Program Overview

School Principal Certification Program Online

The accredited online PA Administrative Certificate, Principal K-12 was designed to develop school leaders who can design and lead schools focused on AI, innovative schools, curricular design, and systems thinking. This principal certificate program develops your skills to lead transformative change in K-12 education as a principal, assistant principal, or director of special education.

Program Features

• A flexible, completely online program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule
• Named one of "America's Best Graduate Schools" preparing today's educators by U.S. News & World Report
• Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
• A highly interactive online learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates

CAEP Accredited Provider

The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Drexel University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation.

Curriculum

This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.

Certification Courses

Total Credits

27.0

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
• A state-issued teaching or counseling certificate

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • One letter must come from the principal of the school where the applicant has worked.
  • This recommendation must speak to your presentation skills and experiences in leadership roles within a K-12 school setting as well as any skills that would have a strong bearing on your success as a school leader or administrator.
• Resume
• Essay describing why you're interested in pursuing this program
  • Include two paragraphs briefly describing your educational philosophy and how principals shape learning in K-12 schools.
• Additional requirements for International Students

Tuition

The tuition rate for the academic year is $1144 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1525 per credit)

• This program is eligible for Financial Aid.
• Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
  • These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
  • Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
  • All students must contact the university within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
  • Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
  • When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.

Academic Calendar

Academic Year

• Fall 2025:
  • Classes Begin: September 22, 2025
  • Classes End: December 6, 2025
  • Exams Begin: December 8, 2025
  • Exams End: December 13, 2025
• Winter 2026:
  • Classes Begin: January 5, 2026
  • Classes End: March 14, 2026
  • Exams Begin: March 16, 2026
  • Exams End: March 21, 2026
• Spring 2026:
  • Classes Begin: March 30, 2026
  • Classes End: June 6, 2026
  • Exams Begin: June 8, 2026
  • Exams End: June 13, 2026
• Summer 2026:
  • Classes Begin: June 22, 2026
  • Classes End: August 29, 2026
  • Exams Begin: August 31, 2026
  • Exams End: September 5, 2026