The Certificate in School Principal Preparation (with PK-12 Principal Certification) is designed for experienced educators who aspire to become certified PreK–12 principals in Pennsylvania. This 21-credit fully online program combines academic rigor with real-world relevance, equipping future school leaders with the skills, tools, and strategies needed to lead with confidence and compassion and can be completed in one year.
Students with three years of teaching experience may directly pursue principal certification. With a curriculum focused on current trends, community collaboration, assessment practices, and proactive leadership, this program prepares candidates to become effective administrators who can build strong school cultures, foster student success, and lead meaningful change in PreK–12 settings.
Students can complete the fall, spring, and summer internships within their own school districts, allowing them to stay close to home while they advance in their careers. This flexible model lets candidates maintain their current positions, build stronger relationships with district leaders, and immediately apply what they are learning in real school settings
The program is a fully online, accelerated 39-credit program that can be completed in approximately 20 months. Courses are offered in 7-week sessions during the fall, spring, and summer semesters, with students taking two courses per term. This flexible format is ideal for working educators, combining real-time interaction with the convenience of online learning.
Our education instructors at Saint Vincent College bring a wealth of real-world experience to the classroom, combining practical knowledge with a supportive, student-centered approach. Having worked as teachers, administrators, and specialists, they understand the challenges and rewards of education firsthand. This experience allows them to provide relevant insights and personalized guidance, making them approachable mentors who are dedicated to preparing future educators for success in diverse and dynamic teaching environments.
As part of the PreK–12 principal certification program, you'll step into authentic leadership roles by working alongside experienced school administrators in real educational settings. These immersive internships allow you to observe leadership in action, receive mentorship from certified principals, and develop the confidence, skills, and professional network needed to become an effective and visionary school leader.
The Certificate in Values-Based Leadership at Saint Vincent College, offered in partnership with the Fred Rogers Institute, helps professionals in child- and youth-serving fields strengthen their leadership grounded in core values. With just three additional courses, it can be added to the PK-12 Principal Certificate.
A PreK-12 principal certification prepares experienced educators to become visionary school leaders. Whether serving in public or private schools, our graduates are equipped to lead with confidence—overseeing school operations, supporting teachers, driving student achievement, and fostering inclusive, positive learning environments. Backed by practical field experience, expert mentorship, and a network of professional support, Saint Vincent-trained principals are making a lasting impact in schools and communities across the region.
Graduates of the Certificate in School Principal Preparation (with PK-12 Principal Certification) program have gone on to secure leadership roles across a variety of school districts and educational settings.
Our alumni are making an impact as:
“I promised myself that if I felt out of place as a non-traditional student that I would not stay in the program. From my very first day on campus, I knew I was in the right place. The coursework gave me everything I needed from a content perspective and the mentoring I received legitimately prepared me to handle any scenario. Saint Vincent does not just tell students to be life-long learners. Saint Vincent tells students how and why to be life-long learners. At a time when I was taking a massive leap into a new career, Saint Vincent prepared me to do so effectively and very intentionally.”
Principal, Geibel High School
“Twice, the graduate programs in the Saint Vincent College Education Department have exceeded my expectations in preparing me to provide high-level instruction and services to a diverse population of students across Westmoreland County. The faculty's instruction has been both precise and forward-thinking, equipping me to be classroom-ready. The Education Department gave me the skills to be an active member of the school community, a teacher-leader, and a program administrator. Their personalized, flexible programs met me where I was and allowed me to pursue interests that challenged me to grow.”
Student Services Supervisor, Westmoreland Intermediate Unit
The Certificate in School Principal Preparation (with PK-12 Principal Certification) prepares experienced educators to become effective PreK–12 principals in Pennsylvania. This 21-credit program blends leadership theory with practical application, covering key areas such as instructional supervision, curriculum design, school law, and community engagement. Students complete coursework alongside field-based practicum and internship experiences under the mentorship of certified administrators.
To be eligible for PreK–12 principal certification, students must complete all program requirements and submit a professional portfolio demonstrating leadership readiness across PreK–12 settings. In addition, candidates must have three or more years of documented professional teaching experience and successfully pass the required Pennsylvania School Leadership Licensure Assessment (SLLA).
Educational Leadership and Professional Development: This course takes you on a deep dive into what it truly means to lead in schools and organizations. Inspired by the compassionate philosophy of Fred Rogers, you'll explore leadership through empathy, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making. You’ll learn how to build trusting relationships, design impactful professional development, and create inclusive spaces where people—and learning—can thrive. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who lifts others up and makes lasting change.
Supervision of Instruction: This course gives you an inside look at what it really takes to support teachers and improve instruction. You’ll explore the fundamentals of instructional supervision through the lens of education, psychology, communications, and even business—learning how to coach, collaborate, and lead with purpose in today’s dynamic school environments.
Summer Internship in School Administration: This summer internship puts you right at the heart of educational leadership, with 140 hours of hands-on experience in curriculum supervision or K–12 administration. Whether you're shadowing district leaders or taking on real responsibilities in a school building, you'll work closely with a mentor in the field, attend engaging campus sessions, and reflect on your journey through journal entries and practical assignments. It’s your chance to lead, learn, and launch your future as a school leader.
Pennsylvania Department of Education Accreditation
Saint Vincent College’s teacher preparation programs are fully accredited by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), ensuring that our curriculum, faculty, and field experiences meet the highest standards of educational excellence. This accreditation means that our programs have been rigorously evaluated and aligned with state requirements, preparing graduates to be highly qualified, effective educators ready to enter the teaching profession. Through PDE accreditation, students in our education programs are eligible for certification in Pennsylvania upon graduation, enabling them to teach in their specific areas of study. The accreditation process also reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, as we regularly assess and enhance our programs to stay current with educational best practices and evolving standards in the field.
NASDTEC Interstate Agreement
Through the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, Pennsylvania allows individuals who have completed a teacher preparation program or are already certified teachers in other states to receive Pennsylvania teaching certification through reciprocity. Pennsylvania-certified teachers can also transfer their certification to other states. Each state may have different testing and application requirements, so candidates should check the NASDTEC website for specific information on transferring their certification.
