School principal standing in front of a school bus

PDE Certification, PK-12 Principal

Academics

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this program is designed for educators who are interested in becoming a school principal. Candidates learn how to lead schools and encourage innovation and excellence among staff, while addressing the needs of students of diverse abilities and backgrounds. 

Overview

In order to be certified as a principal in Pennsylvania, candidates must complete this program with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. 

They also must: 

  • Have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience, such as in classroom teaching or school counseling 
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident
  • Show satisfactory achievement on the Pennsylvania-required test 

Candidates for principal certification who already have a master’s degree are required to take 37 credits in areas such as school law and ethics, organizational leadership, school building management, addressing the needs of diverse learners and those with special needs, supervision and professional development and curriculum management. 

Most of the classes are held in the late afternoon or evening for the convenience of working professionals. Over the summer, there are flexible course offerings. After finishing the coursework, students complete an apprenticeship with a school principal in the field.  

Students who want to earn a master’s degree in Educational Leadership along with the Pennsylvania K-12 principal certification, must take two additional courses: EDUC 471 Diversity and Multicultural Perspectives and EDUC 403 Research. 

Our faculty include leaders with years of experience as school administrators and teachers as well as professors who are at the forefront of research on best practices for school administrators.  

Please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education website for additional information on requirements.

Application Requirements

  • Online application
  • Transcripts, minimum GPA of 3.0 (undergraduate) 
  • Personal essay
  • Proof of English proficiency
See All Requirements

Quick Facts

Transcript Evaluations: Evaluations are required for applicants who have earned a degree outside the U.S.

Deadline(s): July 15 for fall start, December 15 for spring start and April 15 for summer start. The application and all supporting materials are due by the listed deadlines.

Modality: On-Campus

Course Requirements: 13-15 courses (34 credits for certification only - additional 6 credits for M.Ed.)

Typical Course Load: Fall (1-2 courses), spring (1-2 courses), summer (1-2 courses) 

Time to Completion: 3-4 years

Practical Experience Component: Students complete an apprenticeship with a school principal in the field.

Program Alumni: Graduates work as assistant principals, principals in PK-12 schools and as college administrators.

Please Note: Due to Pennsylvania Department of Education criteria, international students are not eligible for PDE certification. Lehigh is unable to provide immigration sponsorship for this program.

Your best work is ahead.

Curriculum

All courses are 3 credits, unless otherwise noted. Course descriptions can be found in the course catalog.

*A minimum of 9 core credits must be completed BEFORE proceeding on to courses in the Leadership & Management Skills area

course numbercourse name
EDL 400Organizational Leadership and Change Management
EDL 420Data Based Decision Making
EDL 421Instructional Leadership
EDL 424Leadership: Self and Groups

course numbercourse name
EDL 423Leading Inclusive Learning Systems
EDL 467Supervision and Professional Development
EDL 476School Resource Management
EDL 479School Law and Ethics

*All Core Requirements and Leadership & Management Skills coursework must be completed BEFORE proceeding to the Apprenticeship area

course numbercourse name
EDL 404The Principalship I
EDL 405The Principalship II
EDL 414Principal Internship I
EDL 415Principal Internship II

Faculty and Staff