This program prepares future elementary and secondary school administrators (Principals, Assistant Principals, Deans and Department Chairs) who are highly qualified to hold leadership positions in PK-12 schools. The program was designed to provide a rigorous set of experiences to develop the knowledge, skills, dispositions, and competencies needed by educational leaders at the local and state level. The UIS principal preparation program is approved by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $8,028*
Duration
1.5 years
Credit Hours
24

Calendar

Don't miss an important date or deadline

Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
August 10, 2026

Start Date:
August 24, 2026

Apply Today!

Admissions

Applying to UIS is simple

We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.

 

Review admission requirements

No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.

International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.

Complete your application

An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.

Send your official transcripts

Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.

Submit required statements/writing sample

If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.

Pay your application fee

You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.

Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;

International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.

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Courses & Catalog Information

Career Outlook & Potential Earnings

Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Insurance Underwriters

Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.

Median Annual Wage $81,370
Wage Range $55,530 – $145,160
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree

Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary

Plan, direct, or coordinate the academic, administrative, or auxiliary activities of kindergarten, elementary, or secondary schools.

Median Annual Wage $105,870
Wage Range $76,280 – $167,770
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Judgment and Decision Making
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

Median Annual Wage $171,270
Wage Range $120,810 – $262,760
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Post-master’s certificate

Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.

Median Annual Wage $62,890
Wage Range $44,740 – $101,500
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Writing
  • Active Listening
  • Reading Comprehension
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent

Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare

Plan, direct, or coordinate academic or nonacademic activities of preschools or childcare centers and programs, including before- and after-school care.

Median Annual Wage $59,300
Wage Range $38,580 – $98,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Associate’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.

Median Annual Wage $93,790
Wage Range $55,390 – $160,540
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree
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2026-08-24