Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

Program Overview
Our online Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program meets the requirements specified by the state of New Jersey, including a 300-hour internship. Our part-time, online accelerated format provides working professionals the flexibility they need to advance their educational career. Our program is tailored for candidates who have already earned a master’s degree and a supervisor certificate, have five years of full-time experience, and wish to serve as a principal in public schools.
Information for New Jersey Teachers:
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student’s responsibility to meet all other certification requirements. For current NJ DOE licensure information, click here.
Per the New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), "Educational services certificates are issued to support service personnel [in school districts], i.e. school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, student assistance coordinator, etc.)." For NJ DOE Educational Services Certificate information and definitions, go to the New Jersey Department of Education licensure website for Educational Services Personnel.
Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Principal Preparation program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.
Our Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program requires the completion of 36 graduate credits.
An Inside Look at Coursework
Below, you will find a list including titles of foundational coursework for the Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program:
- Change for School Improvement
- Introduction to the Principalship
- School Finance and Records
- Law and Ethics for School Leadership
- Instructional Leadership and Supervision
- Building Organizational Capacity
- Practicum/Seminar in Administration/Supervision I
- Practicum/Seminar in Administration/Supervision II
Note: The course information shown above is not official and is subject to change. For an official list of available courses, please visit the Rowan University Academic Catalog.
The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan University Office of Admissions will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.
- Submit an Application
- $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
- Master's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
- Current professional resume
- Typewritten statement of professional objectives (must include reasons for pursuing the Principal Certification)
- Two letters of recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators (supervisor, principal, or superintendent) and include information which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
- Typewritten statement of leadership experience (must include examples of previous leadership experience and abilities within specific positions/projects)
- Certificate Program Acknowledgement
- Copy of NJ Standard Instructional Certificate or Educational Services Certificate
- Optional interview (If selected for an interview, the applicant will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
- Certificate Program Acknowledgement
- NJ DOE Record of Professional Experience
- Please submit the Record of Professional Experience form which must be filled out by your employer documenting five years of successful educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state certificate. The New Jersey Department of Education will make the final determination as to whether or not the experience meets NJ regulations
- The applicant must provide proof of appropriate certification as well as a letter of employment confirming the specific dates (not just years) during which the applicant has taught or served the educational community under the appropriate certificate.
Application Deadlines
Be sure to submit your application and supporting materials in advance of the application deadlines listed below for your desired entry term.
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Tuition, Financial Aid and Scholarships
At Rowan University, we work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
Learn MoreRowan University strives to provide students with a variety of financial aid resources needed to support their education by offering grants, loans, work-study and scholarship opportunities.
Learn MoreSupport your educational goals by exploring ways to pay for your degree. At Rowan University, we offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming and continuing students.
Learn MoreAt Rowan University, we work hard to provide quality education while seeking to reduce the barrier that college costs can present students.
Learn MoreRowan University strives to provide students with a variety of financial aid resources needed to support their education by offering grants, loans, work-study and scholarship opportunities.
Learn MoreSupport your educational goals by exploring ways to pay for your degree. At Rowan University, we offer a variety of scholarship opportunities for incoming and continuing students.
Learn More