School leaders play a crucial role in shaping students’ educational landscape. At every level of PK-12 education, from public to private to charter systems, schools are looking for skilled leaders who can step into the changing dynamics of the modern education field and provide vision and positivity.
About Salem’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership
The Salem School of Education offers a Post-Master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership designed for experienced, licensed, professional educators (teachers, counselors, etc.) who have earned education-related master’s degrees and are now ready to pursue new leadership roles within their schools or school districts. This accelerated educational leadership certification program prepares students for licensure as principals, district supervisors, and superintendents at all academic levels (Pre-K through Adult).
We’ve designed our graduate-level programs to be entirely online. Our high-quality curriculum aims to provide professional growth and development opportunities, develop skills that allow you to conduct research, integrate theory and practice, and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.
What Can I Do With a Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership?
This post-master’s educational leadership certification online program can prepare you to step into even more advanced leadership and administrative roles like:
- School Principal (Grades PK – 12/Adult)
- District Supervisor (Grades PK – 12/Adult)
- Superintendent (Grades PK – 12/Adult)
What Will I Learn in Salem’s Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership?
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership program offers two paths to licensure.
- Principal Track – an 18-credit program leading to Pre-K-Adult Principal licensure.
- Full Certification Track – a 24-credit program that leads to licensure as PreK-Adult Principal, General Supervisor, and Superintendent.
The Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership certificate program prepares students with courses to develop the practical skills and knowledge necessary for school and school district leadership. Annual student pass rates on the required licensure exam consistently exceed 97%. All coursework includes fieldwork or internship experiences that can be completed in your school or district. The educational leadership certification program utilizes the unique relationship that exists between a leadership candidate, their employing school district and the University.
We align our educational leadership certification course content with West Virginia Professional Teaching Standards (WVPTS), as well as the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC), Praxis® Test 5412 Content Topics, the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Teachers, and the International Society for Technology Education (ISTE) Standards for Administrators.
You will learn how to:
- Facilitate the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of shared school and district visions of learning through the collection and use of data to identify school and district goals, assess organizational effectiveness
- Sustain school and district cultures and instructional programs conducive to student learning through collaboration, trust, and a personalized learning environment with high expectations for students.
- Ensure the management of a school and district’s organization, operation, and resources through monitoring and evaluating the management and operational systems.
- Collaborate with faculty and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources.
- Act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner to ensure a system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success by modeling school and district principles of self-awareness, reflective practice, transparency, and ethical behavior.
What Classes Are Geared Toward Educational Leaders?
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Educational Leadership requires the successful completion of the following 18-24 credits of coursework, depending on your track:
- EDU740 Public School Finance and Administrative Applications
- EDU752 School, District, and Community Leadership
- EDU770 Instructional Leadership
- EDU780 School Law and Administrative Applications
- EDU791 Technology Competencies for Educational Leaders
- EDU764 Professional Practices of the Principal
- EDU774 Professional Practices of the District Supervisor (required for district supervisor and superintendent licensure)
- EDU784 Professional Practices of the Superintendent (required for district supervisor and superintendent licensure)
Upon completion of the educational leadership certification programs at Salem, candidates will be eligible for the West Virginia Professional Administrative Certificate as PreK-12 Principal or PreK-12 Principal, Supervisor of Instruction, and Superintendent after completing an additional state-specific training (Evaluation Leadership Institute).
How Long Will It Take to Get My Post-Master’s Certificate in Educational Leadership?
On average, a full-time student can earn their CAS in Educational Leadership on the Principal Track in just seven months and on the Full Certification Track in 11 months. However, we recognize that every student is different and has different circumstances. Please get in touch with one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.
Professional Licensure Notification
CAEP Annual Reporting Measures
Why Should I Choose Salem University?
Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:
- Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
- A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at a time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
- Online educational leadership program courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule.
- Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
- A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students
Admission Requirements
Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or apply online. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is at the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admission requirements.
Take the Next Step
If you’re interested in starting your degree from Salem University, request more information by filling out a quick form or starting a live chat with us today!
