Principal Certification

Reasons to pursue this program:

1. It is generally completed within one year.
2. The online course offered in the summer meets in a live format and offers a challenging opportunity to ignite your lo of interest in building-level school leadership.
3. The two six-credit internships take place in the fall and spring semesters (one in an elementary school and one in a secondary school) and could be completed in the student’s home district.
4. The program is rigorous and follows PA Department of Education standards as well as National Education Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards.
5. Specifically designed to prepare school leaders for the principalship.

Students are expected to do the following:

1. Model credible strategic leadership
2. Demonstrate exemplary interpersonal skills
3. Exemplify outstanding communication and organizational skills
4. Engage in continued professional growth
5. Use data to inform curricular and pedagogical decisions
6. Engage in political and community initiatives

Why IUP’s Principal Certification Program?

Our program:

• Is distinguished by its performance foundation for administrative certification
• Emphasizes the achievement of administrative competencies through documented outcomes of field experiences rather than progression through a sequence of courses
• Is designed to provide maximum convenience to the working professional by having the internships completed within the context of the candidates’ home district
• Can be completed in a year
• Is considered a leading principal certification program in Pennsylvania
• Is a 15-credit post-master’s program

A master's degree is required to apply for this certification program, along with the support of their school district employee and mentor principals. Those who do not hold a master's degree are encouraged to consider the Master of Education program here at IUP. PDE requirements must be met in order to apply for certification.