Educational Leadership (PK-12) Certificate
Flex-schedule, Pennsylvania-approved certification pathway for school principals.
The Educational Leadership Certificate program at York College of Pennsylvania positions eligible educators to advance in their principalship and administration careers and apply for the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Principal PK-12 Administrative Certificate.
The 24-credit Educational Leadership Certificate program is entirely online, providing professional development opportunities without the need to commute to campus. The coursework imparts practical skills and knowledge that students can apply directly in their professional roles. After completing the program and three years of relevant professional experience in an educational setting, students will meet the requirements for principal certification and possess a well-rounded leadership toolkit.
Whether continuing to principal roles or instituting newfound skills in other related functions, the online Certificate in Educational Leadership readies students to stand out as school leaders through effective assessment, efficient project management, and successful inclusivity initiatives.
About the Online Educational Leadership Certificate Leading to Principal Certification
Educational Leadership Certificate Curriculum and Requirements
If you're currently working as a teacher or in a related role in an educational setting, the Certificate in Educational Leadership (PK-12) can help you advance your career, pursue more specialized roles, enhance your effectiveness, and transition to a credentialed principal or administrator position.
The Educational Leadership Certificate:
- Is 24 credits, including one foundation course and seven core courses
- Can be completed in one to two years
- Can lead to certification as a principal or administrator in Pennsylvania
- Advances administrative educational careers in a convenient online schedule
This is a certificate-only program and does not yield a master’s degree. If you seek a complete graduate degree, check out the fully online Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership program.
Flexible Online Courses
The fully online courses in the Certificate in Educational Leadership program engage skills in fostering a healthy and effective learning environment and incorporate real-world practice in leading others and improving educational experiences.
The courses you take may include:
- MED 502: Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practice
- MED 550: Legal and Ethical Issues in Education for Administrators
- MED 561: Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- MED 562: Supervision of Instruction
- MED 565: School of Financial Management
Financial Aid and Admissions for the Certificate in Educational Leadership
Depending on the course load per semester, you may be eligible to apply for federal funding through the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Review certificate costs and tuition information and contact the Financial Aid Office with questions.
You must have a bachelor's degree to apply for admission to the Certificate in Educational Leadership (PK-12) program. For complete admissions and application information, review Graduate and Professional Programs admissions.
Pursue Principal Certification Online With York College of Pennsylvania’s Educational Leadership Certificate
York College of Pennsylvania’s flexible, online Educational Leadership (PK-12) Certificate program equips qualified students with the skills needed for administrative roles and to pursue principal certification in Pennsylvania.
Ready to upgrade your career, increase effectiveness in your current role, and become credentialed to work as a principal?
Pursue Leadership Roles and Principal Certification in PA
The dual accomplishment of completing the Educational Leadership Certificate at York College and pursuing the Pennsylvania Principal PK-12 Administrative Certificate can greatly benefit educators looking to advance in their careers. York College's online program prepares today's teachers to take on the important responsibility of shaping learning experiences for student populations in a grade, school, district, or state. The administrative certification is required to be a principal in a public school in Pennsylvania.
York College's certificate program satisfies the requirements to apply for PDE principal certification, not including taking the necessary entrance exam. If you are not pursuing principal certification through PDE, the Educational Leadership certificate program can still provide valuable learning experiences that enhance your résumé.
Immerse yourself in coursework that prepares you for leadership positions across education, including:
- Academic Dean
- Assistant Principal
- Education Consultant
- Program or Department Administrator
- School District Administrator
Adding credentials in school leadership can also promote advancement to positions with higher salaries in education administration. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, principals and other educational administrators (kindergarten through high school) report average wages of $101,320 annually. Administration and leadership roles in postsecondary education report a yearly salary of $99,940.
Create Plans for Inclusive Practice in Educational Leadership
Each student pursuing an online certificate in school leadership completes practical projects, such as compiling a leadership plan that includes mission, vision, and values underpinned with inclusive practices.
In MED 502: Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practice, investigate what makes school policy and practice inclusive and how to support a range of needs in your leadership, from professional development plans to accessible learning environments
Principalship Practicum
The principalship practicum is a pivotal component of the principal certification program, designed to provide hands-on, practical experience in school administration and leadership. With supervision from experts in the field, certificate program students will engage in various school-based administrative activities during their practicum term, offering a unique opportunity to apply classroom knowledge in a practical setting.
Whether completed in a York-assisted placement or your current school or role, the principalship practicum gets you closer to meeting Administrative Certificate requirements in the state.
Administrative Internship
Aligned with the Pennsylvania Inspired Leadership (PIL) and Interstate Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards, a built-in administrative internship provides flexible and convenient field-based opportunities tailored to individual circumstances. Through this process, online learners gain valuable experiences to further their skills.
During their internship, participants in the Educational Leadership Certificate reinforce the practical application of theoretical concepts and prepare for leadership roles in educational settings. They gain firsthand knowledge of the diverse challenges of educational administration and begin positively impacting their school communities, all while taking online classes.
Learn Directly from Expert Faculty
In our Educational Leadership Certificate program, you'll gain insights into instructional technology across PK-12 levels under the mentorship of our experienced faculty. These experts bring a wealth of real-world classroom experience, offering interactive online discussions and detailed feedback.
Connect to Work Opportunities and Employers
Join our fully online certificate program and leverage York's strong connections with educational institutions and employers. As a student, you'll have access to various internship and networking opportunities in educational leadership and related fields, helping you to build a professional network that aligns with your career goals — even if you're studying online.
Prime Skills for Leadership and Administrative Roles
The Educational Leadership Certificate program is a shorter alternative to a graduate degree program and provides students with skills necessary for advancing into administrative positions like principal or dean. Graduates are also equipped with leadership and communication skills essential for educational policy, educational consulting, and instructional and training careers.
With the 24-credit certificate, students gain skills including:
- Project and financial management for effective budgeting of resources and successful completion of various projects and initiatives
- Ethical and culturally competent written and verbal communication that furthers goal-oriented conversations with students, families, and other stakeholders
- Application of relevant law and policy in everyday decisions in education administration
- Upholding of inclusive and diverse learning environments
Educational Leadership (PK-12) Courses
Your class schedule will include a series of core courses related to your field and taught by faculty experts.
| Course Name | Course Code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Development, Learning, and Inclusive Practice | MED 502 | 3 Credits |
| Legal and Ethical Issues in Education for Administrators | MED 550 | 3 Credits |
| Introduction to Organizational Leadership | MED 561 | 3 Credits |
| Supervision of Instruction | MED 562 | 3 Credits |
| School of Financial Management | MED 565 | 3 Credits |
Careers in Education Leadership (PK-12)
An Education Leadership (PK-12) Certificate opens up a variety of career opportunities. Some of your options may include:
Academic Dean
Assistant Principal
Education Consultant
Program or Department Administrator
School District Administrator
Graduate and Professional Studies Staff
View All Staff
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