2023 Best Online Certificates in Educational Leadership

The University of Phoenix (UP) is a private, for-profit institution offering an online Post Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership (CERT/D-EL) for individuals with education master's degrees. Completion requires 15 credits — five core courses — and takes less than a year because classes are only five to six weeks long. Credits earned through this online certificate program are transferable to a UP education doctoral degree.

UP delivers its online curriculum asynchronously via Blackboard. Online CERT/D-EL courses include Instructional Leadership, The Legal Context of Education, The Economics of Education, Leadership in Contemporary Organizations, and Evaluation and Assessment Methods. Potential job titles include principal, administrator, and superintendent.

UP also offers an online Post Master's Certificate in Higher Education Administration for those who want a career spent helping to improve policy in colleges and universities.

The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public institution featuring an online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership for education master's degree-holders who want to become K-12 vice principals and principals (the two tracks available). This cohort program requires completing 26 credits and a year-long principal internship. It takes two years to complete and may require some on-site coursework — a program advisor can provide more details. This program also offers membership opportunities in industry organizations, such as the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

UAA uses the Blackboard learning management system to deliver its asynchronous online programming to distance learners. Those enrolled in the online principal graduate certificate program take courses such as School Resource Allocation and Management, Instructional Leadership and Student Learning, and Organizational Theory and Change.

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSU) in Natchitoches is a public institution offering an online Post-Master Certificate in Educational Leadership as an add-on certificate after initial teacher licensure. Students complete 24 credits throughout eight courses, which takes approximately a year for full-time students. This program culminates in a PRAXIS exam written and administered by the Educational Testing Service. It also includes an internship, passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment before the internship, and an educational leadership portfolio and oral defense of the portfolio.

NSU's online students use Moodle to gain access to their classes and coursework remotely. The online educational leadership post-master certificate program courses include Supervision for Evaluation and School Improvement, Ethics and School Law for School Administrators, Curriculum Development for School Improvement, and Financial Resources for Public Schools. The online program curriculum helps prepare students for careers in educational administration, such as vice principals, principals, and other school leaders.

The University of New England (UNE) — located in Biddeford, Massachusetts — is a private, nonprofit institution with an online Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership. This 15-credit online certificate program requires five courses and takes less than a year. Students can apply the skills they learn directly in their daily work to prepare for career advancement in their school.

Brightspace is UNE's online platform for distance learning and the delivery of asynchronous programming. Online educational leadership certificate courses include Educational Leadership, School Law, Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction, School Finance, and Organizational Theory & Strategic Planning. Students may also take electives from other online graduate programs based on professional interests. Potential careers include department head, athletic director, assistant principal, and principal.

UNE also offers an online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Advanced Educational Leadership as a 30-credit program for students seeking significant job-growth opportunities at the school district level.

The University of Cincinnati (UC) in Ohio is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Principal Licensure Endorsement for licensed teachers with master's degrees and at least two years of work experience in elementary or secondary school classrooms. Students complete 21 credits, which they can accomplish in a year.

UC uses Canvas to deliver its online programming asynchronously. Distance learners in the principal endorsement program enroll in courses, such as Instructional Supervision, Curriculum Development and Data Analysis, Educational Leadership Theory, and School Law. They must also complete an internship to apply lessons and skills practically. The curriculum helps students prepare for principal licensure.

Additionally, UC offers an online Graduate Certificate in Special Education Leadership specifically for current and future school administrators who want to address the needs of students with disabilities.

East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Digital Learning for Educational Leaders designed to help K-12 school leaders build technology leadership skills to support NC teachers implementing digital competencies into the classroom. Either they already have one, or program applicants are working toward a Master of School Administration, Education Specialist, or Doctor of Education. Depending on course availability, this 12-credit program may be completed in a year.

Distance learners in this graduate certificate program use the software Canvas to access asynchronous online learning. They take four courses, such as Digital Literacy for 21st Century Classrooms, Planning and Administration of School Technology Programs, and Designing K-12 Professional Development for Delivery in Online and Blended Learning Environments.

The University of Florida (UF) in Gainsville is a public institution with an online Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership for practicing educators that includes job-embedded coursework to hone coaching and leadership skills. This 12-credit program consists of four courses that a full-time student can complete in one term based on course availability. Content- and context-specific assignments culminate in a teacher leadership portfolio.

Canvas is UF's learning management system for asynchronous distance learning. Online teacher leadership certificate students take courses including Instructional Coaching for Enhanced Student Learning, Teacher Leadership for Educational Change, Teacher Inquiry/Action Research, and one graduate-level elective based on interest. These online courses are designed to help teachers build skills toward career advancement at their schools.

As a campus of the state's public university system, the University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign (UIUC) offers an online Illinois Graduate Certificate in International Education Administration & Leadership. This certificate program aims to help students interested in careers in international program administration, such as study abroad programs, international student services, and other programs that support international education and engagement. Certificate completion requires 12 credits (four courses) and can take less than a year.

Students at UIUC use Canvas to access online programming asynchronously. Those enrolled in the international education administration and leadership online certificate program take courses, such as Globalization of Higher Education, Education Abroad, Foundations of Bilingual Education, and Instructional and Training System Design. Program coursework can be ideal for those new to international education who want to lead internationalization efforts in academic or business settings.

Atlanta's diverse Georgia State University (GSU) is a public, Asian American, and Native American Pacific Islander-serving and predominantly Black institution. It offers an online Certificate in Tier I Educational Leadership for education master's degree holders. Students complete 18 credits (6 courses) and 300 clinical leadership experience hours in schools and districts to finish this online certificate program successfully.

GSU uses iCollege and Canvas to deliver asynchronous online instruction and coursework. The online educational leadership certificate program curriculum includes Leadership for a Diverse Society, Educational Leadership and Organizational Culture, and Instructional Leadership. Potential job titles include assistant principal, curriculum supervisor, and other entry-level leadership roles in schools and districts.

George Mason University (GMU) is a public institution in Fairfax, Virginia, with an online Graduate Certificate in Education Leadership for licensed educators with master's degrees pursuing leadership and management roles in various educational settings. It's designed to fulfill Virginia requirements for licensure in administration and supervision PK–1. Completion requires 24 credits (8 courses). Most students complete this online certificate program in two years.

GMU uses Blackboard for distance learners to access its online curriculum asynchronously. Online education leadership certificate courses include Using Research to Lead School Improvement, Curriculum Development and Evaluation, Leading Schools and Communities, and Supervision and Evaluation of Instruction. Students who complete the certificate may pursue careers as deans, athletic directors, principals, and curriculum specialists.

With campuses in St. Louis, Kansas City, and Columbia, the University of Missouri (UM) is a system of public institutions. It offers an online Graduate Certificate in Global Education and Leadership through Missouri Online. This certificate is designed for students interested in careers leading globally-minded primary and secondary schools. This is a 12-credit program with four courses that students can finish in less than a year.

UM delivers its online program content asynchronously via Canvas. Distance learners in the online global education and leadership certificate program participate in these courses: Leading Educational Organizations in Global Contexts, Leadership for Student Learning in Global Contexts, Leading Professional Development in Global Contexts, and Leadership for School Community Partnerships in Global Contexts.

Liberty University (LU) is a private, Evangelical Christian institution in Lynchburg, Virginia, with an online Executive Certificate in Higher Edudation Administration for educational professionals pursuing career advancement who are interested in something other than earning another degree. This 21-credit program with seven courses takes about 1.5 years to complete. Additional certificate options include an online Executive Certificate in School Administration and Supervision, an online Graduate Certificate in School Administration and Supervision, and an online GRAD CERT: School Leadership.

LU's distance learners access the Canvas learning management system to participate in classes asynchronously. The online higher education administration certificate program courses include Teaching the College Student, Historical Perspectives of Higher Education, Economic Impact in Higher Education, and Assessment and Accreditation. Potential job titles include university administrator, professor, curriculum specialist, and educational consultant.

It's important to note that L.U. is not an LGBT-friendly institution. According to its 2022-2023 Student Code, "statements and behaviors that are associated with LGBT lifestyle are prohibited."

Based in Aurora, Colorado State University Global (CSUG) is a public institution with an online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership - Principal Licensure that meets Colorado requirements for licensure. However, prospective students interested in working in other states must check their state's requirements before enrolling. Students complete 24-36 credits to earn their certificate, depending on whether they hold master's degrees. It takes roughly two years to finish this program, though it may take less if attending full-time.

CSUG distance learners connect with instructors and peers to receive asynchronous instruction and complete coursework via Canvas. Those enrolled in the online principal licensure program take classes such as School Culture and Equity Leadership, Instructional Leadership, Strategic Leadership, and External Development Leadership while completing an internship.

Massachusett's Salem State University (SSU) is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership as a cohort program for licensed teachers. This 12-credit virtual program with four courses takes approximately a year to finish, and each course is seven weeks long. Some students may take six additional credits to pursue an online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership.

SSU utilizes the software Canvas and Zoom to deliver its online programming. The online teacher leadership certificate course courses are delivered asynchronously and synchronously because it's a cohort program and requires periodic live engagement. These courses include Learning to Lead, Leading Professional Learning, Data-Informed Educational Leadership, and Facilitative Leadership. The curriculum helps prepare teachers for advancement into leadership roles at the school level.

Located in the heart of our nation's capitol, George Washington University (GW) is a private and nonprofit institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Educational Technology Leadership (ETL) that can help prepare students with bachelor's degrees for career advancement at their schools and a master's degree in the same area of study. It's a 12-credit program with four courses that take about a year to complete.

GW uses Blackboard to deliver its online curriculum asynchronously to distance learners, such as those in the ETL certificate program. These online students take courses such as Educational Hardware Systems, Leadership and Education, Developing Effective Training with Technology, and Instructional Design. Potential job titles for graduates may include instructional designers, curriculum developers, and technical writers.

Additionally, GWU offers an 18-credit online Post-master's Certificate in Educational Leadership and Administration for master's degree holders interested in pursuing PK-12 leadership roles.

The University of Kentucky (UK) in Lexington is a public institution with an online Graduate Certificate in Executive Educational Leadership for experienced educators pursuing leadership roles at their schools. Students can complete this 12-credit program with four courses in less than a year. Prospective students outside of Kentucky must verify if this program is available in their state before enrollment.

UK delivers distance learning asynchronously via Canvas, meaning students can work at their own pace rather than having structured class times. The online executive educational leadership certificate program courses include the following: The School Superintendency, School System Administration, Strategic Management in Education, and Leading District Change and Innovation. These courses help prepare students to work as private, independent, and international school administrators.

The University of Kansas (UK) in Lawrence is a public institution with an online Graduate Certificate in Leadership in Special and Inclusive Education to help students develop skills in the laws and systems that dictate inclusive policies and practices in schools to create new programs and improve communication with parents. This four-course program is worth 12 credits and can be completed in as few as six months. Each course lasts eight weeks.

The coursework and instruction in this UK online certificate program are delivered asynchronously via Canvas. Courses include Special Education Leadership; Appropriate Education and Least Restrictive Environment; Non-Discriminatory Evaluation, Parent Participation, and Procedural Due Process; and History, Context, and Critique of Special Education. Career outcomes may include principals, superintendents, and athletic directors.

New Jersey's Thomas Edison State University (TESU) is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership that meets the State of New Jersey's Supervisor Endorsement requirement. Applicants must hold master's degrees and have at least three years of licensed teaching experience. Certificate completion requires 12 credits (four courses), which may be done in less than a year.

TESU's distance learners use Moodle to access online program content asynchronously. The online educational leadership certificate courses include Standards-Based Curriculum Development for Pre-K-12, Critical Issues and Theories in Curriculum Design and Evaluation for Pre-K-12, Vision and Systems for Professional Learning, and Supervising Equitable Learning Organizations. The coursework students complete can help prepare them for job growth at the school level as vice principals, principals, athletic directors, and the equivalent.

Fitchburg State University (FSU) in Virginia is a public institution with an online Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership and Management with a non-licensure track, a school principal track, and a supervisor/director track, depending on career goals. Program completion requires between 39 and 42 credits, depending on the track chosen. Students can generally complete these online certificate programs in two years, though students are allowed up to six.

Blackboard is FSU's LMS for asynchronous distance learning. Depending on the track chosen, online learners in the educational leadership and management certificate programs take courses such as Data-Informed Decision Making for School Improvement and Learning, Collegial Supervision in an Era of Accountability, Meaningful Family & Community Engagement and Partnerships, and Dynamic Perspectives in Education. Graduates may pursue a variety of leadership roles in education, including principals, vice principals, supervisors, and directors.

Greeley's University of Northern Colorado (UNC) is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Teacher Leadership for licensed PK-12 teachers with bachelor's degrees who are interested in career advancement in the schools for which they work. This 16-credit program requires completing four courses and a four-credit internship. Each class lasts 15 weeks, and students can finish in two terms.

UNC delivers online coursework and instruction to distance learners via Canvas and platforms such as Zoom. The online teacher leadership certificate program courses are delivered synchronously on Tuesday evenings and sometimes on Wednesdays. They include Leadership Development Through Inquiry, Instructional Leadership and Supervision, and Shaping Organizations: Management and Leadership in Education. The certificate curriculum helps prepare students for job advancement in the field as well as master's degrees in education.

The University of Wyoming (UW) in Laramie is a public institution with an online Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership for students with master's degrees interested in gaining skills to pursue leadership roles in two-year schools. Students complete 15 credits, including three required courses and two electives, which takes about four semesters if attending part time. Students may be eligible to apply for UW scholarships to help pay for graduate studies.

UW provides distance learners access to Canvas to log in to their classes and complete coursework. Courses are delivered synchronously, so other web-based communication platforms, such as Zoom, may be used in addition to Canvas. Online community college leadership certificate courses include Community College Issues and Leadership, Issues in Higher Education, Law of Higher Education, and Higher Education Finance. Potential job titles include Veterans Transition Coordinator, Student Services Specialist, and Coordinator Student Success.

Georgia Southern University (GSU) in Statesboro is a public institution with an online Educational Leadership Tier I Certification as a cohort program with a structured schedule of courses. Applicants must hold master's degrees. Prospective students living and working outside of Georgia should check with their state's education department to determine if this certification program meets state requirements. Completing this online certificate program requires 18 credits and 250 hours of clinical practice. Students can generally finish in less than two years. A 9-credit Teacher-Leader Endorsement is embedded within this online program.

GSU uses Brightspace to deliver its online curriculum asynchronously, such as the Educational Leadership Tier I Certification program. Courses in this online program include Transformational School Leadership, Utilizing Data in Leadership, Developing Professional Working Communities, and Legal and Ethical Issues in School Leadership. These courses help prepare Educational Leadership candidates for Stage I initial leadership positions, such as P-12 school-level assistant principals.

Norfolk, Virginia's Old Dominion University (ODU) is a public institution offering an online Graduate Certificate in Community College Leadership for students with education master's degrees. It includes hands-on experience through an internship at a local community college. This 15-credit program takes one to two years, and the internship is completed during the summer. Courses meet once a week in the evenings.

ODU uses Canvas as its online learning platform so that distance learners can access coursework and instruction. Those enrolled in the online community college leadership certificate program take courses such as Community College Leadership; Community College Finance, Fundraising, and Resource Management; and Community College Curriculum, Program Development, and Quality Assurance. Careers after program completion often include jobs in postsecondary education administration.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond is a public, Asian American, and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution offering an online Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership for students with education master's degrees and at least two years of experience in a licensed teaching position. Students complete 21 credits for this certificate and an internship/clinical practice, all of which can be done in as few as three semesters.

VCU delivers its asynchronous online program content to distance learners via Canvas. Online educational leadership certificate courses include Leadership for Educational Change and Improvement, Leadership for Individualized Learning, Enhancing and Supporting Instruction, and Multiple Dimensions of Leadership. This curriculum helps prepare students for endorsement as administrators/supervisors of K-12.