Secondary Education Graduate Programs
PK-12 Principal Certification
Prepare to lead schools, support teachers, and improve student outcomes.
RESULTS IN:
Preparation for PK-12 Principal Certification
DELIVERY:
Online coursework, in-person internship
TOTAL CREDITS:
21 credits of coursework, 3 credits of internship
Strong schools need strong leaders. Kutztown University’s PK-12 Principal Certification Program prepares educators to lead with confidence across elementary, middle, and high school settings. Through 24 credits of graduate coursework and an intensive internship, candidates develop the knowledge and practical experience to receive licensure and guide schools in collaborative, student-centered, and achievement-focused ways.
For educators ready to inspire excellence in teaching, learning, and leadership, PK-12 Principal Certification offers a direct pathway to lead schools where students, teachers and communities thrive.
Program Highlights:
- 24-credit program designed for school professionals ready to move into leadership roles
- Flexible online coursework paired with an in-person capstone internship
- Focused on instructional leadership, student success, and collaborative school improvement
- Fulfills coursework requirements towards PK-12 Principal Certification in Pennsylvania
- PDE-approved and nationally accredited through CAEP
- Curriculum aligned with ELCC and PIL standards for educational leadership preparation programs
-
Program Coursework — 24 credits
Planning and Preparation
- SEED 567: Curriculum in a Standard Aligned System (3 credits)
- EDUC 541: Supervision and Finance (3 credits)
Instruction
- EDUC 526: Data-Driven Decision Making (3 credits)
- SEED 544: Action Research for Teacher Leaders (3 credits)
Environment
- EDUC 599: School Leadership in a Diverse Society (3 credits)
- EDUC 528: Student Diversity and Critical Pedagogy (3 credits)
Professionalism
- EDUC 562: School Law (3 credits)
- EDUC 593: Internship (3 credits; 180 hours of service total)
Take the NEXT STEPS to School LEadership
- Complete a graduate program application and provide:
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
- Copy of active PA teaching certification
- Application deadlines by semester of entry:
- Fall semester: August 1
- Spring semester: December 1
- Summer I semester: May 1
Want to learn more about our PK-12 Principal Certification Program? Submit an information request form or contact program coordinator Dr. George Sirrakos at sirrakos@kutztown.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
How do I become a principal in Pennsylvania?
Principal certification qualifies an educator to provide instructional leadership and administrative supervision in elementary, middle, and secondary schools.
To receive PK-12 Principal Certification in Pennsylvania, candidates must:
- Complete a state-approved principal preparation program
- Complete at least three years of satisfactory instructional or student support experience
- Candidates may begin working toward this requirement while completing the program
- Earn a qualifying score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990) Praxis test
-
Who is eligible for this program?
The program is designed for educators already certified as a teacher, guidance counselor, librarian, or another instruction-related professional in a school setting.
-
Do I need teaching experience before I can receive principal certification in PA?
Yes. Pennsylvania requires three years of satisfactory instructional or student support experience before principal certification can be issued.
-
What will I gain from this program?
Coursework prepares candidates to lead schools through curriculum planning, school leadership, school law, supervision and finance, student diversity, data-driven decision making, and action research. A capstone internship provides applied leadership experience in a PK-12 school setting.
Successful completion of this preparation program fulfills requirements towards PK-12 Principal Certification in Pennsylvania.
-
What testing is required for PK-12 Principal Certification?
A qualifying score on the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990) Praxis test is a requirement for PK-12 Principal Certification.