2012-2013

Principal, Graduate Certificate

Department of Educational Leadership

College of Education

This administrative certificate program is offered by the Educational Leadership department and prepares you for state certification as a principal in the public schools. Classes are offered in many locations across Arizona with admission applications being processed throughout the course of the year.

This program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).

    • Graduate certificate programs require a minimum of 12 credit hours. Many graduate certificate programs require more than 12 credit hours.
    • No more than one 400-level NAU course (3 - 4 units) may be used on a graduate certificate program.
    • No more than twenty-five percent of the units required for the certificate program may be transferred from another university.
    • A 400-level course (undergraduate course) completed at another university is not eligible for transfer credit.
    • A minimum grade point average of 3.0 must be achieved to obtain a graduate certificate. No more than three units of coursework with a Grade of "C" may be used in a certificate program.
    • A graduate student may pursue a graduate certificate concurrently with a graduate degree. Each graduate degree program must decide which, if any, certificate courses can be counted toward the graduate degree.
    • Students who are admitted to a graduate certificate program will be eligible for the official posting of the graduate certificate to their transcripts when all applicable coursework has been successfully completed and approved by the academic unit and the Graduate College.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Required Educational Leadership coursework (27 units)
  • Elective Educational Leadership coursework (9 units)

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 36
Additional Admission Requirements Required
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Required

Additional Admission Requirements

  • Individual program admission requirements over and above admission to NAU are required.

    • Master's degree with a minimum of 36 graduate units (in any field)
    • Three years of verified teaching experience in grades Pre-K through 12
Certificate Requirements
  • Take the following 36 units:Following completion of the Graduate Certificate program, students will receive an Institutional Recommendation and may apply for state certification.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.