Program Overview
Learn more about the online Principal Graduate Certificate
Shape and guide the direction of education with an online Graduate Certificate – Principal from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. This accelerated, 100% online program gives you the practical tools to make big-picture decisions and learn how to manage and oversee school operations. You will learn to allocate resources where they are needed most, collaborate with parents and community members, and support and help teachers grow as professionals. Coursework for this principal certificate online includes public school law, school operations management and a practical, hands-on internship.
Designed for educators with a master’s degree and teaching experience, this program will prepare you for the Oklahoma Principal certification exam. The process that leads to certification is not integrated into the program. Qualified graduates must register, take and pass all required exams and apply for Oklahoma Principal certification independently.
Learning Outcomes:
- Prepares students and meets the educational requirements set for students to take the Oklahoma Principal certification exam
- Apply your knowledge by writing your own campus improvement plan that can be leveraged in your career growth
- Complete projects where you are the administrator on the project and develop real-life leadership skills
- Work closely with a faculty mentor during your internship course to create an individualized, quality experience that is more than just completing required hours
Careers in Educational Leadership:
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Higher-level administrator positions within a campus or school district

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. CAEP promotes excellence in educator preparation through quality assurance and continuous improvement.
Tuition
Affordable, pay-as-you go tuition
Southeastern Oklahoma State University offers its students the opportunity to earn their online degree with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition that includes fees.
View full tuition breakdown [+]
Additional Fees
Application: $25
International Student Application: $25
Books will average about $100 per course.
*University reserves the right to change tuition and fees at any time.
Financial Aid
Financial aid is available for those who qualify. The first step in applying for financial aid is to file your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). SOSU's Federal School Code is 003179.
Contact Us
Student Financial Aid Office425 W. University Blvd.
Durant, OK 74701-3347
Phone: 580-745-2186
Fax: 580-745-7469
Email: [email protected]
Calendar
Important deadlines
At Southeastern, we offer multiple start dates throughout the year, so you never have to wait long to get started on your online program. The chart below shows upcoming start dates, along with important deadlines, such as when your application should be submitted and when payments are due.
Term | Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall II 2022 | 10/17/2022 | 10/3/2022 | 10/3/2022 | 10/14/2022 | 11/15/2022 | 12/11/2022 |
Spring I 2023 | 1/9/2023 | 12/19/2022 | 12/19/2022 | 1/6/2023 | 2/28/2023 | 2/26/2023 |
Spring II 2023 | 3/6/2023 | 2/20/2023 | 2/20/2023 | 3/3/2023 | 4/15/2023 | 4/30/2023 |
Summer I 2023 | 5/8/2023 | 4/24/2023 | 4/24/2023 | 5/5/2023 | 5/30/2023 | 6/25/2023 |
Summer II 2023 | 6/26/2023 | 6/12/2023 | 6/12/2023 | 6/23/2023 | 7/28/2023 | 8/13/2023 |
Fall I 2023 | 8/21/2023 | 8/7/2023 | 8/7/2023 | 8/18/2023 | 9/29/2023 | 10/8/2023 |
Fall II 2023 | 10/16/2023 | 10/2/2023 | 10/2/2023 | 10/13/2023 | 11/14/2023 | 12/10/2023 |
Spring I 2024 | 1/8/2024 | 12/18/2023 | 12/18/2023 | 1/5/2024 | 2/27/2024 | 2/25/2024 |
Spring II 2024 | 3/4/2024 | 2/19/2024 | 2/19/2023 | 3/1/2024 | 4/17/2024 | 4/28/2024 |
Admissions
What you need to start your Graduate Certificate – Principal online
Southeastern Oklahoma State University's online programs have specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify
View full admission requirements [+]
If you have any special circumstances that need further clarification, please contact us at 844-515-9100.
Before applying, check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state.
To meet the admission requirements for the Graduate Certificate – Principal program, applicants must meet all the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in any discipline from a regionally accredited university
- Teaching Certificate
- Minimum of two years of teaching experience. Student can be in the process of two years and enter program but will not be granted certification until the two years have been completed.
- Currently working in a school system to meet Internship requirements (Oklahoma only. Student will need to confirm other states.)
International Application and Admissions Requirements: Please note, unfortunately, students with an F-1 visa are ineligible for online programs.
- Complete the application. There is a non-refundable $65 application fee.
- Academic Records:
- Original final post-secondary transcript(s) from each college or university attended within the United States.
- Post-secondary records from outside the U.S. must be course-by-course analyzed by a NACES (www.NACES.org) educational credential evaluation service such as IERF or WES or ECE.
- English Proficiency: Internet-based TOEFL score of 79 or an IELTS Academic score of 6.5; taken within 2 years of enrollment.
- For TOEFL, have your score report sent to Southeastern (institution code: 6657).
- For IELTS, let us know your TRF number.
- You do not need TOEFL or IELTS scores if you meet one of the following:
- English is your first language from a country whose official language is English
- You have a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. college or university
- You have a bachelor’s degree from an English speaking country
Official sealed transcripts from all previous institutions should be sent to Southeastern Oklahoma State University:
Southeastern Oklahoma State University/Registrar425 W. University Blvd.
Durant, OK 74701-3347
Email: [email protected]
Courses
Explore the principal certificate courses
For the Graduate Certificate – Principal online program, you must complete the following coursework, which consists of five core courses.
EDAD 5323: Supervision of Instruction
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
The examination of theory, research and evolving concepts which have practical implication for supervision of all facets of instruction in schools.
EDAD 5373: Public School Law
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
Legal regulations as they relate to the administration of public schools.
EDAD 5403: School Operations Management
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course will address facilities, finance, resource allocations, resource management, and technology for the principal.
EDAD 5483: The School Principal
Duration: 7 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course uses the framework of a school improvement plan to provide opportunities for candidates to demonstrate and apply knowledge, abilities and dispositions necessary to administer, develop, evaluate, implement, communicate and plan for the responsibilities of leadership and data-based school improvement. This course uses the framework of a school improvement plan to provide opportunities for candidates to demonstrate and apply knowledge, abilities and dispositions necessary to administer, develop, evaluate, implement, communicate and plan for the responsibilities of leadership and data-based school improvement.
EDAD 5933: Internship: Capstone Experience
Duration: 16 weeks | Credit Hours: 3
This course provides opportunities for candidates to demonstrate and apply the knowledge, abilities and dispositions necessary to administer, develop, evaluate, implement, communicate and plan for the responsibilities of school leadership. (Prerequisite: departmental approval)