Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Leadership

The Graduate Certificate in K-12 School Leadership in the College of Education and Human Development is rooted in the college’s commitment to social justice and educational equity. In this 27-credit certificate program, you will focus on urban schooling and leadership, exploring how educational policy, community dynamics and systemic factors shape schools in urban environments. 

You will be prepared for leadership positions in school settings, particularly in urban schools. Graduates emerge equipped to make meaningful, research-informed contributions to K–12 schools and communities, particularly within urban education contexts. 

The curriculum is an approved course of study that partially fulfills the requirements for Pennsylvania certification as a principal or supervisor of curriculum and instruction.

What sets apart the K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate) in the College of Education and Human Development?

• Curriculum and focus: Students will benefit from the program and faculty’s commitment to social justice and educational equity.
• Outcomes: You will graduate ready to lead in urban and diverse school communities, with the skills critical to practicing ethical, inclusive and culturally responsive leadership.
• Real-world approach: The program connects education policy, community engagement and school improvement to provide students with a solid foundation in these areas.

K-12 School Leadership Certificate (Graduate) Learning Outcomes

You will graduate with the skills to

• summarize the development and implementation of educational policies and reforms;
• describe the historical, economic and socio-cultural community context that shape and influence local education and schooling;
• review, select, synthesize and apply research and practitioner literature to examine educational issues;
• describe the landscape of contemporary education reform and identify skills used by advocates seeking change;
• identify and apply effective practices for ethical and equitable leadership in school, school district, community and systems; and
• communicate the influence of race/ethnicity and social class on education policy and opportunities for individuals.

Program Format and Curriculum

The curriculum comprises seven three-credit core courses and two three-credit clinical experience courses. 

• Action and Collaborative Research Seminar
• Change Leadership
• Clinical Experience in School Leadership
• Clinical Experience in School Leadership 2
• Context for School Reform: Education Law, Policy and Politics
• Leadership for Diverse Contexts 
• Leadership for Learning
• Policy and Practice in Urban Education

Related Graduate Degrees

Educational and Organizational Leadership MEd