Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in School Principal Certificate
Certificate Level: Graduate
Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
Number of Credits to Completion: 18.0
Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) Code: 13.0408
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 11-9032
About the Program
The School Principal Certificate program prepares aspiring leaders to guide schools in today’s complex, rapidly evolving educational landscape. Grounded in instructional leadership, equity, and systems thinking, the program develops leaders who understand how curriculum, assessment, and data systems interact to influence student outcomes. Candidates build expertise in inclusive practices, including special education leadership, while cultivating the skills to lead ethical decision-making, foster collaborative cultures, and design innovative, future-ready learning environments. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The learning experience is highly applied and practice-based, reflecting the realities of school leadership. Candidates engage in field-based internships, instructional walkthroughs, data team facilitation, and school improvement planning. Courses integrate emerging tools such as AI and data analytics to support decision-making and innovation. Signature experiences include leading professional learning communities, participating in special education processes, and designing strategic initiatives that address real problems of practice in schools. This hands-on approach ensures that candidates develop both the knowledge and confidence to lead effectively from day one.
Graduates of the program are prepared to pursue roles as school principals or assistant principals and meet Pennsylvania certification requirements. The program also provides a strong foundation for continued graduate study, including doctoral programs in educational leadership. Candidates leave with the ability to lead instructional improvement, manage school operations, and build meaningful partnerships with families and communities—skills that are increasingly essential for leadership in diverse educational settings.
A key differentiator of this program is Drexel University’s commitment to experiential learning. Through a combination of rigorous coursework and immersive field experiences, candidates apply theory directly to practice in real-world contexts. The integration of AI, systems thinking, and innovation further distinguishes the program, positioning graduates to lead forward-thinking schools. Drexel’s practitioner-focused model ensures that candidates are not only prepared to meet current leadership demands but are also equipped to shape the future of education.
Admission Requirements
- 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;
- 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 on your 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.
Program Requirements
| Required Courses | ||
| Complete the following courses: 1 | ||
| LLS 7000 | Leading Schools with Vision, Ethics, and Innovation | 3.0 |
| LLS 7100 | Law, Policy, and Advocacy: Leading Schools with Integrity and Equity | 3.0 |
| LLS 7200 | Curriculum, Instruction, and Data-Driven Leadership for Learning | 3.0 |
| LLS 7300 | Strategic Finance, Resource Management, and School Operations | 3.0 |
| LLS 7400 | Leading Inclusive Schools: Families, Communities, and Collaborative Partnerships | 3.0 |
| Internships | ||
| Complete the following courses: 2 | ||
| LLS 7500 | Internship I: Instructional Leadership and School Systems | 1.0 |
| LLS 7600 | Internship II: Strategic Leadership, Operations, and Community Impact | 1.0 |
| Total Credits | 17.0 | |
- 1
If a student's home state has a school principal certification, the student will need to contact that state’s department of education directly to confirm certification eligibility requirements.
- 2
Any student required to participate in a program field experience and/or internship as a component of their coursework will be required to submit all required documents with regard to background checks/clearance(s) and field placement applications.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Education.