Build skills to meet the needs of all students and have a significant impact beyond the classroom. Learn about being a principal while studying anywhere, anytime in a convenient, first-rate program.
Program Distinctions
- UNC Greensboro’s School of Education is recognized for its Best Online Master’s in Education Programs by US News & World Report.
- Graduates serve as principals and assistant principals throughout North Carolina.
- Program meets requirements of NC state legislation for School Principal licensure.
- The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.
The Student Experience
- Our PMC program is a one-year, cohort-based program offered fully online.
- Students are prepared as leaders through engaging in coursework, observing schools and school leaders in their practice, and performing internship activities under the supervision of school-based and university mentors.
- Students take 4 academic courses (12 credits) and complete a yearlong internship in school administration (12 credits), as per the PMC Program Requirements.
- To be eligible to receive NC state licensure as a principal, students must successfully pass the North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA). A fee is required to register for and complete each NCPPA task.
After Graduation
- Students who graduate from the PMC can seek school leadership positions such as Assistant Principal and Principal.
- In 2020, the median annual wage of elementary, middle, and high school principals was $98,490, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
ONLINE DEGREE Required State Authorization Language
Live outside North Carolina?
Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.
UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.
Application Information
The UNC Greensboro School of Education’s and Graduate School’s formal admission requirements specify the following for the PMC program:
- Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
The ELC department’s formal admission requirements and documents for admission to the PMC program are the following:
- Master’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
- Minimum 4 years of experience as a licensed professional educator.
- Three letters of recommendation, including one from your principal or education supervisor.
- Transcripts from all universities attended.
- A resume.
- Copy of North Carolina continuing professional license.
- A written statement that clearly articulates the applicant’s interest in and potential for school leadership; and addresses the following:
- Page 1: Briefly detail your professional goals and why you chose ELC.
- Pages 2-4: Respond to 2 of the 3 prompts listed here (Note – Please title each topic accordingly):
- The most critical issue in education today is…
- The leadership of a school makes all the difference because…
- North Carolina schools could improve by…
Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. All evidence about a prospective student will be considered in making admissions decisions.
The PMC application deadline is May 15. The program starts Summer semester (mid-June).
If you have questions about the program or applying, contact Dr. Brian Clarida (bjclarid@uncg.edu), ELC PMC Graduate Program Director.