Principal Graduate Certificate-This graduate-level certificate program is designed for teachers or other certified staff members who have already completed a master's degree in an education-related field and want to pursue a career in educational leadership. A teaching certificate with 3 years of experience (by the end of the program) is required for admission on this path. Grounded in best practices and current research in educational leadership and management, this program prepares candidates to lead in diverse settings. 

Requirements for principal certification in the State of Washington include a teaching certificate or an educational staff associate certificate and at least three years of qualifying experience. Course work may begin any quarter, including summer. All courses must be completed prior to the internship.  

Candidates complete five prerequisite courses addressing all aspects of school leadership and a 540–hour internship. The internship begins each August and runs for the entire school year. This is an online accelerated program with 6-week academic sessions. For more information about this program visit our website. For information about internships for this program, visit our internship website. 

Admission Requirements

1. Have earned a master's degree in education or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Have earned a grade point average of ≥3.0 on a 4-point scale during the final 90 quarter credits (or 60 semester credits) of enrolled coursework.
3. Hold or have previously held a regular teacher, educational staff associate, or Initial/Continuing CTE Certificate. Submission of fingerprints for a background check is required if a valid certificate is not already on record.
4. Verification of three years of successful school-based instructional experience in an educational setting.

Area Specialization
EDUC 551	SUPERVISION OF INSTRUCTION	4
EDUC 564	SCHOOL LAW	4
EDUC 565	LEADERSHIP FOR TODAY'S SCHOOLS	4
EDUC 566	LEADERSHIP IN SCHOOL-COMMUNITY RELATIONS	4
EDUC 567	SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION AND BUDGET	4
Professional Internship and Portfolio
EDUC 660	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO I	2
EDUC 661	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO II	2
EDUC 662	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO III	2
EDUC 663	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO IV	2
EDUC 664	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO V	2
EDUC 665	PRINCIPAL INTERNSHIP AND PORTFOLIO VI	2
Total Credits		32

Students who earn a Principal Graduate Certificate from EWU should be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the current theory, research, and strategies needed to effectively lead schools in P-12 educational settings;
• demonstrate the competency-based knowledge and skills required for effectively working in leadership roles in P-12 educational settings in compliance with NELP and Washington State Standards as well as program requirements;
• understand and prepare for the educational, social, political, economic, and cultural context within which school leader’s work;
• know the legal requirements, expectations and authority of a school leader;
• lead school improvement and instructional supervision to support positive student outcomes;
• create a positive school climate and culture;
• respond to students, staff, families, and community members in a positive and inclusive manner.