School Leadership - Online Graduate Certificate
Lead with Integrity. Inspire with Vision.
Designed for experienced educators seeking advancement, this fully online graduate certificate provides a streamlined pathway to administrative licensure in Wisconsin schools. The program equips candidates with essential skills in strategic leadership, curriculum planning, special education law, financial management, and talent development, culminating in practicum experiences. Aligned with national leadership standards and UW-Whitewater’s mission of fostering accessible and inclusive education, the curriculum prepares graduates to lead schools and districts with integrity, equity, and a commitment to continual improvement.
Why UW-Whitewater Online?
- Practicum experiences
- Program allows you to successfully balance both school and work
- Affordable tuition
Earn 3 Licenses
DPI
Gain an edge
With real-world experience.
Learn the skills
that today’s employers seek.
School Leadership - Online Graduate Certificate
The online graduate certificate in School Leadership: Principal, Directors of Instruction and Pupil Services Certificate is a 17 credit program. This program can be started in the spring, summer or fall terms, and at a pace that works best for you.
Program Requirements:
- EDADMIN 750: Strategic Leadership in Curriculum and Instructional Design, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 754: Designing Tomorrow's Education: Leading in Curriculum Planning, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 756: Legal Perspectives and Practices in Special Education Leadership, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 774: Supporting Education Through Financial Management, 3 credits
- MANGEMNT 751: Talent Management, 3 credits
- EDADMIN 793: Practicum in Educational Leadership, 2 credits
Additional courses, practicums, or modules may be required to meet DPI statutory requirements, based on the candidate's academic and professional history. An average GPA of at least 3.00 across the certificate coursework is required for licensure.
A comprehensive overview of the program will be available in the new publication of the Graduate Catalog in 2026.
To qualify for admission to the online certificate program, you must have a master's degree from an accredited institution, and meet graduate admission criteria.
Deadlines vary by term and are subject to change without notice. Accurate and up-to-date admission deadlines can be found on the graduate admission deadlines website.
Additional requirements of the School Leadership: Principal, Directors of Instruction and Pupil Services certificate program:
- Complete a background check through ViewPoint prior to admission.
- Tier II or higher teacher of pupil services license (prior to endorsement for licensure).
- Six semesters of successful classroom experience teaching in any grade; OR 6 semesters of successful experience as a school counselor, a school psychologist, a school social worker with at least 540 hours of successful classroom teaching experience (prior to endorsement for licensure).
- For Director of Special Education and Pupil Services licensure, qualifications for the two points above must be in special education or pupil services.
All requirements can be submitted during the application process.
International students must meet additional criteria and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Contact us for information and assistance.
This graduate program at UW-Whitewater are a superior value, with tuition starting at $708 USD per credit for the 2025-26 academic year — whether you are a Wisconsin resident, an out-of-state student, or international student within the major. Additional fees and non-resident tuition may apply to other courses. Visit the Tuition and Fees webpage for complete information.
Course materials
Graduate students can purchase textbooks and other instructional materials through the University Bookstore or elsewhere online. Students should verify what materials are needed with their instructor.
Financial aid
Students completing a degree program may be eligible for financial aid in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, or employment. All of these make up a “Financial Aid Package” and may be offered singly or in various combinations. Since funds are limited, priority for aid is based on financial need and how promptly applications are filed. To find out, or if you have other financial aid questions, contact the financial aid staff person assigned to you or try uwwfao@uww.edu or 262-472-1130.
Interested in taking a tour of UW-Whitewater campus? You can visit in person or virtually.
Like to learn more about degree options through UW-Whitewater School of Graduate Studies? There are a few ways you can get the information you need.
Visit our information sessions website to select a virtual information session related to the program you are interested in.
You can also fill out a request for information to connect with an advisor who can discuss your goals and help guide you to the right program to pursue your dreams.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater offers an excellent opportunity to leverage your existing certificate coursework.
Transfer up to 12-credits of your certificate coursework towards the master's degree, saving you time and money.
Check out our Master's programs.
