• This program is offered online.

  • Graduate Certificate in K-12 Educational Leadership

    Looking to develop additional competencies in a specific field of education? Kaplan University’s master’s-level certificate programs in the School of Graduate Education are designed for K-12 teachers like you. Earning a professional certificate could help you meet the qualifications to advance within your field, or to pursue a career in a new field of education.*

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, education administrators could experience long-term national job growth through 2020, primarily as the result of the growth in enrollments of school-aged children.† The Graduate Certificate in K-12 Educational Leadership could help you develop essential skills relevant to site-based educational leadership.

    The certificate program includes four courses from the Master of Science in Education curriculum. Courses emphasize the role of the educational leader in today’s world, school finance and operations, legal issues in education, diversity, curriculum development for school improvement, supervision, and staff development.

    The program consists of a minimum of 17 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a certificate.

    Graduate Certificate in K-12 Educational Leadership Program Highlights

    The Graduate Certificate in K-12 Educational Leadership provides you with the opportunity to:

    • Evaluate school contexts with attention to relevant theory, philosophy, sociocultural perspectives, legal, and research-based best practices
    • Design safe, efficient, and effective operating plans for school budget, operations, curriculum, and staff management
    • Develop strategic approaches to leadership that respect cultural diversity and meet the needs of the school community
    • Adhere to ethical standards in all school leadership activities 

    What are the Career Opportunities?

    A graduate certificate from Kaplan University could qualify you for a number of careers in the field, including principal, assistant principal, administrator, and subject area specialist positions.‡ 

    Prepare for Future Studies

    Qualified credits earned in fulfillment of this certificate may be applied toward the requirements of certain Kaplan University degree programs. When the time is right, come back and earn your degree online at Kaplan University. 

  • Kaplan University offers multiple start dates, giving you greater flexibility with your education, life, and work schedules.

    Jun 12

    Online Start Date
    Jun 12, 2013

    View the Academic Calendar

  • Curriculum: All Tracks

    Certificate Requirements

    ER 502: THE PRINCIPALSHIP (5 Credits)

    This course examines school culture, standards, community building, and leadership in the context of issues and constraints that principals routinely face. The content of the course will inform decision making that influences practice and the effects on students and teachers. Students will review research on leading change in schools, training for tomorrow's principalship, budgeting issues, discipline, students with exceptionalities and who are from diverse backgrounds, technol­ogy, professional conduct, teacher evaluation, and establishment of effective professional learning communities. Students will review case studies about schools that made significant improvements under effective leadership.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 17
    Total Program Credits: 17

    ER 504: MANAGEMENT OF RESOURCES (4 Credits)

    This course will examine the economics of educa­tion, funding sources, and regulations regarding the use of such funds. Students will determine major budget pressures facing schools and identify ways they are meeting daily demands to provide quality education. The role of federal and state lawmakers in funding decisions will be explored. Students will consider the implications of poorly funded education and the impact on society. They will also address administering school resources including funding.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 17
    Total Program Credits: 17

    ER 506: LEGAL ISSUES IN EDUCATION (4 Credits)

    Students will examine the interrelationship of law and education policy, court rulings on school governance, and the federal government’s funding of education. Topics include constitutional rights, such as Title VII, the First Amendment, and the
    Fourteenth Amendment, and current events regarding the law and education. Students will analyze resources designed to help educators navigate legal issues.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 17
    Total Program Credits: 17

    ER 508: SUPERVISION AND INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP (4 Credits)

    The course addresses major factors that affect school leadership and how leadership can influence teacher effectiveness. Students will examine the role of leadership in building and sustaining a school vision, creating effective teacher teams, sharing leadership, leading learning communities, making data-driven decisions, and monitoring curriculum and instruction. Students will explore models of effective leadership based on best practices. In addition, students will analyze the research on instructional leadership and the methods principals use to exhibit and harness leadership that enable schools to meet their goals.

    Total Certificate Requirements Credits: 17
    Total Program Credits: 17

    Tuition & Fees: All Tracks

    The 25% tuition reduction applies only to international students living outside of the United States. This discount does not apply to military students. Please check with your advisor to see if you are eligible. 

    All Tracks Online &
    Learning Center     		Campus
    Cost Per Credit
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    Tuition and Fees

    Some programs have additional associated fees that are not included in the price of tuition. Click here or check with an Admissions Advisor for more information. 

    Learn More about Kaplan University Tuition and Fees  

    Notice to Learning Center Students

    Kaplan University Learning Center students will only complete a portion of this program on site. You will need to complete at least 50% of the program requirements online, or through transfer credit awarded via prior learning assessment. If you have any questions about these requirements, please speak with an admissions advisor.

    Scholarships and Grants

    Learn more about grants and Kaplan University Scholarships and that may help reduce the cost of your education.

    Kaplan University tuition reductions (including active-duty, spouse, and veterans military tuition rates; scholarships; grants; vouchers; and alumni and alliance reductions) cannot be combined. 

    Tuition Rates for Military Students and Spouses

    Kaplan University has significantly reduced many of our tuition rates and fees for active-duty servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans. Click here for more information.
     

  • This program is not eligible for Title IV federal financial aid.

  • * Kaplan University makes no representations or warranties as to whether the program meets the specific requirements for any individual state or school system for pay increase purposes or career advancement. Kaplan University encourages its students to independently research the requirements in any state or school system in which they intend to seek a pay increase or a promotion. This certificate will not lead to a teacher certification or an endorsement in any field.

    † Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-2013 Edition, Education Administrators, www.bls.gov/ooh/management/postsecondary-education-administrators.htm (accessed April 2012). National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

    ‡ Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

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