Get certified to become a principal in Pennsylvania
The Principal Certification program integrates coursework with an internship, enabling you to be eligible for state principal certification without career interruption.
Program Details
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Fall Entry Term
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Executive Enrollment Format
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10 Months Duration
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On Campus Modality
Overview
The Principal Certification program, offered through the School Leadership, M.S.Ed., is also available as a standalone option for individuals seeking the graduate coursework, internship, and practicum experience required to become eligible for Pennsylvania PK–12 Principal certification.
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Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Curriculum
Over its five courses, this track provides a 360-hour internship, focused class topics, and practitioner assignments relevant to the public/charter school environment. Learn more about courses and requirements by visiting the School Leadership Certification program in the University Catalog.
Do you have questions about the coursework?
We are here to help! Contact the program staff below.
Administrative Coordinator: gse-slp@gse.upenn.edu
The cohort meets in person one weekend per month in Philadelphia from August through June. Students also participate in a monthly virtual evening session from September through June.
Throughout the year, students are required to attend two Focused Observation sessions of their choice. These visits take place at traditional public, charter, and independent schools across the Philadelphia region. To accommodate participants from across the country, observation days are scheduled on Mondays or Fridays, typically adjacent to a weekend session.
| Academic Year | In-Person Sessions | Virtual Evening Sessions |
|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | August 15-17, 2025 September 13-14, 2025 October 4-5, 2025 November 1-2, 2025 December 6-7, 2025 January 10-11, 2026 February 7-8, 2026 March 7-8, 2026 April 11-12, 2026 May 30-31, 2026 June 13-14, 2026 | August—no session September 24, 2025 October 15, 2025 November 12, 2025 December 17, 2025 January 21, 2026 February 18, 2026 March 18, 2026 April 22, 2026 May 20, 2026 June 24, 2025 |
| 2026–2027 (tentative) | August 14-16, 2026 September 12-13, 2026 October 3-4, 2026 November 7-8, 2026 December 5-6, 2026 January 9-10, 2027 February 6-7, 2027 March 6-7, 2027 April 10-11, 2027 May 15-16, 2027 June 12-13, 2027 | August—no session September 23, 2026 October 14, 2026 November 18, 2026 December 16, 2026 January 20, 2027 February 17, 2027 March 17, 2027 April 21, 2027 May 26, 2027 June 23, 2027 |
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A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Contributing Faculty
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Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!