Building Level Administrator Licensure

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Online

Licensure Only (Non-degree)

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Overview
Courses
Careers
Admissions
Cost
Licensure
Testimonial
Faculty
FAQ

OVERVIEW

The Building Level Administrator Licensure (BLA) program prepares you for the position of school principal. The 21-credit licensure program, offered in an online format, consists of six graduate core educational leadership courses offered over three consecutive semesters, with a one-credit internship each semester. This program is for individuals who have already completed a master’s degree.

Purdue quality. Flexible schedule.

Online students benefit from the same rigorous academic programs as on-campus students, but with increased class schedule flexibility. Weekly coursework, assignments, and discussions are managed through our virtual classroom.

The 21-credit Building Level Licensure program can be completed in just one year.

This program has rolling admissions. You may start the program any fall, spring or summer semester.

For information on admission requirements and license eligibility, please view the Admissions section.

Completed applications should be submitted by the deadlines listed below:

Please visit the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure webpage for information about the Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR) requirement.

Term	TECR Deadline	Completed Application Deadline
Fall Start	July 15	August 1
Spring Start	November 15	December 1
Summer Start	April 1	April 15

Credit Program

Week Course Length

Semesters to Completion

$450

Cost per Credit Hour (Indiana Resident)

$563

Cost Per Credit Hour (Non-Indiana Resident)

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Courses

Students spend an average of 15 hours per week on coursework. The program is 100% online and features a three-semester, field-based internship designed to provide authentic leadership experience in school settings.

The courses are offered in a sequence permitting candidates to finish the license in three semesters (one year) if they take seven credits offered each semester. Courses are offered in eight-week modules (two courses each semester) with a one credit internship related to the two courses taken over the full 16-week semester.

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Career Outlook

A degree in educational leadership can lead to many careers. Professionals can find jobs working predominantly with students or pursue roles where they interact primarily with staff members and teachers. Educational leaders can find employment at elementary schools, high schools, and colleges and universities, in addition to some non-school settings.

School leadership is difficult. With budget cuts, evaluations based on standardized assessments, and the developing social structure of today’s education. School leaders need to be creative and empathetic to find solutions to complex and sensitive issues in our schools.

School leaders can foster relationships with students, staff and parents that will last a lifetime. They help create a more engaging learning environment, and they get to work in one of the best professions. That’s why educators become school leaders.

Job Titles

Principal
Assistant Principal
Building Administrator

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Admissions

The program reviews applications for three start terms a year: fall, spring, and summer. Please review the application deadlines in the Overview section at the top of this page.

For more information about how to apply for a licensure program, view the Application Roadmap.

Please see our webpage on Graduate Application Helpful Tips. If you have any questions after reviewing this information, please reach out to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Transcript Evaluation and Credential Review (TECR) Steps:

Carefully read the Application Roadmap to learn more about how to submit your TECR request.
- In the Area of Interest, Under the Administrative License Programs (Online or Hybrid) select the following: Building Level Administrator – (Principal)
There is a $35.00 TECR fee for this program, and processing takes about two weeks for your TECR letter to be uploaded with your graduate application and emailed to you.
If you do not have a license in the state of Indiana, please contact the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the TECR and graduate application.

Graduate Application Steps

Create an application account and log in to start your graduate application.
Select the following options for the Building Level Licensure program:
- Campus and Program Tab:
  - Select a Campus: Purdue West Lafayette (PWL)
  - Select your proposed graduate major: Educational Studies
- First Choice Program Details Tab:
  - Please select an Area of Interest: Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
  - Please select a degree objective: Teacher License
  - Primary Course Delivery: Distance (Online)
Some sections of the application that are NOT required include the following:
- Test Scores
- Recommendations
- In the Additional Information section, faculty selections may be made, but are not required. Faculty advisors are assigned by the program area.
Upload the required materials, listed below. Visit the Office of Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) website for more information about these requirements.
- Resume
- Personal History Statement
- Academic Statement of Purpose
International applicants who are eligible for an Indiana licensure program must meet English Proficiency Requirements set by the Purdue Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars. For information about Indiana licensure program requirements, international applicants may visit the Office of Teacher Education and Licensure webpage.
Follow the instructions in the Application Roadmap for submitting your official transcripts.
Once you are ready to submit your graduate application, please complete all sections and submit the application.
- You should not be asked to enter payment information for the application fee if you have selected Teacher License as your degree objective (for those who already possess a completed master’s degree).
- The application must be fully submitted in order for your application to be reviewed and considered for admission.
Check the status of your submitted application by logging into the application portal.
Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from the Office of Graduate Studies indicating that your application is complete and will be submitted for review.

This program is subject to our Licensure Disclosure

The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions to publicly disclose to prospective and currently enrolled students whether certain programs meet the education requirements for licensure or certification in the state or territory in which they reside. “Programs Leading to Professional Licensure” is defined as programs represented to prepare students for an occupation for which, at completion of the program, a local, state or federal license, or nongovernmental certification is required (i) as a precondition for employment, (ii) to perform certain functions, or (iii) to meet additional conditions that are generally needed to secure employment.

The Purdue University Teacher Education Program is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and the State of Indiana. However, not all undergraduate and graduate programs lead to an educator licensure in the State of Indiana. If your Teacher Education program includes field experience(s) and a student teaching or internship component, it may lead to an educator license in the State of Indiana, if you meet the licensure requirements. Contact your academic/faculty advisor and/or the Office of Teacher and Licensure to verify your program enrollment and whether or not it leads to a license in the State of Indiana.

The State of Indiana has reciprocity agreements with other states, the District of Columbia, and territories. For licensing information contact information for individual state departments of education or visit the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or email a Purdue University licensing officer/advisor.

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Cost

The Building Level Administrator Licensure program is affordable and competitive in cost.

Credit Hours & Costs	In-State	Out-of-State
Total Cost Per Credit	$450	$563
Credit Hours	21	21
Total Costs	$9,450	$11,823

Additional Information

_{*Tuition and fees are charges on a per credit hour basis and are subject to annual increase. Annual increases may change the total program costs.
*Textbooks and course materials are not included
*Note: Purdue faculty and staff fee remissions will not be applied to this program
*International fee may apply}

_{**The cost of attending Purdue varies depending on where you choose to live, enrollment in a specific program or college, food and travel expenses, and other variables. The Office of the Bursar website shows estimated costs for the current aid year for students by semester and academic year. These amounts are used in determining a student’s estimated eligibility for financial aid. You can also use our tuition calculator to estimate tuition costs.}

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Licensure Information

This program leads to an Indiana Building Level Administrator License which requires applicants to first possess a valid Indiana Instructional License for program admission. Non-Indiana applicants are not guaranteed licensure in Indiana or any other state. Contact the College of Education Office of Teacher Education and Licensure (OTEL) before continuing with the program application if you have questions about licensure.

testimonial

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The coursework is intellectually stimulating and a nice change of pace from classroom responsibilities and regular professional development. It is sufficiently grounded in research and highly practical.

David Joest

Social Studies Teacher, West Lafayette Community School Corporation

program FACULTY

Learn From the Experts

Our faculty are nationally recognized and have the ability to work personally with students to individualize their plan of study to meet personal career interests and goals. These faculty will oversee the intensive coursework required.

Bryan J. Duarte

Assistant Professor

Alice Johnson

Associate Clinical Professor

Faculty Advisory Board

Educational Leadership & Policy Studies Advisory Board was formed to contribute to the currency and quality of the academic program, facilitate the placement of graduates and enhance the reputation of the program.

Frequently asked questions

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Building Level Administrator