Principal & Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction PK-12 Certificate

The Saint Joseph's Principal & Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction PK-12 Certificate is an 18-credit, doctoral-level program designed for experienced educators and aspiring school leaders. If you hold a master's degree and are seeking advanced credentials in educational leadership, this certificate offers a rigorous, efficient pathway to PDE-approved Principal PK-12 and Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction PK-12 certification. Through six doctoral-level courses and 360 hours of supervised fieldwork, you will be prepared to lead with integrity, equity and instructional excellence in today's K-12 schools and districts.

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What Sets Our Program Apart

  • Most Principal and Supervisor certifications are offered at the master's level or embedded within a full doctoral degree program. This certificate gives you access to the same doctoral-level coursework used in our highly regarded Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Program for Educational Leaders (IDEPEL) — as a standalone credential. You gain advanced preparation aligned with your professional goals, without enrolling in a full EdD.

  • This certificate goes beyond the classroom. In addition to six doctoral-level courses, students complete 360 hours of supervised fieldwork. Gain direct, hands-on leadership experience in real school and district settings. This experiential component is a requirement for PDE certification and ensures you are ready to lead from day one.

     

     

  • Every course in this program is grounded in the scholar-practitioner model, connecting leadership theory directly to the real challenges facing schools and districts. From strategic planning and fiscal management to social justice leadership and organizational change, the curriculum builds the knowledge and skills K-12 leaders need to make an impact.

  • This certificate serves as a natural entry point into Saint Joseph's IDEPEL EdD program. Students who wish to pursue a terminal degree can transition into the full doctoral program, with all six certificate courses counting toward EdD completion — students then only need an additional 12 courses to complete the EdD program, with no need to repeat coursework. 

What Can I Do with a Principal & Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction PK-12 Certificate?

K-12 schools and districts face a growing demand for qualified, credentialed leaders. This certificate prepares you to pursue PDE-approved certification and step into leadership roles such as:

  • Principal or assistant principal
  • Head of school
  • Curriculum supervisor
  • Dean or teacher leader
  • District-level administrator
  • Subject matter supervisor

Program Details

  • View require courses for this program in the academic catalog. Please Contact us if you have any questions about the program curriculum.

  • Affordable tuition rates can be found on our tuition and fees website. 

    Financial aid and discount options may be available to help offset the cost of your certificate. Explore your options on our financial Aid page.

Why Study Educational Leadership at Saint Joseph's?

Saint Joseph's University's School of Education and Human Development has a longstanding commitment to preparing transformational leaders. Our faculty bring deep expertise in educational leadership, social justice and equity-minded practice. They’re also the same experienced faculty who teach in our Interdisciplinary Doctor of Education Leadership (EdD) program.

Here in Philadelphia, you are surrounded by a rich and diverse network of schools, colleges and universities. With our campus in close proximity to Center City, students have access to meaningful fieldwork opportunities and hands-on leadership experiences across a wide breadth of different communities. Education leaders in this program will develop global perspectives on how historical, political, and legal forces shape K-12 education — and learn to lead with the skills to address them.

Admission Information

  • To be considered for admission, you must hold a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

    • Apply online.
    • Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
    • Submit a personal statement.
    • Submit a resume or CV.
    • Submit two letters of recommendation.
       

    Visit our Graduate Admission Information page to learn more about admission requirements, key deadlines, additional requirements for international students and how to submit your application.

  • Graduate applications for certificate courses are reviewed on a rolling basis, and students may start in any semester.. Students enrolling in our doctoral program may enroll beginning in the fall semester.

    Start terms:

    • Fall: August
    • Spring: January
    • Summer: May

  • SJU is a Yellow Ribbon School that accepts GI education benefits. Our Office of Veterans Services can help you access and understand your benefits. 

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