Principal's Residency Certificate

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At a Glance

Degree Type: Certificate

Location: Bellingham, and Distance Learning for the greater Puget Sound area

Total Credits: 48

Curriculum

Department Website

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Application Deadline

Fall: August 1. Winter: October 1. Spring: February 1. Summer: May 1.

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Program Information

The Principal's Certificate program in the Educational Administration department is designed for educators who hold a master’s degree or are currently enrolled in a master's program. Candidates earn the Washington State residency administrator certificate (principal).

The certificate may be earned in conjunction with the M.Ed. in Educational Administration. See this program comparison table for more information.

Application Requirements

  • All applicants must complete the Graduate School's ApplyWeb application and pay the $100 application fee.
  • Within the application you will be prompted to upload an unofficial transcript from each institution attended. If admitted, you will be asked to provide official transcripts.
  • Additional application materials are specified below. Applications will not be forwarded to the department for review until all required materials have been received by the Graduate School.
  • International Applicants: Please review the requirements for information regarding Degree Equivalency, English Language Proficiency and student VISA requirements.

Additional Application Requirements

  • Master's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university
  • One copy of valid Washington State certificate (teacher or educational staff associate)
    • If submitting an ESA certificate, you must include a letter from your supervisor describing your assignment and service that supports three years of documented successful school-based experience in an instructional role with students.
  • Three (3) references: one each from two building-level administrators, and one from a district-level administrator
  • Resume outlining your education and professional history
  • Statement of Purpose: A letter of intent stating: 1) Why you want to become a school administrator; 2) How your understanding of diversity relates to improving learning for all students. Include your understanding of diversity and your leadership experiences related to student diversity in your response, recognizing that your school/district has students with diverse backgrounds. For the purpose of this letter of intent, diversity may include but not be limited to: highly capable, special needs, 504 plans, ELL/ESL, ethnicity and culture, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socio‐economic status, or other; 3) Your goals and objectives as an education leader.