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Educational Leadership: PreK-12 Principal Certification

  • Master of Science
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Empowering Educators to Become Visionary School Leaders

The Master of Science in Educational Leadership is designed for experienced educators who aspire to become certified PreK–12 principals in Pennsylvania. This 39-credit 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.

Students with three years of teaching experience may directly pursue principal certification, while those still completing that requirement can begin coursework through the MS in Curriculum and Instruction, seamlessly transitioning into the educational leadership track when eligible.

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.

Graduate Programs

Program Highlights

Teacher at podium in front of chalkboard addressing students seated in red chairs in a classroom setting with desks, papers, and books.

Graduate Fellowship

Saint Vincent College offers a prestigious graduate fellowship program for aspiring educators—complete with full tuition scholarship and a monthly stipend—in exchange for working in a local PreK–12 school district as a teacher, substitute, or support staff. Over two years, fellows earn their master’s degree at no cost, acquire practical in-district experience, and graduate with a competitive edge for employment, boasting a 98% job placement rate post-program.

Graduate student with long blonde hair working at a desk with a tablet or laptop in a classroom setting, with a whiteboard, water bottle, and colorful bag in view.

Fully Online Program: Flexible, Accelerated Schedule

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.

Experienced and Approachable Instructors

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.

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Connecting with Experts in the Field

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.

Interior exhibit space with wooden walls, featuring educational displays and a quote on the wall by Fred Rogers: 'Discovering the truth about ourselves is a lifetime's work, but it's worth the effort.

Fred Rogers Institute Certificate in Values Based Leadership

By completing leadership-focused electives and three additional courses, you can earn a certificate in values-based leadership alongside your degree. This certificate combines Fred Rogers’ philosophy of compassionate leadership, emotional intelligence, and relational trust with the core principles of servant leadership, preparing you to lead with purpose, empathy, and integrity

Careers and Outcomes

A graduate degree in educational leadership with 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 PreK–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:

• PreK–12 school principals in public, private, and charter schools
• Assistant principals and deans of students
• District-level administrators such as directors of curriculum or student services
• Instructional leaders and academic coaches
• Educational consultants specializing in school improvement and leadership development
• Program coordinators for equity, assessment, or special education
• Leaders in charter networks and independent schools

Student Success Stories

Portrait of Robert Fetter

Robert Fetter, G'14, '20

“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

Portrait of Adam Zawalsh

Adam Zawalsh, C'04, G'07, '21

“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

Curriculum Requirements

The master’s in educational leadership prepares experienced educators to become effective PreK–12 principals in Pennsylvania. This 39-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.

  • Required Courses

    To be eligible for PreK–12 principal certification, students must complete all program requirements, pass the comprehensive exam, receive a satisfactory final competency evaluation, 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).

    Required Courses (39 credits):
    • GCED 600 Educational Leadership and Professional Development
    • GCED 605 Statistics and Research Design
    • GCED 610 Current Issues and Trends
    • GCED 615 Curriculum and Systems Design
    • GCED 620 Assessment and Diagnostics
    • GCED 630 Managing Financial and Material Resources
    • GCED 645 Philosophical and Ethical Perspectives in Education
    • GCED 655 Educational Jurisprudence
    • GCED 675 Inclusionary Education
    • GCED 680 Supervision of Instruction
    • GCSE 607 Family and Professional Collaboration
    • GCSE 697 Teaching Culturally Diverse Students with Limited English Proficiencies
    • GCAD 676 Internship in School Administration: Fall Term
    • GCAD 686 Internship in School Administration: Spring Term
    • GCAD 696 Internship in School Administration: Summer Term

  • Key Courses

    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.

Program Distinctives

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.

Graduate Programs
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