Graduate Certificate in School Administration Online
Reach new levels of educational leadership and prepare to qualify for principalship roles.
Program Overview
Learn what our online School Administration Certificate program offers you
Designed for master’s-prepared educators, the online Graduate Certificate in School Administration program from UNC Pembroke provides the advanced professional development you need to effectively serve schools as a principal or assistant principal.
Delivered in a 100% online format, the rigorous curriculum for this program is aligned with the North Carolina Standards for School Executives. This unique postgraduate program builds on your educational background with a focus on the essential responsibilities of the school executive. You will expand your practical leadership abilities, including instructional supervision and developing effective management strategies for school operations.
Upon completion of this online education program, you will achieve school administration licensure in North Carolina.
Graduate from the online School Administration Certificate program prepared for educational leadership careers, such as:
- School Principal
- Assistant Principal
- School Principal
- Assistant Principal
Also available online:
UNC Pembroke offers value in a variety of education programs. Check out our other graduate and postgraduate education programs.
Accreditation
All educator preparation programs at The University of North Carolina Pembroke are approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Also available online:
UNC Pembroke offers value in a variety of education programs. Check out our other graduate and postgraduate education programs.
Tuition
Discover the value of our low-cost tuition
Tuition for our affordable online School Administration Certificate program is priced with the working student in mind—plus, you can pay by the course. Financial aid may be available for students who qualify.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | Fees Per Credit Hour | Distance Fee Per Term | Per Program* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School Administration Certificate (in-state resident) | $237.78 | $713.34 | $33.05 | $36.75 | $7,382 |
| School Administration Certificate (out-of-state) | $963.28 | $2,889.84 | $33.05 | $36.75 | $24,794 |
Tuition is based on a cadence of 6-9 credit hours per semester, which is two 7-week terms. Tuition will be capped at the per semester, full-time enrollment levels of nine (9) credit hours for graduate students.
Please consult with your advisor for more information.
https://www.uncp.edu/resources/student-accounts/tuition-fee-information
Additional Fees
One-Time Fees
Application Fee - $55 domestic/$60 internationalOrientation Fee - $20
Graduation Fee - $100 (students will be charged an additional $25 if fee is not paid on time)
Tuition breakdown:
Calendar
Follow these dates to guide your student journey
For the convenience of our School Administration Certificate program online students, the School of Education offers multiple start dates each year. View the full calendar for upcoming deadlines, including when to turn in all required documents, register for classes and pay tuition for your desired program start date.
| Term | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I | 1/13/25 | 12/30/24 | 1/2/25 | 1/6/25 | 1/9/25 | 2/28/25 |
| Spring II | 3/17/25 | 3/3/25 | 3/6/25 | 3/10/25 | 3/13/25 | 5/2/25 |
| Summer I | 5/12/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/1/25 | 5/5/25 | 5/8/25 | 6/27/25 |
| Summer II | 6/30/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/19/25 | 6/23/25 | 6/26/25 | 8/15/25 |
| Fall I | 8/25/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/14/25 | 8/18/25 | 8/21/25 | 10/10/25 |
| Fall II | 10/20/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/9/25 | 10/13/25 | 10/16/25 | 12/5/25 |
Now enrolling
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Take the next step toward earning your degree online from UNC Pembroke.
Admissions
See how to qualify for the School Administration Certificate online program
The School of Education admission process is the first step toward completing your School Administration Certificate program online. Find out the requirements for the program and what additional materials are needed.
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- 3.0 cumulative GPA on graduate coursework
- 3 years teaching experience prior to beginning first course
To be eligible for consideration for full or provisional admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Submit a completed online application
- Pay a $55 non-refundable application fee ($60 for international applicants and waived for military members)
- Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
- 3.0 minimum cumulative GPA
- Continuing Professional License
- "M" level NC teaching license
- Resume to verify three years of teaching experience
- Names of three people who will provide professional recommendations to include:
- The current principal
- A colleague familiar with the applicant’s leadership skills
- An individual knowledgeable of the applicant’s potential to engage in graduate-level coursework, and/or to assume a school leadership position (e.g., current or former professor or a district-level administrator)
- Statement of purpose answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to become a school administrator (principal)?
- In a school leadership role, what communication approaches would be most effective?
- How would you delegate responsibilities to others?
- How would this administrative position be most rewarding to you?
- What do you consider to be your major strengths as an administrator?
- No GRE or GMAT required
The electronic and physical information for submitting transcripts:
UNC Pembroke The Graduate School
PO Box 1510
One University Drive
Pembroke, NC 28372
UNCP will accept transcripts electronically - [email protected]
Courses
Advance your knowledge in these online School Administration Certificate courses
The School Administration Certificate program online consists of eight courses, including an embedded internship, for a total of 24 credit hours.
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*Tuition rate (in-state: $237.78 /credit hour plus $36.75 flat fee; out-of-state: $963.28 /credit hour plus $36.75 flat fee) is based on a cadence of 6-9 credit hours per semester which is two 7-week terms. Tuition will be capped at the per semester, full-time enrollment levels of nine (9) credit hours for graduate students. Please consult with the bursar’s office for more information.
**Time to completion may vary depending on your start date. Speak with your Enrollment Specialist for more details.
