PennWest has a strong legacy in the field of Education. Whether we are training future teachers or providing advanced certificates and degrees for school leaders, you can be sure we are teaching best practices so our graduates are well-prepared to meet the future needs of students entrusted to their care.
If you already have a master’s in Educational Leadership or a related field, you can now earn a post-master’s Educational Leadership certificate online and receive additional opportunities to develop your own leadership style and acquire skills you need to take your career to the next level. Hundreds of web-based students around the world have taken advantage of our nationally recognized programs in Educational Leadership. Will you be next?
The Principal certificate and Superintendent Letter are accredited by CAEP, nationally recognized by ELCC and approved by PDE. The Supervisor of Special Education certificate is accredited by CAEP and approved by PDE.
Hands-on internships in your field further enhance your leadership skills.
Earn a post-master's certificate 100% online, at your own pace.
Our graduate programs are consistently ranked among the best online programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Varies by certificate program
100% online
Educational leaders have a tremendous impact on the school, school district and school community. Becoming a principal has the potential to improve or enhance the lives of students and families while boosting your own career potential.
If you already have a Master’s in Educational Leadership or a related field, you can enroll in the online post-master's Principal Certificate program and be ready for your certification exam after completing just 24 credits. The coursework will prepare you to become a building-level leader within any K-12 school system. “Leadership for Student Achievement” is the common thread throughout the program. Two Principal internships will give you hands-on experience in both elementary and secondary settings. Prior to earning your certificate, you will be required to conduct and present a focus project on student achievement in each of the school settings.
Are you a certified special education teacher who wants to expand your knowledge and skills for working with students with special needs? Do you want to expand your employment potential by adding on a Special Education certification? Do it today by enrolling in PennWest’s Global Online Supervisor of Special Education certificate program.
Delivered 100% online, this Supervisor of Special Education certificate will help you achieve your goals after earning just 24 credits. The coursework will prepare you to become a district-level special education leader within any K-12 school system. “Leadership for Student Achievement” is the common thread throughout the program. Two internships will give you hands-on experience working with both early intervention populations and the general school-age population.
Upon successful completion of the programs, you can apply for the PA Supervisor of Special Education certification.
Credits: 24
Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer Flights A & B, all terms
Become a district-level leader and a force within your community with this online Superintendent Letter of Eligibility certificate program.
PennWest’s dedicated faculty will meet your individual needs and assist you along your leadership journey. They will become your mentors and guides as you delve into coursework that balances theory and practice. You will cover the full gamut of topics, from personnel leadership and school board policy to educational technologies and facilities, community relations and more.
This 18-credit program includes two internships that will give you hands-on experience in the role of a district leader and prepare you to conduct and present a focus project on student achievement. Upon completion, you may sit for the PRAXIS School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) and assume your new role as a Superintendent of Schools. It also serves as the prerequisite for the Doctor of Education in Education Administration and Leadership (EdD) degree.
Credits: 24
Start Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer Flights A & B, all terms
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a consistent need for educational leaders in the U.S. They project about 22,100 openings for elementary, middle and high school principals each year, on average, over the decade.
Principal Certificate and Supervisor of Special Education:
Superintendent Letter:
Principal K-12 (Certification Only)
Supervisor of Special Education Post-Master's Certification
Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certification
Should include Administrative Certification (i.e. Principal’s K-12 Certification) or Supervisory Certification (i.e. Curriculum Supervisor, Special Education Supervisor). Applicants should review PDE guidelines to assure they can meet certification requirements.
Note: At the completion of the program and upon application for endorsement for certification from PDE, you will be required to provide verification of completion of the required years of relevant administrative/supervisory experience from your district as per PDE guidelines. Currently this requirement includes “evidence of six years of satisfactory school experience, of which three must be in a supervisory or an administrative capacity.” Also, applicants must currently hold an administrative/supervisory position in order to be able to meet internship requirements and PDE certification guidelines. Please refer to the PDE website for the most current details to assure you can meet the work service requirement.
PennWest’s three campuses, California, Clarion and Edinboro universities, have been delivering award-winning online programs for more than 20 years. You’ll graduate with a degree from Pennsylvania Western University, completely supported by the expertise and community of learners on our brick-and-mortar campuses.