What degree do you need to be a principal?

A. To become a principal, candidates are usually required to have a master’s degree or doctorate and become certified. 

A. To become a principal, candidates are usually required to have a master’s degree or doctorate and become certified. Many principals also have experience working as teachers or in other educational roles. To become a principal, you will typically have to: 

1. acquire a bachelor’s degree in education or teaching, 
2. become a certified teacher
3. gain experience as a teacher,
4. obtain a Master in Education Administration or Master in Educational Leadership degree, and
5. become certified as a principal, a requirement in most states. The years of experience as a teacher and in academic administration and leadership roles will help when applying for a job as a principal.  

Here are a few additional resources that are directly or indirectly related to the question answered here: 

1. Masters in Education – Find out all there is to know about how to enter the education space and what you will need to succeed in a career in education
2. Masters in Education Administration – Administrators are responsible for overseeing, managing, and directing all aspects of day-to-day school activity. Discover more about this program that can put you in the top seat in academia. 
3. Online Masters in Educational Leadership – If you are interested in a leadership role in education and want to influence the quality of schools and education, this guide to the master’s program is a ‘must-read’.