Eastern Kentucky University | 859-622-1000 | admissions@eku.edu
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
EKU Logo
Apply Now Get Info Search
Hero Image

Graduate Certificate in School Leadership

School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Graduate Certificate in School Leadership

School of Education

College of Education & Applied Human Sciences

Online

Program

21 - 24 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$541-$419* Per Credit Hour

Low-Cost Textbooks

For All Students

Provide District-Wide Leadership

EKU’s graduate certificate in school leadership prepares highly qualified candidates for administrative roles and district-wide leadership. Program graduates are primed to become highly effective professional leaders who will develop productive environments for academic excellence and equity.

*The $419 rate applies to active Kentucky teachers and students admitted prior to Spring 2022 only. Receipt of the required employment verification is outlined in the enrollment section tabs below.

Apply Now Schedule a Visit

Learn More

Loading…

Career Outlook

Employment of teachers is projected to remain steady through 2033.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Low-cost textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • EPSB-approved
  • Flexible and convenient online course work
  • Assignments and action research that build critical thinking skills
  • Quality courses from respected faculty who teach the same classes online and on-campus
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Free online career services assistance
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Program Options

Through EKU’s unique program, students can choose to earn level 1 supervisor of instruction, level 1 director of pupil personnel or a superintendent of schools endorsement.

  • Supervisor of Instruction Endorsement
  • Director of Pupil Personnel Endorsement
  • Superintendent of Schools Endorsement

NOTE: If you do not hold teacher certification in Kentucky, please consult with your state’s licensing agency to determine whether our program will meet your state’s licensure requirements.

Attend Online

Choosing an online program doesn’t mean completing your education alone. EKU Online strives to provide students with unparalleled staff and faculty access, rich engagement opportunities and every resource possible to succeed. We are committed to helping you find success in your coursework, as well as identifying and pursuing employment opportunities upon graduation. We are here to help you every step of the way.

Online students have access to:

  • Accelerated 7-week terms
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • No campus visits required
  • Personal enrollment counselors assist you through the application process
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance 

Curriculum & Enrollment

EKU’s curriculum prepares you for a variety of rewarding career options that will allow you to take on leadership roles at both the school and district levels while making your mark as a public educator.

A minimum of 21-24 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

EKU Academic Catalog

Note: students must pass the required Praxis II exam for endorsement to be added to teaching license.

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

TermApplication
Deadline		Classes
Begin
Fall AAugust 1August
Fall BOctober 5October
Spring ADecember 1January
Spring BMarch 5March
SummerMay 5May

  • Documentation of three (3) years teaching experience.
  • District administration candidates must hold principal certification. Additionally, superintendent candidates must provide documentation of two years of administrative experience.
  • Provision of two (2) letters of recommendation from school/district supervisors and one (1) letter from a district official pledging support for the clinical experiences.
  • Provision of a written statement indicating ability to improve student achievement, to lead, and to possess advanced knowledge of curriculum, instruction, and assessment

The teacher education programs offered by Eastern Kentucky University and the College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and/or the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB). The initial teacher preparation programs and advanced programs are accredited by CAEP and approved by EPSB.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
1140 19th St NW, Suite 400
Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 223-0077

The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) has the authority and responsibility to “set standards for, approve, and evaluate college, university, and school district programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel” for Kentucky pursuant to KRS 161.028(1)(b). The EPSB’s process for approving educator preparation programs is generally set forth in 16 KAR 5:010 with the general requirements for all educator preparation programs set forth in 16 KAR 5:020 and 16 KAR 5:040. Kentucky Administrative Regulations – EPSB

The EPSB Division of Educator Preparation ensures that preparation programs for Kentucky educators meet established standards of quality. It facilitates the accreditation process, reviews programs and continuous assessment materials, and provides technical assistance for program improvement. All educator preparation programs offered at EKU are approved by EPSB.

EPSB Website: www.epsb.ky.gov

Enrolling & Advising Information

EKU’s College of Education and Applied Human Sciences is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to your enrollment advisor.

Lakin Wooldridge

Enrollment Counselor

859-622-9971
Lakin.Wooldridge@eku.edu

Schedule an Appointment

Additional Contact Info

Admissions: 859-622-2106
Academic Testing: 859-622-1281
Big E Central (Financial Aid & Student Account Services): 859-622-2361
Military & Veterans Affairs Office: 859-622-2345

Student Stories & Features

  • Whitney Cox

    EKU Graduate, Elementary Education, Middle Grades, School Leadership
    The degrees that I have been able to earn at EKU has helped me grow as an educator and future leader. I feel prepared and confident in my ability due to the instruction provided by the professors at EKU.

  • Tina G. Cornelius

    EKU MAEd School Librarian – Teacher Leader Student
    I have been a middle school teacher for 19 years. I plan to finish my last 8 years in education as a librarian. I am so proud to have three degrees from EKU and the first person in my family to go to college. I came from a small eastern Kentucky town and I have my amazing career and degrees to be proud of. I am excited to work with kids and other teachers as a media specialist as I finish my practicum and begin my new path.

  • Taylor Newton

    EKU MAEd School Librarian Student
    I had never taken online courses, even during my undergraduate time at EKU. I was nervous to transition to this style of learning. However, I was surprised to find all of the advantages to being a part of an online program! I am able to fit the coursework into my weekly schedule and be an active, engaged student!

Quick Links

Upcoming Events

Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Wed
18

Maroon Madness College Visit

at – calendar-day
Wed
18

EKU Financial Aid/Scholarships Presentation

at – calendar-day
Thu
19

High School Honor Band Festival

February 19, 2026 – February 21, 2026calendar-multiday
Mon
23

Growth Mindset

at – calendar-day
Tue
24

Study Abroad Workshop Series: Choosing a Program

at – calendar-day
Tue
24

Growth Mindset

at – calendar-day

News & Updates

EKU’s Spin the Wheel Scholarship Sends 16 Students to Study Abroad

Eastern Kentucky University’s (EKU) annual Spin the Wheel Scholarship event took place on Feb. 2, giving students the chance to win a fully funded study abroad opportunity. Students could submit an entry into the drawing prior to the event, then winners were drawn by the president, associate provost, deans and a member of the Foundation […]

Juan Carlos Castro Honored with EKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award

Juan Carlos Castro, ’00, was honored with the Hall of Distinguished Alumni Award from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in 2025. The Best of Eastern Alumni Awards, presented annually during Homecoming weekend, celebrate excellence among EKU alumni. As EKU’s most prestigious alumni award, the Hall of Distinguished Alumni recognizes those who have achieved considerable success in […]

What We Don’t Say on the Way Home: A Paramedic’s Story in Poetry

Some stories don’t start with a book deal or a big plan. Some start with grief, frustration, and the quiet weight first responders carry home after shift. That’s where EKU alumnus Hannah Spanyer’s book, The Silence We Carry, began. Hannah is a critical care paramedic with Georgetown Scott County EMS, where she has served for […]

Contact Information

School of Education

Combs Building
Room 427

213 Park Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

859-622-2154
tlel@eku.edu

Department Directory