Certificate in Principal Preparation
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TOTAL COST
$6,219*
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NEXT START DATE
Jan 12, 2026
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COMPLETION TIME
12 Months†
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AVG. SALARY PREMIUM
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SEMESTER CREDITS
21
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Our Enrollment Counselors are here to answer your questions and walk you through the enrollment process.
Designed for aspiring principals, directors or administrators, our fully online Certificate in Principal Preparation prepares you to become an education leader and earn your administrative or principal certification. You’ll engage with current scientific research, pedagogy and instructional technology while improving your supervision and leadership skills. Understand how to create an effective school-wide vision and use data to inform decision-making in P-12 school settings. Advance your career while maximizing your impact in the field of education.
Why ACE?
Low-Cost, High Quality
You deserve a great return on your educational investment, and we deliver master’s degrees at a total average cost of $10,000. We also award over $1.2M in scholarships and grants each year.
Quality You Expect
We are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Our faculty work in the industries where you work and are committed to your success, contributing to our 85% graduation rate.¹ Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.
Flexibility You Need
Our virtual campus and convenient start dates provide you the flexibility you need to achieve your goals at a time and place that works with your busy schedule. Our student support services are available 24/7 and tutoring is included at no additional cost.
1Source: Student Right to Know
Tuition
We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.
Total Cost Certificate in Principal Preparation |
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Total Tuition 21 semester credits x $235 per credit |
$4,935 |
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Fees $50 Application Fee$100 Conferral Fee $1134 Technology and Library Fee (21 Semester Credits X $54 per Credit) |
$1,284 |
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Total Program Cost |
$6,219* |
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Find a plan that fits your budget.
Program Details
The Certificate in Principal Preparation is designed for educators who hold a master’s degree and are interested in adding administrative certification. The certificate-only program prepares aspiring school administrators with current scientific research, pedagogy, and instructional technology through a series of seven educational leadership courses. Students are empowered to maximize school effectiveness and improve supervision and leadership skills in P-12 school settings. Students will develop the strategies required to lead for learning, including creating a school-wide vision and using data to inform decision-making. The program is aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) for effective leadership and is designed to create culturally aware and competent administrators.
Focus of Study
Program Outcomes
- Collaboratively lead, design, and implement a school mission, vision, and process for continuous improvement that reflects a core set of values and priorities that include data use, technology, digital citizenship, and community. (AO1)
- Understand and demonstrate the capacity to advocate for ethical decisions and cultivate and enact professional norms. (AO2)
- Develop and maintain a supportive, equitable, and culturally responsive school culture. (AO3)
- Evaluate, develop, and implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, data systems, supports, and assessment. (AO1)
- Engage families, community, and school personnel in order to strengthen student learning, support school improvement, and advocate for the needs of their school and community. (AO2)
- Improve management, communication, technology, school-level governance, and operation systems to develop and improve data-informed and equitable school resource plans and to apply laws, policies, and regulations. (AO4)
- Build the school’s professional capacity, engage staff in the development of a collaborative professional culture, and improve systems of staff supervision, evaluation, support, and professional learning. (AO5)
- Conduct, synthesize, and apply research to promote the current and future success and well-being of each student and adult in the school. (AO1)
Start Dates
With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it’s best for you.
January 12, 2026 Term
Jan 09, 2026
Application Due
Jan 09, 2026
Payment Due
Jan 12, 2026
Term Start
Jan 16, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Feb 15, 2026
Term End
February 02, 2026 Term
February 23, 2026 Term
April 13, 2026 Term
May 25, 2026 Term
June 15, 2026 Term
July 13, 2026 Term
August 24, 2026 Term
September 14, 2026 Term
October 05, 2026 Term
November 16, 2026 Term
Courses
Here are just some of the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.
EL5623 |
Developing Teachers |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5703 |
School Improvement |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5723 |
Resource and Fiscal Management |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5753 |
Law and Policy |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5023 |
Instructional Leadership |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5123 |
Equity-Centered Leadership |
3 Semester Credits |
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EL5053 |
Community Engagement, Outreach, and Collaboration |
3 Semester Credits |
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