Why Saint Mary’s?

Since our founding in 1912, our mission has been to provide an education that gives you the tools to pursue a meaningful career and follow your passions. No matter your program or major, we are committed to educating beyond the curriculum and preparing you for success – today and in the future.

Ready to take the next step toward fulfilling your education and career goals?

Ready to take the next step?

There's a term for our graduates. Ethical leaders.

After years of teaching, you know what works. Make now the time to apply that wisdom and hard work towards greater change. The Administrative Licensure programs from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota allow you to teach by day and learn online by night with one required synchronous session each Wednesday, 6-8 pm. Our annual two-day Summer Institute is your chance to network in person with staff and other students while engaging inspirational speakers from around the state. Earn your certificate in as little as 18 months from tested, experienced leaders. No matter which administrative career path you pursue, you will have the organizational leadership skills to lead with confidence and integrity after earning your certificate from one of our three online certificate programs.

K-12 Principal

When you step into a leadership role as a K-12 principal, you have the opportunity to make an impact that enhances the education of an entire student body. Saint Mary’s prepares you to take this career leap by helping you develop practical administrative and operational management skills, ethical leadership awareness, and an understanding of school and district-wide literacy and numeracy systems.

K-12 Principal Graduate CertificateOnline

The K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate program focuses on developing effective management skills that prepare you to advance into school administrative leadership. Our practitioner-led faculty will help you gain an understanding of the 12 core administrative competencies, with three additional competencies required for Minnesota K-12 principal licensure. You’ll also engage in a 320-hour field experience internship with a minimum of 40 hours at the elementary, junior/middle, and high school levels.

Requirements

Master’s degree in any field
Minimum of three years of teaching experience

Career Opportunities

K-12 School Principal

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Special Education

As a special education teacher, you know what it’s like to transform lives through education. When you are ready to take the next step in your career, our program prepares you for Minnesota licensure as a Director of Special Education. We are committed to instilling the unique skill set, integrity, and behavioral management strategies required in today’s special education leaders.

Director of Special Education Graduate CertificateOnline

This fully online program educates students on the planning and development of curriculum, assessment, and instruction necessary for effective Special Education leadership. Upon completing the program, you will be prepared to oversee, evaluate, and supervise special education programs. Our curriculum is led by faculty with practical leadership experience and can be completed in as little as two years.

Requirements

Master’s degree in any field
Minimum of three years of teaching experience

Career Opportunities

Director of Special Education

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Superintendent

Achieve your career potential by leading a district with purpose, integrity, and educational expertise. Upon completing this program, you will have the management and organizational leadership skills necessary to handle the complexities of an evolving academic environment. Making an impact in academia starts from the top down, and as a superintendent, you will have the platform and position to make your vision of educational success a reality.

Superintendent Graduate CertificateOnline

As a superintendent, you will serve as a problem-solver, expert communicator, and ethical example for your community. Our practitioner-led faculty draws on real-world experience to impart the most relevant information needed in today’s school districts. This online program will prepare you for Minnesota Administrative Licensure with only six more credits beyond your principal or special ed director license.

Requirements

Master’s degree in any field
Minimum of three years of teaching experience
Current K-12 administrative license

Career Opportunities

Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent
District Office Administrator

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