The School Program Administrator Certification Program is designed to prepare an individual for a position as an entry level program administrator serving either at the school site or at the district level.  This certificate is applicable to both certificated and non-certificated individuals whose intent is to serve in the P-12 education sector.  While similar in nature to the Principal certification program it differs in one course and the focus of the internship. Successful completion of this program will qualify the student for a P -12 Residency School Program Administrator certificate in the State of Washington. The program meets or exceeds the standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the standards of Washington Administrative code and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.

This 30-quarter credit program includes an internship in which the students conduct supervised administration in a school or district setting over the course of the entire school year. Internship experiences apply the competencies and skills defined in the Washington Administrative Code and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration.

Each applicant must hold a master's or other advanced degree. In addition, it is necessary to have completed one year of demonstrated successful school-based experience; three years’ experience is preferred.

Students entering the Educational Leadership Program with a master's or other advanced degree need not complete a second master's degree to obtain program administrator certification. Only the major Program Administrator Certificate courses must be completed (18 credits), internship (9 credits), and a 6000-level elective course (3 credits) approved by the program chair. Standard guidelines and procedures for program admission apply.

COMPONENTS OF THE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

• Educational Leadership Core: Provides the background, perspectives, and resources necessary for leadership as a program administrator.
  
• Internship: Provides practical experience under the supervision of qualified district personnel and qualified Seattle Pacific University personnel.  See the Principal/Program Administrator Intern Handbook..

THE APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications to the School Program Administrator  Certification program are accepted throughout the year.

LOCATIONS
Program Administrator Certification programs are offered on campus, Olympia, Bremerton and Stanwood.

CERTIFICATION
Successful completion of the Program Administrator Certification Program qualifies an individual for the Residency Program Administrator Certificate. This certificate will be valid for seven (7) years. Candidates are required to submit a formal application to the School of Education Certification Officer for the issuance of the certificate.

OPTION FOR A SECOND CERTIFICATE

Students who have earned residency principal or program administrator certification from SPU may earn the other certificate (either principal or program administrator) by completing 6 additional internship credits. A valid teaching or ESA certificate and completion of EDAD 6581 are required for those who wish to add a principal certificate. For more information on specific requirements, contact Dr. William Prenevost. All coursework for the second certificate must be completed within three years of earning the previous certificate.

Due to a change in Federal financial aid rules, some certificate-only programs do not qualify for Federal financial aid. If a student combines this certification with a graduate degree at SPU, then the student will qualify for financial aid as a degree-seeking student. For more information, contact the Graduate Center.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE GRADUATE CENTER.