Principal Certificate: District and School Leadership
Practicing educators learn theories and strategies to lead public and independent schools that are instructionally strong, collaborative, and learner-focused. Upon successful completion, candidates will qualify for their Washington State Residency Principal Certificate.
Within the course of a year or more, depending on your degree, you’ll be certified to become a school principal. Our program is designed to give you practical experience from day one, so that you can start changing lives right away.
Application Deadlines
July 1st Main Application Deadline
After deadlines, completed applications will be reviewed and accepted applicants admitted as space allows.
Program Details
Courses are online and students come to campus 2 times a week, every 3 weeks.
- Certificate Only: 18 credits
- M.Ed: 30 credits
- Doctorate: 60 Credits (Ed.D.) | 72 Credits (Ph.D.)
Why Choose Northwest University
Uniquely Designed Content
Our courses are built to be tailored to the needs of our partner schools and districts: urban, rural, public, private, small, or big.
Washington-focused
Our principal program is Washington-specific, with curriculum tailored to Washington’s current needs and requirements. All of our professors have experience teaching and leading in Washington state P-12 schools.
Integrated Coursework and Internship
You will learn from experience in addition to textbooks. Your homework and class time will be directly integrated with a 600-hour internship, which you’ll participate in during your year in the program.
Flexible Admissions
Our program is open to district-nominated candidates as well as other individuals interested in pursuing principal certification.
Multiple Degree Options
This program allows you to earn one of a number of degrees with the principal certification: MEd, EdD, PhD, or the certification on its own.
Affordable
An education that will advance your career is more affordable than you might think. In fact, our tuition is among the most competitive you’ll find. And, once you’ve graduated, there’s a good chance that a pay raise will accompany your accomplishment. The average Salary in WA state for a public school principal is over $100k a year.
Put Our 80+ Years of Experience To Work For You.