PK-12 Principal Certification (Certificate, M.Ed.)

Program Admission

• Complete a graduate school application.
• Submit all official undergraduate and graduate (if applicable) transcripts. Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 required.
• Submit a Statement of Goals that explains the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a principal certification.
• Submit a current resume.
• Submit a copy of a current PA Instructional Certificate.
• Submit three letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s leadership ability, capacity to be a successful school principal, academic suitability, and professional demeanor.

Academic Requirements

Candidates for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership PK-12 Principal Certificate program are typically required to complete 33 credits in order to earn their Master's degree, while 27 credits are required for those candidates seeking the PK-12 Principal Certification only. Prior graduate work can be evaluated for transfer credit.

Retention

Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not take classes in either the fall and/or spring semesters will be considered inactive in MyCommonwealth. Students are required to contact their Academic Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator with their request to be reactivated. Their request is then forwarded to the Graduate Office, who will process the reactivation. Students have six calendar years to complete their chosen degree or certification program.

Transfer Credits

Upon acceptance, students desiring to transfer credits may make this request upon application to their chosen program. Upon approval, degree students may transfer up to a maximum of nine semester hours or parallel courses (determined by CU) from accredited institutions. These courses will be applied towards completing the degree requirements of the program. However, no courses will be transferred in which a grade less than a B was earned. Pass/fail grades are not accepted.

Pennsylvania Requirements for Certification

• Provides verification of three years of relevant professional experience. For the purpose of this section, relevant professional experience is “professional experience in an educational setting that is related to the instructional process.”
• Completes a Pennsylvania-approved, graduate-level principal certification program that includes an internship/practicum or an equivalent out-of-state program. A 3.0 program Grade Point Average (GPA) is required.
• Provides evidence of satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania required test.

Please see the PDE website for additional requirements for PDE certification and for any updates as certification requirements may change over time.

Candidates for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership PK-12 Principal Certificate program are typically required to complete 33 credits in order to earn their Masters degree, while 27 credits are required for those candidates seeking the PK-12 Principal Certification only.

View Required Courses

Click here to view the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership PK-12 Principal Certificate: Course Sequence.

Click here to view the PK-12 Principal Certificate Only: Course Sequence.

• Q: Is the program only offered as a master's degree?
  A: No- it’s offered as BOTH a master’s degree and a stand-alone certificate.
• Q: How long does it take students to finish the program?
  A: The master’s degree includes 33 credits and typically takes most students roughly 18 - 24 months to complete- though students have up to six years to finish.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: The program is delivered 100% online through synchronous classes. Courses are typically offered during the evening, from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. 
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply?
  A: No- the GRE is not required for admission.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.