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Program Admission

• Complete a graduate school application.
• Submit all official undergraduate & graduate (if applicable) transcript(s). Minimum undergraduate GPA of a 3.0 required.
• Submit a Statement of Goals that explains the applicant’s reasons for pursuing a principal certification.
• Submit a current resume.
• Submit a copy of a current PA Instructional Certificate.
• Submit three (3) letters of recommendation that address the applicant’s leadership ability, capacity to be a successful school principal, academic suitability, and professional demeanor.

Academic Requirements

Candidates for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification program are typically required to complete 30 credits with the option of transferring in up to 9 credits from another university. Those candidates seeking the PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification only are required to complete 24 credits and also have the option of transferring in up to 9 credits from another university.

Classes are typically offered during the evening 5 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

• PDE Approved for PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification.
• Online classes are available and growing. A student can earn their certification online with the exception of the required practicum/internship.
• Students are required to have a seasoned (at least three years’ experience) principal act as your mentor throughout the program.

Retention

Graduate students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Students who do not take classes in either the Fall and/or Spring semester(s) will be considered inactive in MyCommonwealth. Students are required to contact their Academic Advisor or Graduate Program Coordinator with their request to be reactivated. Their request is then forwarded to the Graduate Office, who will process the reactivation. Students have six calendar years to complete their chosen degree or certification program.

Transfer Credits

Upon acceptance, students desiring to transfer credits may make this request upon application to their chosen program. Upon approval, degree students may transfer up to a maximum of nine semester hours or parallel courses (determined by CU) from accredited institutions. These courses will be applied towards completing the degree requirements of the program. However, no courses will be transferred in which a grade less than a B was earned. Pass/fail grades are not accepted.

Pennsylvania Requirements for Certification

*As taken from the PDE website

Issuance of the Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction certificate requires a minimum of five years certified school experience in an instructional area. Preparation for this professional certificate is at the graduate level and presumes in-depth study in the area of Curriculum and Instruction. A person prepared as a Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction may be eligible for certification provided the applicant:

• Has completed an approved program of graduate study preparing the applicant for the broad area, district-wide supervisory functions specified by the endorsement area of the certificate. (Preparation completed out-of-state must meet Pennsylvania standards for certification).
• Is recommended for certification by the authorized certification officer of the institution where such education was obtained, or holds a comparable certificate from another state (for out-of-state graduates only).
• Provides a chief school administrator's verification of the completion of five years of satisfactory professional school experience as mentioned above (22 PA Code Section 49.111).
• Has provided evidence of satisfactory achievement on assessments prescribed by the Department under Section 49.18(a). [PRAXIS Specialty Area Test: 0411 (Paper) and 5412 (Computer); Qualifying Score of 143]
• Is able to meet all other requirements provided by law.

(*) Please see the PDE website for additional requirements for PDE certification and for any updates as certification requirements may change over time.

Candidates for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification program are typically required to complete 30 credits in order to earn their Master's degree, while 24 credits are required for those candidates seeking the PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification only.

• M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification
• PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction Certification Only

Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Use of research including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies
2. Apply professional dispositions, ethics, and professional standards

Educational Leadership – PK-12 Supervisor of Curriculum & Instruction (Cert)

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Use research including qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methodologies
2. Apply data literacy and employment of data analysis to develop supportive, diverse, equitable, and inclusive school environments
3. Apply professional dispositions, ethics, and professional standards
4. Lead or participate in a collaborative activity with peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations and parents

• Q: Is the program only offered as a master's degree?
  A: No- it’s offered as BOTH a master’s degree and a stand-alone certificate.
• Q: How long does it take students to finish the program?
  A: The master’s degree includes 33 credits and typically takes most students roughly 18 - 24 months to complete- though students have up to six years to finish.
• Q: How is the program delivered?
  A: The program is delivered 100% online through synchronous classes. Courses are typically offered during the evening, from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
• Q: When can I start?
  A: Applications are accepted for the Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters. 
• Q: Do I need to take the GRE in order to apply? 
  A: No- the GRE is not required for admission.
• Q: If I'm using my employer's tuition reimbursement program, can my tuition bills be deferred until after the semester?
  A: Yes. Completion of the Application for Deferment will enable you to defer 75% of your tuition and fee charges (after paying 25% down) until 45 days after the conclusion of the semester. During this time, you should be able to secure reimbursement from your employer. The remaining payment will be drawn from your account automatically through the payment plan 45 days after the end of the semester, unless paid prior to that date. More information available here under the 'Tuition Statements, Charges, and Payments' section. If you have any questions, you can contact the Student Billing Office at 570-389-4013 or studentbilling@commonwealthu.edu.