Certificate in Principal Preparation

  • Course Information
  • Prerequisites

Course Information

Total Cost *
$6,219
Next Start Date
Jun 15, 2026
Completion Time
12 Months
Semester Credits
21

Prerequisites

Degree Type
Master’s
Minimum GPA
2.5

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.

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.

Courses

Here are the courses you’ll take when working towards this program. If no focus of study option is selected, you can choose any 3 courses from the study options below.
Visit the College Catalog to see all courses.

This program consists of
21 credits
Core Courses
EL5023 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Instructional Leadership

This course centers on the intersection of curriculum, instruction, and assessment strategies in improving learner outcomes through data-informed decision-making. Specific emphasis is placed on collecting and analyzing different data types, aligning instructional and assessment practices, leveraging high-impact instructional strategies, leading professional learning, and auditing curriculum to ensure relevance to learners.

EL5123 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Equity-Centered Leadership

This course focuses on equity as a guiding factor in the effectiveness of school leadership and instructional outcomes. Specific emphasis is placed on how to support teachers in using evidence-based instructional design models to assess and instruct students with varied learning needs, including students at the elementary, middle, and secondary levels; students from varied demographic and socioeconomic groups; and, students participating in needs-based programs such as special education, bilingual/ESL, gifted and talented, and career and technical education.

EL5623 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Developing Teachers

This course provides students with resource management strategies to identify the organizational needs of a school, leverage the unique strengths and talents of competent teachers, and build the instructional and leadership capacity of teams. Students also learn how to develop and implement assessment and evaluation strategies to document teacher performance and to guide decisions relevant to professional development and employment termination options.

EL5703 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
School Improvement

This course prepares students to promote and influence change in their schools with a goal of improving instruction and school and student outcomes. Students explore research on school improvement strategies, structures, and processes, analyze leadership decisions and behaviors, and examine the implications of research, technology, and commonly used practices for managing organizational change. Students also use existing research and literature to uncover underlying assumptions about school reform efforts, to improve the accuracy of problem identification, issues of human and social capital, the need for professional learning, and the challenges of overcoming bureaucratic and cultural norms.

EL5723 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Resource and Fiscal Management

This course identifies local, state, and federal sources for school funding and provides students with familiarity with state funding formulas and local budget guidelines. An emphasis is also placed on ensuring that aspiring leaders develop competencies essential to the allocation of resources toward teaching, learning, and school improvement priorities rather than simply monitoring facilities and accounts. Students will also have the opportunity to explore non-traditional funding sources such as grants, foundations, and community partnerships.

EL5753 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Law and Policy

This course focuses on legal and ethical dimensions of school leadership with an emphasis on resolving conflicts in the school community. Students analyze legal cases and ethical dilemmas relating to the role and responsibilities of the leader tasked with creating and maintaining an educational environment that protects and nurtures fairness, tolerance, and respect, particularly balancing the needs of special populations, families, and underserved students.

EL5983 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Internship Experience for Educational Leadership

This course provides candidates the opportunity to synthesize their completed internship experiences to demonstrate mastery of the responsibilities required of building-level leaders to promote the success and well-being of each student and adult in their school. Candidates will reflect on their growth and development as leaders and on how internship experiences enriched their professional skills and knowledge. Candidates will document their mastery of professional standards by demonstrating how they applied academic learning to practice in the internship to meet requirements for principal licensure.

ELIL5983 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Internship Experience for Educational Leadership (Illinois)

This course provides candidates the opportunity to synthesize their completed internship experiences to demonstrate mastery of the responsibilities required of building-level leaders to promote the success and well-being of each student and adult in their school. Candidates will reflect on their growth and development as leaders and on how internship experiences enriched their professional skills and knowledge. Candidates will document their mastery of professional standards by demonstrating how they applied academic learning to practice in the internship to meet requirements for principal licensure in Illinois.

ELIN5983 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Internship Experience for Educational Leadership (Indiana)

This course provides candidates the opportunity to synthesize their completed internship experiences to demonstrate mastery of the responsibilities required of building-level leaders to promote the success and well-being of each student and adult in their school. Candidates will reflect on their growth and development as leaders and on how internship experiences enriched their professional skills and knowledge. Candidates will document their mastery of professional standards by demonstrating how they applied academic learning to practice in the internship to meet requirements for principal licensure in Indiana.

EL5053 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Community Engagement, Outreach, and Collaboration

This course provides a foundation for the principal's role in developing relationships among stakeholders in the school community, including students, families, school personnel, and the community at large, for the express goals of supporting student learning in an equitable environment. By examining research findings and best practices, students will explore family engagement, mutually beneficial community relationships, student advocacy, and communication strategies.

ELOH5983 - 3 SEMESTER CREDITS
Internship Experience for Educational Leadership (Ohio)

This course provides candidates the opportunity to synthesize their completed internship experiences to demonstrate mastery of the responsibilities required of building-level leaders to promote the success and well-being of each student and adult in their school. Candidates will reflect on their growth and development as leaders and on how internship experiences enriched their professional skills and knowledge. Candidates will document their mastery of professional standards by demonstrating how they applied academic learning to practice in the internship to meet requirements for principal licensure in Ohio.

Related Programs

Start Dates

With flexible start dates, you can begin your program when it's best for you.
June 15, 2026 Term
-
+
Jun 12, 2026
Payment Due
Jun 12, 2026
Application Due
Jun 15, 2026
Term Start
Jun 19, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Aug 02, 2026
Term End
July 13, 2026 Term
-
+
Jul 10, 2026
Application Due
Jul 10, 2026
Payment Due
Jul 13, 2026
Term Start
Jul 17, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Aug 16, 2026
Term End
August 24, 2026 Term
-
+
Aug 21, 2026
Application Due
Aug 21, 2026
Payment Due
Aug 24, 2026
Term Start
Aug 28, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Sep 27, 2026
Term End
September 14, 2026 Term
-
+
Sep 11, 2026
Application Due
Sep 11, 2026
Payment Due
Sep 14, 2026
Term Start
Sep 18, 2026
Unregister/Cancel Deadline
Oct 25, 2026
Term End

Tuition

We believe in full transparency with our total cost of attendance. No hidden fees. No surprises along the way.

Total Cost of Certificate in Principal Preparation

Total Tuition

semester credit x $ per credit
$

Fees

$
Total Program Cost
$*
Find a plan that fits your budget.
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Return on Your Investment

Continuing your education is a big decision that involves an investment of your time and money. We recognize that, which is why we're committed to ensuring you experience a positive return on that investment.

You only pay the cost it takes for us to deliver your education, nothing more. By keeping our tuition low, we’ve helped our students see a $19.20 return in future higher earnings for every $1 they invested in their ACE education.1

How to Pay for College

Because of our low tuition and total program cost, 87% of our students graduate debt-free.2 Popular payment options include paying by course, paying by month or paying in full. Visit our payment options page to learn more.

$17,515
Average competitor total cost2
$9,655
Average ACE total cost*
When we say low cost, we mean it

The proof is in the numbers. ACE’s commitment to keeping tuition and fees low means our price is a fraction of the cost of other comparable programs.

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.

Tuition & ROI
$1.2M
in
scholarships

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.3 Our curriculum equips you with practical strategies you can apply right away, as well as skills to help you advance your career.

Success Stories
85%
graduation
rate3

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.

Support Services
24/7
student support
services

See How ACE Stacks Up

Graduation and Satisfaction Rates

ACE Graduates with No Debt² vs. Master’s Degree Holders from Private, For-Profit Institutions⁴

87%
31%

ACE vs. Comparison Group for Better Than Expected Overall Student Satisfaction or Higher²

86%
82%
Stay Within Your Budget

Because we don’t have a physical campus, our students don’t need to pay infrastructure or facility fees. We also keep our operational costs low by not participating in Title IV federal funding. We pass all these savings along to our students.

Network Across the Globe

Due to our engaging online format, you’ll connect and learn from industry peers worldwide. And even though you’re learning online, you won’t feel alone thanks to student discussion boards and online forums.

Gain Today’s In-Demand Skills

Learn strategies and skills you can apply immediately and leverage for future career advancement. Employers of ACE graduates report a 96% satisfaction rate,3 while 98% of our students felt their professional skills were stronger after graduation.3

Learn From Custom-Built Curriculum

Every course is created by our in-house curriculum and production team working in tandem with our academic leaders. Plus, all courses follow a consistent structure. No outdated coursework, no surprises.

Student Success Stories

Picture of Jazzmyne Townsend
Alumni
M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Jazzmyne Townsend
Read Jazzmyne's story »

Admission Requirements

ACE General Admission Requirements
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+
  • Complete and submit all application components including the admission application, the enrollment agreement and payment agreement.
  • Submit the nonrefundable application fee. *
  • Provide official transcripts from an institution that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education indicating successful completion of the level of education required for entry to the program. **
  • Secure electronic transcripts can be mailed to [email protected].


*The application fee is valid for one year from date of submission.

**Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of professional experience, test scores, or an interview.

Program Admission Requirements
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+


  • Master's degree

  • Minimum Grade Point Average 2.50 on a 4.0 Scale for full admission

  • Provisional Admission is not permitted

  • Applicants for the Principal Preparation Certificate must provide documentation of at least an initial teaching license, school service personnel license, or a school services certificate. If applicants to the Educational Leadership programs do not have a state recognized certificate, the student may provide evidence of full-time PK-12 teaching or school service personnel assignment, where applicable, from an individual in a supervisory capacity or from a human resource official of the school at their current employment.

  • Additional evidence may be required to fulfill state requirements, including but not limited to verification of credentials, professional experience, test scores, or an interview.


Illinois Admission Requirements
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+

In addition to the general requirements for the Principal Preparation Certificate, the following are required:

  • Must hold a valid Illinois Professional Educator License and
  • Submit proof of at least two years of teaching experience under a valid and current license in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education, or in a regionally accredited and state recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school; or
  • Two years of Support Personnel experience in one of the following capacities in a public or non-public school recognized by the Illinois Board of 
    • Education or in a regionally accredited and state recognized out-of-state public school or out-of-state nonpublic school:
      • School Counselor
      • School Psychologist
      • Speech Language Pathologist
      • School Nurse
      • School Social Worker
      • School Marriage and Family Counselor 


Ohio Admission Requirements
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+

In addition to the general requirements for the Principal Preparation Certificate, the following are required:

  • Ohio standard or professional teaching license or professional pupil services license
  • Submit an Education Leadership essay
  • Submit two (2) letters of professional recommendation
  • If the applicant does not have 3 semester credits in a master's level research course, completed with a B or better, RES5173 must be taken as part of the program.

  • Acknowledge the requirement of two years of successful teaching experience under a standard or professional teaching license or work experience under a professional pupil services license for the ages and grade levels for which the principal license is sought. 


International Transcript Requirements
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+

All applicants must submit, to the Admissions Office, an official evaluation from a NACES-approved organization.

  • Transcripts that are international and/or not in English must be evaluated through a NACES-recommended agency.
  • Texas applicants for licensure programs may only submit evaluations from agencies approved by the Texas Education Agency.
  • International applicants must request the course-by-course evaluation. The evaluation report must show that the non-U.S. education is equivalent to the education/accreditation level required for the program.
English as a Second Language Applicants
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+

All applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate competence in the English language as demonstrated in one of three ways:

  1. Submission of an official transcript showing a degree from a United States secondary school or regionally accredited college/university.
  2. Submission of an official minimum score on the paper or internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exams.
  3. The minimum TOEFL score required for the internet-based version is 80, and the paper-based version requires a minimum TOEFL score of 20 for each of the three skills: Reading, Listening and Writing.
  4. The minimum IELTS score required is 6.5. Note: IELTS is not acceptable for Texas programs leading to certification.
  5. The testing agency must send test scores directly to American College of Education.
  6. Applicants to the Texas Educational Leadership program whose first language is not English must submit a minimum scaled score of 24 for speaking, 22 for listening, 22 for reading and 21 for writing from the Internet-Based TOEFL (IBT) or evidence of an undergraduate or graduate degree earned at an institution of higher education in a country outside of the United States listed in Figure: 19 TAC §230.11(b)(5)(C).

1Lightcast Study

2Internal research conducted November 2025

3Student Right to Know

4Education Data Initiative accessed on January 28, 2026

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