Certificate in Principal Preparation

  • TOTAL COST

    $6,219*
  • NEXT START DATE

    Jan 12, 2026
  • COMPLETION TIME

    12 Months
  • AVG. SALARY PREMIUM

  • SEMESTER CREDITS

    21

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    Certificate in Principal Preparation

    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

    Total Tuition

    21 semester credits x $235 per credit

    $4,935

    Fees

    $50 Application Fee
    $100 Conferral Fee
    $1134 Technology and Library Fee
    (21 Semester Credits X $54 per Credit)

    $1,284

    Total Program Cost

    $6,219*

    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.

    Majors

    Focus of Study


    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

    EL5703

    School Improvement

    3 Semester Credits

    EL5723

    Resource and Fiscal Management

    3 Semester Credits

    EL5753

    Law and Policy

    3 Semester Credits

    EL5023

    Instructional Leadership

    3 Semester Credits

    EL5123

    Equity-Centered Leadership

    3 Semester Credits

    EL5053

    Community Engagement, Outreach, and Collaboration

    3 Semester Credits


    Admission Requirements

    ACE General Admission Requirements

    Program Admission Requirements

    Illinois Admission Requirements

    Ohio Admission Requirements

    International Transcript Requirements

    English as a Second Language Applicants

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