2. How long will it take me to earn my MASL?
At Baker, you set your own pace for program completion. Most students finish in about two years.

3. What if I am not sure I want to be a principal?
To obtain building licensure, you have to actually accept a position that requires licensure (asst. principal, principal, activities director, etc.) Although the program is designed for those who desire licensure, some MASL students pursue other administrative positions that do not require building level licensure.

4. What types of licensure can be obtained by completing Baker’s MASL program?
Upon completion of the MASL program, you will be eligible to obtain a two-year conditional building leadership license. This license must be obtained prior to securing a building leadership position. During the two-year conditional license period, two two-credit hour practicums from Baker University must be completed before you can obtain the full professional license.

5. What if I am from Missouri (or another state) and want to enroll in Baker’s program, or I move out of state after I have completed your MASL program?
If you complete our MASL program, you will be eligible for Kansas and/or Missouri building leadership licensure. Kansas does have reciprocity with a number of states who recognize all Kansas licensure programs, so you can complete Baker’s MASL program and obtain licensure in about any state.

6. Do I have to pass a test to get a license as an administrator?
You can complete our MASL program without taking a state or national test. However, to obtain Kansas licensure, administrators are now required to take the ETS Building Leadership Assessment. The state of Missouri currently requires the same test, but you must obtain a state specified score. There is an additional examination fee associated with this licensure test.

7. What is the Directed Field Experience?
The Directed Field Experience (DFE) is the MASL capstone course that provides you with the hands-on experiences necessary to transfer beliefs, values, theory, and knowledge into policy and practice. You will participate in practicum activities in a wide array of administrative responsibilities within the school setting under the supervision of a building administrator and a university supervisor. The assigned activities will include 14 different areas of administrative experiences necessary to prepare you for building administration.

8. When can I begin the DFE?
The DFE is intended to be a capstone course for our MASL program. As such, you must successfully complete a minimum of 12 credit-hours of MASL coursework and 6 hours of MAEd coursework prior to entering the DFE.

9. How long does it take to complete the DFE?
The DFE is scheduled for 2 semesters. You may enroll in a DFE timeframe that extends from August through April or one that extends from January through October.

10. What grade levels will my administration certificate accommodate?
Under the new Kansas licensure regulations, all persons applying for Kansas building leadership licensure will be given K-12 licensure. Missouri applicants are given licensure for only those levels for which they have taught and been certified.

11. Is Baker University accredited?
Yes, Baker has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools since 1913. Baker has also met the rigorous accrediting standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).