Top 8 Accelerated Principal Licensure & Certification Programs

School principals play an important role in educational leadership and student success, overseeing operations such as curriculum development, staff supervision, and budget management. This article explores accelerated principal certification programs from accredited institutions and answers questions related to program timelines, admissions requirements, and enrollment status. Continue reading to learn how you can advance your career in school leadership.

What Is Principal Licensure and Certification?

Most schools require principals to have a state-issued license or certification. Principal certification programs are a type of educator preparation program and are a necessary step to earning your administrative license or certification.

Principal certification programs include courses such as school law, curricula, and instructional leadership. Programs may also include coursework, internships, and standardized tests.

How Long Does an Accelerated Principal Certification Program Take?

Principal certification programs range in scope and length. Some programs can take two years to complete. Accelerated online programs are generally one year or shorter in duration.

Ultimately, how long it takes you to complete your certification program depends on your professional background and whether you enroll full-time or part-time.

Top 8 Accelerated Principal Licensure and Certification Programs

The following principal licensure and certification programs are offered online, in accelerated formats. All of the listed colleges and universities have financial aid options.

1. American College of Education

Based in Indianapolis, IN, American College of Education is a distance-learning institution with an online certificate in principal preparation. This program is designed for aspiring educational leaders who already hold their master's degree.

The 21-credit program features courses such as school improvement, instructional leadership, and resource and fiscal management. The program has multiple start dates throughout the year.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,935 total tuition
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOU) is a small public school located in Durant, OK. SEOU offers an online principal graduate certificate program that can be completed in one year.

The program consists of 15 credit hours and prepares students to become principals, vice principals, and other high-level administrators. Courses include supervision of instruction, school operations management, and public school law.

• Estimated tuition cost: $4,935 total tuition
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

3. Schreiner University

Located in Kerrville, TX, Schreiner University is a small private school with an 18-credit principal certification program. Coursework is delivered 100% online, and learners can complete the program in one year.

The program includes professional development courses, practice exams, and a practicum. The 160-hour practicum component aligns with Texas Education Agency (TEA) standards and hones learners' skills in educational leadership.

• Estimated tuition cost: $350 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

4. Georgia State University

Georgia State University (GSU) is a public institution based in Atlanta, GA, that offers an educational leadership program. GSU's online program consists of 18 credit hours and 250 clinical hours of in-person educational administration experience.

Graduates from GSU's certification program move on to become assistant principals, curriculum supervisors, and assistant administrators at the school district level.

• Estimated tuition cost: $450 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky (UK) offers an educational leadership program offered entirely online. The educator certification program is designed for professionals pursuing school administrator positions in K-12 settings.

The 30-credit program includes courses such as evidence-based decision-making, family-school community engagement, and organizational learning. Courses are conducted in an asynchronous format, and students can take them at an accelerated pace.

• Estimated tuition cost: $640 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati (UC)'s principal licensure endorsement program prepares teachers to become effective school leaders. The program consists of 21 credit hours and has three start dates throughout the year.

Learners in UC's online program take courses such as human resources, school finance, and educational leadership theory.

• Estimated tuition cost: $662 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: CAEP

7. Eastern University

Located in Saint Davids, PA, Eastern University is a mid-sized private school with an online certification in school principalship. Eastern University's program is conducted entirely online and offers a global and multicultural perspective on education.

The program consists of 18 credit hours and includes courses such as school law, supervision of instruction, and leadership models for effective education.

• Estimated tuition cost: $790 per credit hour
• Program length: Nine to 12 months
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

8. Penn State World Campus

Penn State World Campus is a distance learning-focused educational institution that offers an online graduate certificate for principalship. The program is self-paced; learners who take two courses per semester can earn their certificate in one year.

The online program consists of six courses for a total of 18 credit hours. Learners take courses such as planned change for school improvement, data-informed leadership, and law and education for school leaders.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,037 per credit hour
• Program length: 12 months
• Accreditation: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)

How We Rank Schools

We consider factors like accreditation status, tuition rates, and program length when determining which schools to highlight.

• Accreditation: All of our featured schools are regionally accredited institutions. Some programs feature additional accreditation by industry organizations like the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
• Program length: Learners must be able to complete these principal certification programs in 12 months or fewer.
• Program cost: We feature the most affordable programs at the top of our list. All schools offer one or more types of financial aid to their students.

FAQs About Accelerated Principal Certification Programs

In this section, we'll answer questions about accelerated principal certification programs, including the application process, certification requirements, and more.

Can You Be a Principal Without Certification?

No, typically, you can not serve as a school principal without proper certification. Public schools require principals to be certified.

The exact certification requirements vary according to state, but generally speaking, principals must have teaching experience, hold a master's degree, and obtain a state-issued certification or license.

What Are the Admissions Requirements for an Accelerated Principal Certification Program?

Most accelerated principal certification programs require an application fee, teaching experience, a resume, letters of recommendation, a minimum grade point average (GPA) on your official transcripts, and a master's degree from an accredited institution.

Admission requirements vary from program to program. It's best to request info directly from your chosen program to ensure you meet the requirements and submit all items before the application deadline.

Do I Need a Master's Degree Before Enrolling in an Accelerated Principal Certification Program?

Yes, most accelerated principal certification programs' prerequisites state that prospective students must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Many aspiring school principals earn their Master of Education (MEd), though this specific degree pathway is not a requirement.

Can I Work While Completing an Accelerated Principal Certification Program?

Yes, most principal certification programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Online certification programs offer flexible scheduling options, like asynchronous courses and self-paced projects. However, completing a certification program at an accelerated pace while working can be challenging.

It's important to balance your professional and personal commitments with your educational studies.

Can I Earn My Principal Certification Program Part-Time?

Yes, you can earn your principal certification program on a part-time basis. Your enrollment status (i.e., part-time vs. full-time) will affect how quickly you can complete your program.

Some programs are shorter in length than others, and if you have any eligible transfer credits, you may still be able to earn your principal certification in about one year.

Learn More About Education Programs

There is a wide array of teaching certificates and degree program options available online. We invite you to connect with our partner schools on Learn.org to discover how you can advance your career in the world of education.