Administrative Program For Principals Masters Online

Amplify your impact in K-12 education and advance your career.

Become a leader in education with a master's degree in education and K-12 school principal certification from California University of Pennsylvania.

Cal U's education programs have been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, and we are continuing accreditation with the successor organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This graduate program is also nationally recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).

Our 100% online courses allow you to continue to work full time while earning your degree. You’ll apply what you learn in real-world settings through fieldwork and 360 hours of internship experiences, which typically take place at the school where you already teach.

Discover our unique, learner-focused approach to education.

Unlike traditional, course-oriented programs, our M.Ed. is practice-centered, incorporating school/University partnerships, fieldwork and internships.

This master's degree is a state-approved program that meets the education requirement for certification as a principal in Pennsylvania.

We use ongoing performance assessments rather than traditional testing to evaluate your ability to synthesize and apply program

Request Info Apply Now Visit Campus

Program Highlights: Administrative Program for Principals

Essential Internships: In Cal U's administrative program for principals you'll complete two school internships totaling a minimum of 360 hours. Internships typically take place on-site at the school where you already teach, and are supported by an on-site school principal and an assigned University supervisor.

Cohort Model: Build relationships with fellow students and benefit from networking opportunities. Our cohorts start in the spring and summer and stay together throughout all program courses, enabling a strong personal learning network that will continue to support you after graduation.

Top Accreditation: This graduate degree program is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Cal U's education programs have also been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) since 1954, and we are continuing with the successor organization, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See CAEP reporting measures of program impact and outcomes.

Learn more about applying.

Top 50

Cal U's administrative program for principals was ranked #34 in the nation for best online education management degree programs by topmanagementdegrees.com.

$90K

The national median salary for elementary, middle and high school principals is $90,410 per year. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Degree Benefits

Cal U's administrative program for principals offers exceptional benefits, including:

The flexibility of 100% online classes.
Field and internship experiences at your school site.
A fully accredited program that's also affordable.
Strong leadership skills and enhanced classroom instruction.
Hands-on experiences and exposure to decision-making processes of school principals.
Support from a personal adviser to achieve academic and career goals.

Graduate Outcomes

Cal U's online administrative program for principals gives you the opportunity to take on administrative leadership roles at the school level, whether as a principal, vice principal or supervisor of a content area. Our alumni are highly successful in getting jobs in school administration and have been hired as assistant principals and principals in K-12 schools across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Curriculum, Admission Requirements and Related Programs

This 30-credit master of education degree program starts in the spring or summer and meets the educational requirement for certification as a K-12 principal in Pennsylvania. Students who are seeking licensure/certification outside of Pennsylvania should consult the State Authorization web page for more information.

Curriculum

Course	Credits
ADP 621 Curriculum Leadership Using a Standards Aligned System	3
ADP 626 Instructional Leadership and Strategies for Inclusive Classrooms	3
ADP 631 School Law and Ethics	3
ADP 641 School Community Relations Seminar	3
ADP 647 Orientation and Assessment	3
ADP 661 Educational Leadership	3
ADP 664 Field Project/Leadership (M.Ed. students only)	3
ADP 670 Internship Part 1	3
ADP 670 Internship Part 2 – Final Requirement for Certification	3
ADP 673 Field Project/Research and Evaluation (M.Ed. students only)	3
Total	30

VIEW COHORT SEQUENCES

Admission Requirements

Regular Admission Requirements

Masters plus Certification: Regionally accredited bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.00 or higher (Students with a GPA below 3.00 may apply for conditional admission)
Certification Only: Regionally accredited master's degree with a GPA of 3.00 or higher in education field (Students with a GPA below 3.00 may apply for conditional admission
Official transcripts from an accredited institution
Copy of all teaching /instructional certifications

Must initially hold certification as a teacher, guidance counselor, or some other instructional-related professional position. Refer to the Pennsylvania Department of Education website for guidelines/details.

A letter of endorsement from applicant's principal or immediate supervisor
A current resume or curriculum vitae
A completed Applicant Data Sheet
Statement of career goals and degree objectives
Note: At the completion of the program and upon application for endorsement for certification from PDE, you will be required to provide verification of completion of the required years of relevant professional experience from your district as per PDE guidelines. Please refer to the PDE website for details to assure you can meet the work service requirement.
International Global Online Applicants

Conditional Admission Requirements

Conditional Admission may be granted with the following modifications of the Regular Admissions Requirements:

Masters plus Certification: Bachelor's degree with a GPA under 3.00 will be reviewed for a decision
Certification Only: Master's degree with a GPA under 3.00 will be reviewed for a decision
Official transcripts
Copy of teaching certifications
A completed Applicant Data Sheet and/or a current resume or curriculum vitae

Provisional Admission:
Applicants who have provided unofficial documentation of test scores, prerequisite courses, transcripts or lack of letter(s) of recommendation may be admitted provisionally.

This policy also applies to undergraduate students who apply for graduate admission pending bachelor degree completion. Upon receipt of all official documents, a student will be changed from Provisional Admission to either Regular Admission or Conditional Admission. Provisional Admission students may take classes for one term but will not be eligible for Federal Financial Aid.

How to Apply:

Complete the Graduate School Application
Submit the nonrefundable $35 Application Fee
Mail official transcript to:

School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Box 91
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419

For additional information:
Email: calugo@calu.edu
Phone: 1.866.595.6348

Out of State Students:
Out of state students are welcome to apply but should first contact their state department of education for further information regarding certification requirements and reciprocity agreements.

Related Programs

Administrative Program for Principals Certification Program (Online): An online program for students who already hold a master's degree and are seeking certification as a K-12 principal or continuing education credits.

Superintendent Letter of Eligibility Certificate Program (Online): A graduate-level program for seasoned educators seeking the university endorsement required for certification as a superintendent in Pennsylvania.

Student Success

Meet Trisha Maddas '08. She credits Cal U's graduate program internships with preparing her for success in her current position as middle school assistant principal in the Elizabeth Forward School District. Maddas constantly interacts with students, parents, faculty and staff to create rich learning environments for all students.

Faculty with Real-World Know-How

All professors in Cal U's administrative program for principals are committed to student success and have firsthand experience in school and district administration. Our award-wining adjunct faculty members currently hold positions as school or district administrators, and our full-time faculty has past experience in administrative roles.

Two Cal U graduate students pose for a picture during Commencement.

Double Your Impact: Enroll with A Colleague

Make a bigger difference in your school by enrolling in Cal U's administrative program for principals with a colleague. Your course and internship projects are directly related to improving your school through gap identification, data analysis and addressing specific needs. Pairing up with a colleague broadens the scope and impact of your work.