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: Pathways, MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation & MS in Sports Leadership
Date: Oct 16
Time: 6:00 pm CT
Description: Join Tina Salzman, program director for the MS in ELPA: Wisconsin Idea Principal Preparation, and Sara Jimenez Soffa, program specialist for the MS in Sports Leadership, to learn more about the diverse pathways into K-12 leadership.
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
Program Page in the UW Guide
Learn, lead, and innovate at the #1 School of Education in the nation according to 2024 U.S. News & World Report
#2
Educational Administration
#2
Online Master’s in Education for Veterans
#5
Online Master’s in Educational Administration and Supervision
Why choose this master’s degree
Equity focused. You will develop an equity toolkit to ensure schools follow equitable practices and work toward eliminating inequities.
Embedded in practice. Engage in application-focused coursework. Courses thoughtfully build on each other, with opportunities to apply your knowledge as you learn.
Informed by research. Benefit from the transformative research by UW–Madison experts to address contemporary challenges in our education system.
Leading for change. Build a cycle of equity-focused continuous improvement. Learn how to mentor and empower passionate teachers to bring lasting change to our education system.
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