the M trail seen through autumn colored trees

Principal Leadership K-12

Leading P-12 Schools

With a mix of vision, leadership, diplomacy and empathy, school principals play a vital role in our educational system. Studies include coursework in educational leadership and field experience. Principals in Montana are required to hold a Class 3 Administrative License with the proper endorsement as a K-12 principal, as well as a master’s degree and teaching experience.

100%

of faculty members with K-12 leadership experience

$130K

in scholarships awarded annually

100%

of degrees and certificates available in distance formats

Programs

PJW College of Education

Come to Class from Anywhere in the World

Our distance students attend class via “robotic telepresence." Using their own computers to control robots located in the classroom, they can move around, turn and talk to classmates, and fully engage in group discussions.

graduation mortar board that reads Don't make me use my teacher voice

Inspired to Lead

“I do not think I have ever encountered a department which is so cohesive, so encouraging as the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of Montana. It is a true privilege to be included, as a doctoral student, within this department.” – Nancy Dold, Ed.D. Candidate

Faculty member teaching to students

Respected and Recognized Faculty

Learn from faculty with a depth of knowledge built on decades of practical and successful experience in educational administration internationally, across the U.S., and throughout Montana. Our faculty specialize in school law, higher education, finance, human resources, leadership, data analysis, and current issues in rural education.

Faculty teaching

Our Mission

The Department of Educational Leadership empowers individuals to challenge the future by preparing professionals for leadership based on research of best practices, helping individuals to see a better future, developing a future-focused role for leaders, preparing leaders to invent their future and the future of others, influencing individuals to realize what could be, preparing people for an uncertain world, preparing leaders to realize a better future and applying theory to practice.

faculty with student on graduation

Alumni Highlights

Karla Bird
Ed.D. 2017
President of Blackfoot Community College
UDALL Native American
Congressional Intern
Master’s in School Counseling


Jacob Francom
M.Ed. ’10, Ed.D. 2013
Principal, Troy Junior and Senior High School
Superintendent, Troy Public Schools
2015 MT Principal of the Year


Sandra Boham
Ed.D. 2017
President of Salish Kootenai College
2019 Educational Leadership Excellence Award