Frequently Asked Questions
Find some of the most common questions about the Administrative Licensure program below.
General Program Questions:
Field Experience Questions:
Licensure Completion Questions:
General Program Questions:
What are the requirements for Administrative Licensure?
There are both state-specific and University-specific requirements for the successful completion of your Administrative Licensure program. These requirements are outlined in your Student Handbook and include:
- A teaching license
- Three years of classroom teaching experience
- A master’s degree
- Sixty post-baccalaureate credits (includes credits obtained from the master’s degree)
- Completion of coursework in a MN Board of School Administrator approved licensure program
- Successful completion of a portfolio of licensure requirements as assessed by licensed administrators in the sought field of licensure
What are Minnesota Administrative Licensure Competencies?
Licensure competencies, much like student learning standards, outline specific skills and conceptual understandings that are required for state licensure. The Minnesota licensure competencies consist of sixteen competency areas for K-12 Principals and Directors of Special Education, and eighteen for District Superintendents. Each competency area contains between two to ten sub-competencies or indicators.
There are multiple ways to develop and demonstrate administrative competencies. Demonstration of competency development occurs throughout the student experience and culminates in the development of an Exit Portfolio. A complete list of Minnesota competencies can be found in your Student Handbook.
What is the Initial Competency Assessment?
The Initial Competency Assessment (ICA) is a self-assessment of student learning outcomes required for administrative licensure competencies. The ICA is used as a guide to help students identify areas for personal growth and focus.
How long do I have to complete the program?
There is no time limit for completion of an administrative license, but students typically complete the program in two years. Licensure and program requirements must be completed before state licensing requirements change.
How do I know which classes to register for and when they are offered?
A list of required core courses and the terms during which they are offered can be found on the Program Plan specific to your concentration.
Where can I find course descriptions and when particular courses are offered?
More detailed course descriptions for core courses and common electives can be found in your Student Handbook. A schedule of courses for each concentration and additional descriptions can be found at:
Field Experience Questions:
What are the requirements for the Field Experiences?
K-12 Principal candidates must complete the 320-hour experience at three school levels: elementary, middle school, high school. This experience must be completed during a one-year time frame. It must include:
- A major placement including a minimum of 200 hours at one school level
- Two minor placements including a minimum of 40 hours at the other two levels
Superintendent and Director of Special Education candidates must complete the 320-hour experience at two sites. This experience must be completed during a one year time frame. It must include:
- A major placement including a minimum of 200 hours at one site
- A minor placement including a minimum of 40 hours at another site
When do I register for my field experience courses?
Students must have completed at least 12 of the 24 required core courses before registering for their field experience. All field experience courses for each concentration are offered every term. Students must complete their field experience requirement within one year.
When should I find my site supervisor?
Students are encouraged to identify site supervisors and sites for their field experience placements prior to registering for their first field experience course, Field Experience I: Plan.
How do I arrange my field experience placement?
1. Register for Field Experience
2. Identify a site and site supervisor
3. Complete the Field Experience Approval Form
4. Set up a site visit with your Field Experience instructor or Hamline University advisor
The Field Experience Approval Form requires information about the field experience site, as well as signatures from the student, the site supervisor, and a Hamline faculty member who is responsible for Situational Observations. A separate form is required for each placement.
Can my field experience site supervisor be someone with whom I work?
Yes. Students often choose to work with administrators employed by the district in which the student works or lives. Site supervisors must be licensed, practicing administrators working in the same licensure area in which the student is seeking a license.
Licensure Completion Questions:
What are the Exit Interview and Portfolio requirements?
The Exit Portfolio is presented to the student’s advisor and two licensed administrators from his/her concentration area during the Exit Interview. This process demonstrates the student’s competency in all of the Minnesota Competencies. Students begin work on their Exit Portfolios during their second field experience course and typically finish the portfolio before registering for the final field experience course.
Where can I see examples of Exit Portfolios?
Examples of student exit portfolios can be found in Blackboard in your Introduction to Administrative Licensure course or in any of your field experience courses. If you are unable to see the examples after looking in Blackboard, contact your advisor.
How do I apply for an Administrative License once I complete the program?
Applications for administrative licenses are submitted by Hamline to the state licensing board after successful completion of the exit process.