Program Overview

Program Overview

The Principal Pre K-12 Graduate Certificate program is designed to prepare participants for Arizona State Administrative Certification as a K-12 public school principal. This administrative certificate program is offered by the Educational Leadership department and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Program Requirements

• The program requires a minimum of 36 units for completion.
• Required Educational Leadership coursework includes 27 units of classes such as EDL 600, EDL 622, EDL 625, EDL 627, EDL 629, EDL 635, EDL 645, EDL 662, and EDL 696.
• Elective Educational Leadership coursework includes 9 units, which may be transferred in from another program.
• A fieldwork experience/internship is required.
• The program may lead to licensure.

Admission Requirements

• A master's degree is required prior to enrolling in the program.
• A teaching certificate is required if the applicant has one.
• For those applying for fall 2026 and beyond, three years of teaching experience will be required.
• Transcripts and an undergraduate degree from a regionally accredited institution with a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale are required.
• International applicants have additional admission requirements.

Certificate Requirements

• Students must take the required 36 units, including 27 units of specific Educational Leadership courses and 9 units of graduate electives in Educational Leadership.
• Following completion of the Graduate Certificate program, students will receive an Institutional Recommendation and may apply for state certification.
• This certificate may be pursued and completed concurrently with a degree program or as a stand-alone certificate.

Student Learning Outcomes

The program's student learning outcomes align with the Standards from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), and the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (InTASC). A building-level education leader applies knowledge that promotes the success of every student by:

• Collaboratively facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a shared school vision of learning.
• Sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning.
• Ensuring the management of the school organization, operation, and resources.
• Collaborating with faculty and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources on behalf of the school.
• Acting with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner to ensure a school system of accountability for every student's academic and social success.
• Understanding, responding to, and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

Accreditation and Recognition

The program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and is nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). It is also approved by the Arizona State Board of Education (AZSBE).