Principal and Program Administrator Credential

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Program Link:
https://ceshs.wsu.edu/degrees/educational-leadership/
Program Handbook:
https://vancouver.wsu.edu/academic-programs/principal-or-program-administrator-certificate/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://vancouver.wsu.edu/academic-programs/principal-or-program-administrator-certificate/
Graduate Students in Program:
50
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall (see dates listed below by term)
  • Spring (see dates listed below by term)
  • Summer (see dates listed below by term)

Campus:

  • Pullman
  • Spokane
  • Tri-Cities
  • Vancouver

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

Degree Description:

WSU offers three different administrator credential programs that lead to Washington state certification. Each program is designated as a ‘state-wide’ program, meaning that students live and work throughout the state of Washington. Students apply and enroll via the WSU campus that is closest to where they live. Each program is designed on a cohort model with students from all campuses taking classes together via Zoom (principal and/or program administrator). This program is designed for domestic applicants. An overview of the Principal or Program Administrator Credential options is below, followed by detailed application requirements further down. If you are seeking a Superintendent Credentials, please refer to the specific factsheet for detailed information.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline for first consideration though will be considered on a space available basis through the closing date listed below. There are no assistantships for any certificate programs. ​

OVERVIEW OF CERTIFICATION OPTIONS:

  • Principal Certificate: This program is designed for those interested in building-level leadership. Three years of successful experience with a regular teaching, Educational Staff Associate (ESA), or Career and Technical Educator (CTE) certificate is required. Courses are taught via Zoom in the evening with the possibility of one in-person weekend session each semester. This program can be completed in two years, with the option to extend the program further.
  • Program Administrator Certificate: This program is designed for those interested in leadership positions at the district office level. This program does not require a teaching, ESA, or CTE certificate. Courses are taught via Zoom in the evening with the possibility of one in-person weekend session each semester. This program can be completed in two years, with the option to extend the program further.

ALL programs above require:

  • a master’s degree prior to admission or concurrent admission/enrollment in WSU’s Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Educational Leadership.
  • current employment in a school district (building or district office) or Educational Service District in the state of Washington, as well as school district support for an administrative internship.
  • All certification programs above require an administrative internship. Please contact your Campus Coordinator to receive the required Internship Agreement form, and to ensure you have the correct application materials and instructions:

NOTE: Degree and certification programs in Educational Leadership do not accept State of Washington tuition waivers. This includes the following graduate programs: Ed.M., M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D., as well as these certification programs: principal, program administrator, and superintendent.

Admission Requirements:

Apply to the WSU Graduate School through GradCAS. Once in GradCAS search for Washington State University Administrator’s Credential – Principal or Program Administrator and the campus you will be enrolling.

PRINCIPAL or PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATE: 

Priority application deadline and closure dates for all campuses:

  • Fall: priority = June 1 | closes = July 15
  • Spring: priority = October 1 | closes = November 15
  • Summer: priority = March 1 | closes = April 1

The programs begin for Fall (late August start) or Spring (early January start) or Summer term (early May start).  Applications are considered on a space available basis through the closing date above. If necessary, contact your local Campus Coordinator for a possible extension.

Application Materials:

  • Current resume
  • Complete educational history and transcripts from any colleges/universities that meet these criteria:
    • where any degrees have been granted or are expected.
    • that show any graded bachelor’s work and/or graduate-level work (including doctoral) taken after the bachelor’s degree.
    • Transcripts are NOT required for coursework taken at WSU.
    • Unofficial copies may be uploaded with your Graduate School application for application review. If admitted, you will be required to submit official copies to the WSU Graduate School.
  • Letters of recommendation 
    • To increase the likelihood of securing a strong letter of recommendation that provides a clear description of your leadership experiences and that speaks of your potential for leadership in key areas, we would like you to have a candid discussion about your professional goals with your principal, district administrator, or supervisor before you begin your application. Similarly, we urge you to let the Human Resources Director for your district know of your intention to begin an administrative credential program.
    • Three letters are required:
      • At least one from a teacher, administrator, co-worker, or professor who is familiar with your professional work.
      • The third letter should be from any of the above.
  • Written statement. Written responses to the prompts below should be 500 – 1,000 words each, double spaced and written in New Times Roman, 12pt font. The heading for each statement should include your name and “Statement 1” or “Statement 2” as appropriate.
    • Statement 1: Briefly introduce yourself and tell us how your professional and educational experiences have prepared you for this educational leadership program (500-1,000 words).
    • Statement 2: Respond to ONE of the following questions (500-1,000 words):
      • What are your core educational values and beliefs? How will they support your success in the program?
      • What are qualities and characteristics that you consider to be hallmarks of exemplary leadership? Discuss how you have embodied or practiced one or more of these in your own educational career.
      • Discuss your thoughts about how valuing diversity and equity relates to improving learning for each student.
  • Copies of all educational certificates (optional for Program Administrator certification)

REMINDER: All certification programs above require an administrative internship. Please contact your Campus Coordinator to receive the required Internship Agreement form, and to ensure you have the correct application materials and instructions.

Contact Information: