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School Principal Certification Program Online
Classes Begin: September 21, 20261 year
Fully Online
27
CAEP accredited provider
The accredited online PA Administrative Certificate, Principal K-12 was designed to develop school leaders who can design and lead schools focused on AI, innovative schools, curricular design, and systems thinking. This principal certificate program develops your skills to lead transformative change in K-12 education as a principal, assistant principal, or director of special education. Designing inclusive, future-ready learning environments and optimizing instructional systems through data-driven leadership, this certificate equips you to shape schools that meet the demands of tomorrow. Graduates are prepared to implement cutting-edge technologies, foster collaborative school cultures, and lead with strategic vision in diverse educational settings.
Program Features
- A flexible, completely online program that fits easily into your busy work and personal schedule
- Named one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” preparing today’s educators by U.S. News & World Report
- Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
- A highly interactive online learning method allows extensive interaction with faculty and other classmates
CAEP Accredited Provider
The Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation (CAEP) accredits Drexel University School of Education educator preparation programs. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement. Drexel University meets rigorous national standards for education preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Education Preparation.
Archived Webinars
- How is it only January? Survival Strategies for the Classroom Teacher
- Online Open House: Education Administration and Improvement & Transformation Programs
- Online Teaching Strategies for K-12 Educators: Basics for Beginners to Intermediate Users
- You Want How Much for My District’s Data? Important Steps to Protect Your District and Student Data from Hackers
State restrictions may apply to some programs.
Curriculum
This program is organized into four 10-week quarters per year (as opposed to the traditional two semester system) which means you can take more courses in a shorter time period. One semester credit is equivalent to 1.5 quarter credits.
Drexel University is transitioning to a semester calendar system as of Fall 2027. View the semester program of study for this program.
| Certification Courses | ||
| EDAM 705 | School Law and Politics | 3.0 |
| EDAM 710 | School Finance and Facilities | 3.0 |
| EDAM 712 | School and Community Partnerships and Relations | 3.0 |
| EDAM 714 | Instructional and Curriculum Leadership | 3.0 |
| EDAM 715 | School Principal Internship: Technology | 1.5 |
| EDAM 716 | School Principal Internship: Finance | 1.5 |
| EDAM 717 | School Principal Internship: Leadership | 1.5 |
| EDAM 718 | School Principal Internship: Relations | 1.5 |
| EDAM 720 | Systems Thinking for School Principals | 3.0 |
| EDAM 729 | Technology and AI for School Leadership | 3.0 |
| EDEX 712 | Instructional & Curriculum Leadership in Special Education | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 27.0 | |
Admissions Criteria
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)
- A state-issued teaching or counseling certificate
Required Documents
With multiple ways to submit documents, Drexel makes it easy to complete your application. Learn more by visiting our Completing Your Application Guide.
- A completed application
- Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
- Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
- One letter must come from the principal of the school where the applicant has worked.
- This recommendation must speak to your presentation skills and experiences in leadership roles within a K-12 school setting as well as any skills that would have a strong bearing onyour success as a school leader or administrator.
- Resume
- Essay describing why you're interested in pursuing this program
- Include two paragraphs briefly describing your educational philosophy and how principals shape learning in K-12 schools.
- Additional requirements for International Students
Tuition
The tuition rate for the academic year 2026-2027 is $1144 per credit. (A 25% tuition savings off Drexel's regular tuition rate of $1525 per credit)
For the academic year 2026-2027, students enrolled in an online graduate academic program will be charged a graduate online program fee of $125 per year.
- Special tuition rates available for Drexel University Alumni, Military members, and members of our Partner Organizations
- These rates apply only to new online students and students being readmitted.
- Tuition rates are subject to increase with the start of each academic year in the fall term.
- All students must contact applyDUonline@drexel.edu within the first two weeks of the term to request tuition savings for which they qualify.
- Special rates cannot be combined. If you qualify for more than one special rate, you'll be given the one with the largest savings.
- When receiving special tuition plans, you may not be able to combine them with other tuition benefits that may be available from Drexel University.
Academic Calendar
2027-2028 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2027
August 23, 2027
December 8, 2027
December 13, 2027
December 17, 2027
Spring 2028
January 10, 2028
April 24, 2028
April 27, 2028
May 3, 2028
Summer 2028
May 15, 2028
August 5, 2028
August 7, 2028
August 11, 2028
2026-2027 Academic Year
Term
Classes Begin
Classes End
Exams Begin
Exams End
Fall 2026
September 22, 2026
December 5, 2026
December 7, 2026
December 12, 2026
Winter 2027
January 4, 2027
March 13, 2027
March 15, 2027
March 20, 2027
Spring 2027
March 29, 2027
June 5, 2027
June 7, 2027
June 12, 2027
Summer 2027
June 21, 2027
August 7, 2027
August 9, 2027
August 14, 2027
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