Program Administrator Certification

To be eligible for the Program Administrator Certification program, you must have a bachelor's degree and a master's degree as well as at least one year of documented successful school, district, or school-site experience. However, applicants are not required to hold a Residency Teacher Certificate or an Educational Staff Associate Certificate. Individuals who hold a master's degree or other advanced degree do not need to complete a second master's degree in order to obtain certification as a program administrator.

Others who may be interested in this certificate are holders of Principal or ESA certificates who wish to expand their understanding of central office administrative roles and responsibilities.

This program is identical to that of the Principal Certification program except that one elective course is substituted for EDAD 6581: The Principalship. The Program Administrator Certification program requires 30 credits, which includes seven core courses and an Internship.

Internship

The Program Administrator Internship (9 credits, 3 per quarter) allows you to engage in leadership and administrative activities under the supervision of a mentor administrator in an administrative or district office. Over the course of a school year, you can both acquire and practice skills that are crucial to your future success as an administrator. In conjunction with SPU's Educational Leadership faculty, you are responsible for securing the site and mentor for your internship. Program Administrator Internships are designed to be completed in conjunction with a full-time contract; it is not necessary to take a year off.

Certification

Successful completion of the program will qualify you for a Washington Residency Program Administrator Certificate with reciprocity in other states. Candidates are required to submit a formal application to the certification officer in the School of Education for the issuance of the credential.

Locations and Schedule

Program Administrator Certification candidates in Western Washington can earn their Residency Program Administrator Certificate from SPU in a convenient, non-cohort program in one of three sites: Seattle, Stanwood, or Olympia. The Educational Leadership department chair will build a personalized study plan in consultation with each student.

Each applicant can complete their Program Administrator Certificate in as few as five quarters, although completing in two years in typical. SPU offers all administrator certification candidates a "Summer-Only" option for completing the seven required classes. Under this plan, students complete fours courses one summer, three the next, and complete their internship in the school year between the two summer sessions. The university offers on-campus summer room and board for students who wish to take advantage of this Summer-Only option. 

Applicants must submit the following items to the Graduate Center.

• Application and $50 application processing fee.
• Official transcript(s) from each college/university attended.
• Copy of Residency Teacher or ESA certificate, front and back (if applicable). 
• Personal statement (1–2 pages).
• Résumé.
• Two letters of recommendation (one supervisory, one professional).

Autumn Quarter: August 15
Winter Quarter: November 15
Spring Quarter: February 15
Summer Session: May 15

For more information about student graduation rates, median debt, and other important information about SPU's Program Administrator Certification-only program, please visit www.spu.edu/gainfulemployment.