Graduate Certificate - Administrative Program for Principals (K-12)

The administrative program for principals at Cal U provides you with a unique and challenging opportunity to obtain a master's degree in education and/or certification as a K-12 school principal.

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this online program meets state educational requirements for certification as a principal. The program complies with Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards, and may be used to meet certification and professional development requirements in other states. 

For additional information please contact us at adminprinprog@calu.edu

Program Philosophy

Cal U's administrative program for principals (ADP) is the ideal program for working professionals who want to make a difference in education. The ADP program is a practice-centered, performance-based program that is designed to provide a personalized approach in meeting the needs of students, whether they are seeking a principal's certificate or a master's degree in education, or simply wish to continue to enhance their teaching and leadership skills.

Cal U's administrative program is built around a core of standards, known as the Educational Leadership Constituent Council, which influence program content, instruction and assessment. These standards for the preparation and development of future school principals have been developed jointly by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the ISLLC.

A Non-traditional Approach to Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Unlike the traditional, course-oriented program, the program incorporates school/University partnerships, clinical activities and field work. The program offers alternative forms of instruction, course structures, class schedules and assessment. It is learner-centered and appeals to learners at different developmental stages. Students are provided with specific information about their strengths, improvement needs and strategies for building the skills they need to be effective educational leaders.

A competency-based program calls for a more flexible approach to reporting achievement. The program relies on on-going performance assessment rather than on traditional testing and the assigning of letter grades for evaluation of student performance. Students are graded on a pass/fail system, with a pass grade (P) indicating that the student has mastered each competency in a particular subject area.

Program Options

If you already hold a master's degree, you may complete certification requirements through our 24 credit K-12 principal certificate program without completing the entire master's program. If you don’t have a master’s degree, you have the option of completing the 30-credit Master of Education degree that includes all requirements for certification as a K-12 school principal.

This program is designed not only for degree and certification candidates, but also for both teachers and administrators who, as seasoned educators, wish to continue to enhance their teaching and leadership skills. All coursework can be used to complete continuing education requirements under Act 48.

If you are seeking certification in a state other than Pennsylvanis, it will be important for you to check with your state Department of Education requirements and whether completing the Administrative Program at Cal U will be accepted.  Out of state students seeking Pennsylvania certification are required to notify us of that intent in order to meet the PA certification expectations.  Additional information related to Pennsylvania certification can be located at the Pennsylvania Department of Education website.

Learn more about the 24-credit K-12 principal certificate program curriculum.

More Info

For More Information

• Contact adminprinprog@calu.edu.

Accreditation

National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education

California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. California University of Pennsylvania has been accredited for more than 40 years and was founded in 1852.