K-12 Principal Graduate Certificate
Step up to leadership as a principal. Step into the role you were meant for.
Go beyond the classroom and step up to leadership. The graduate certificate in Educational Administration for licensure as a K-12 Principal is designed for those with a master’s degree, and a teaching license or any additional educational license,* seeking the Minnesota K–12 Principal license.
In this fully online program, you’ll develop effective management skills and be prepared 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 elementary, junior/middle, and high school levels.
At Saint Mary’s, we lead by example. You’ll see this in action, firsthand, inspiring you to become the person the school community will embrace and support. Our Lasallian Catholic identity coupled with an emphasis on character and virtue education will help guide you as an ethical leader as you supervise day-by-day operations and help build student success.
*Includes school psychologist, school social work, counselor, and speech and language clinician.
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Program Highlights
In less than two years, you’ll be prepared to pursue licensure as a K-12 principal in Minnesota. Learn organizational management skills, innovative ways to improve learning for all students, and how to lead with integrity and character. Meet your obligations — and career goals — in our immersive and fully online program.
Program Features
What Makes it Special
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Complete this program in less than two years -
Licensure preparation
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Administrative licensure preparation pathway to continue with our Ed.S. degree or superintendent license
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Practitioner-led faculty
What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn
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Collaborative, visionary planning, and decision making to lead education institutions
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Operational management including human, financial, and physical resources
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Effective learning environments and experiences for all students
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Practical ethical leadership to ensure the best interest of all learners
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School and district-wide literacy and numeracy systems
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Inclusiveness and effective communication
Education is our pillar.
For over a century, Saint Mary’s has educated the next generation teachers and leaders. With its strong reputation in preparing highly skilled teachers and administrators, the School of Education offers initial teaching licensure programs, graduate programs for practicing teachers, and a doctoral program in educational leadership.
Course Catalog
Administrative Licensure Preparation Pathway
The Educational Administration: K-12 Principal program consists of 29 credits for initial Minnesota K–12 Principal or Director of Special Education licensure preparation (or 41 credits for both). You may then choose to obtain a graduate certificate, complete six credits toward Minnesota superintendency preparation, or complete the Ed.S. degree.
License and Teaching Requirement
To be eligible for Minnesota administrative licensure preparation, you must have three years of experience in relation to your qualifying initial licensure. If you do not meet these requirements, you may choose to complete the Saint Mary’s Alternative Pathway program toward administrative licensure, which may be completed simultaneously with program coursework under direction of program leadership.
Career Outlook
The median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $98,420 in May 2021, and employment is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030
High School Principal
$98,420 per year*