cohort. This structure allows students to build their professional network and lasting relationships.
Featured Alumni
Josh Skatrud '23
"You will not find another program that will prepare you for the reality of being a school administrator. The courses are very practical, and the learning directly applies to the job. It is based on best practices and is taught by high-level instructors."
Kimberly Becker Meier '24
"This is the best education I have received. The professors push you to be your best self and do not accept anything less."
Tim Strandlie '24
"I looked at a few other programs, but everyone that I looked at seemed to not measure up to what I was looking for. The equity focus really aligned to my personal beliefs and educational philosophy, and I appreciated that it was online and accelerated. It was the perfect fit for me!"
Contact Information
For program and curriculum information, contact:
Tina Salzman, PhD
Program Director
tmsalzman@wisc.edu
608-263-2773
To inquire about admission, contact:
Shari Smith
Senior Student Services Coordinator
ssmith@education.wisc.edu
608-263-2701