Graduate Programs - Principal | Graduate Certification (Post-Masters)

Program Highlights In Brief
Alvernia is a Catholic, Franciscan college dedicated to the ideals of service in the helping professions. Our rich heritage of service is rooted in our strong faith which resonates in contemporary ways in campus life and our academic programs. Alvernia's graduate programs are designed for the focused working professional who places equal value on intellectual achievement and professional growth. Our faculty and staff are committed to teaching, guiding, and supporting our students in all aspects of their experience at Alvernia, from course selection and scheduling, to connecting with peers and colleagues.

The Post-Masters Principal Certification program is dedicated to providing instruction in educational theory balanced with current administrative practices. The program focuses on a value-centered approach toward the preparation of caring, uniquely-qualified candidates to address the needs of diverse populations in today’s schools. The Post-Masters Principal Certification program is designed for teachers who have completed their Master's Degree at Alvernia College or another accredited institution. In addition, students must successfully pass the required School Leadership Series Test (test code #410). The Post-Masters Principal Certification requires eighteen (18) credits of coursework, along with 360 hours of administrative field work before applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for certification.

Academic Quality
Students are admitted and are fully accepted when the following criteria have been met:
     • Completion of appropriate Master’s Degree
     • Minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher
     • Completion of graduate entrance application with supporting documentation
     • Completion of Principal evaluation form (form provided by Alvernia College)
     • Completion of Superintendent evaluation form (form provided by Alvernia College)

Career Success
At Alvernia we measure our success by our graduates' personal and professional satisfaction, and by the ways they contribute to the greater good in all areas of society. Our graduates are employed in virtually all schools in Berks County, and in many schools throughout the middle Atlantic region. No matter what your aspirations and dreams, we'll give you the tools and support to help you thrive.

Career Opportunities
Assistant Principal
Assistant Superintendent
Dean
Department Chair
Education and Training Administrator
Principal
School Business Officials
School Directors

Curriculum Overview

Required Graduate Courses for Principal Certification
MED 550 Introduction to Educational Administration
MED 553 The School Administrator
MED 610 School Law and Social Advocacy
MED 611 School Finance
MED 650 Functions of School Supervision

Required Graduate Capstone Course
MED 685 Principal's Internship

*REMINDER! Five years of satisfactory performance in the area of teaching certification must be completed before applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for Principal Certification.