Objectives

Students who have been hired into a school administrative position in Montana requiring a Class 3 Administrative License but have not met the academic requirements for the license, may be eligible for the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) Internship Program. The OPI Internship  allows an individual to practice as principal and/or superintendent while obtaining the required coursework. 

The OPI Internship Program is an agreement between the educator, a Montana school district, Montana State University (MSU) or other Montana college or university and the State of Montana. Internships are applied for through the university where a student is enrolled (MSU). MSU will submit a student's internship application via the TeachMT licensing system. While in MSU's Internship Program, students must be supervised by a MSU faculty member licensed at the appropriate level. MSU Internship Program begins fall semester only. 

Please realize that the MSU Internship Program and OPI Internship Program are two separate programs which together may lead to a Class 3 Administrative License in the State of Montana.

Eligibility

To be considered for the OPI Internship, candidates must first be hired into an administrative position within a school district. To be considered for Montana State University's Internship Program, the following required steps must be followed:

  • Apply and be accepted to the Educational Leadership M.Ed. or  School Superintendent Certificate Program.
  • After admission students will provide verification of hire to the Program Leader, request enrollment in course EDLD 598 Internship both Fall and Spring Semesters and complete the remaining coursework. Continuous enrollment each semester during MSU Internship is required. 
  • Before MSU's Licensure Office begins the TeachMT licensure application students are required to:
    1.  Meet with their advisor and register for required classes.
    2. Pay MSU tuition and fees by the 15th day of class.
    3. Pay the required MSU Supervision Fee in the amount of $2500.00 for the academic year. The MSU Program Leader will facilitate this process. 
  • MSU Graduate Programs Office will refer students who have paid the above required fees to the MSU Licensure Office. Working with the Licensure Tech, students will provide all documentation and signatures required by TeachMT Licensure System.

Educational Leadership Faculty

Dr. Jason Cummins, Program Leader and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Phone: 406-994-4142  Email: jason.cummins1@montana.edu

Dr. Bill Ruff, Professor of Educational Leadership
406-994-4182  Email: wruff@montana.edu

Contact Information

Graduate Program Assistant
PO Box 172880
Montana State University
Reid Hall 215, Bozeman, MT 59717-2880 
edgrad@montana.edu