school principal license graduate certificate

Educational Leadership

Graduate Certificate | Principal Licensure

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Lead Students and Teachers as a School Principal

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and discover more ways to help your students succeed? Develop your leadership skills and inspire those around you with our Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure.

Our program is a state-approved principal licensure preparation program ideal for candidates who are looking to further their educational career without the requirements of a full master's degree. You'll engage in relevant and rigorous learning experiences in the areas of strategy, educational equity, community engagement, fiscal policy, data literacy, pedagogy and leadership, as you prepare to take on increased responsibilities in your school district.

Principal Licensure Requirements
The Educational Leadership Certificate program is a CDE state-approved principal license preparation program. Licensure is subject to the rules of the Colorado Department of Education's experience requirements. To earn a principal's license in Colorado, applicants must have three years in a licensed capacity in a school district.

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Merit Scholarship Available

Every new, eligible Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership student starting at Regis University will receive a Regis College Dean’s Scholarship. Learn more and see eligibility requirements.

Tomas Esquibel, Assistant Director of Enrollment

Hear from Tomas as you explore college options. We’ll send details on scholarships, deadlines and financial aid.

Program Snapshot

Program Format
5-, 8- and 16-week courses in a blended format

Time Commitment
9-18 months

Key Dates
Starts are offered in January, May and August

View Full Degree Curriculum and Requirements

"We focus on helping our students understand all facets of leading a school or district"

Name: Jerry Goings

Title: Program Director, Educational Leadership

Hometown: Morrison, CO

Read More About Dr. Goings

What kind of professional expertise and knowledge do you bring to the education classroom?
I am a graduate of Regis College, where I earned my B.A. in History and Education. I have 32 years of experience in K-12 public education, with the last 16 years as an assistant principal and principal at the high school level. My last 10 years I served as principal of Highlands Ranch High School. I have and continue to serve as a mentor for school leaders and am certified to facilitate workshops utilizing STEP (Student/Teacher Emergenetics Program).

In your opinion, what are the greatest strengths of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure program and the certificate program at Regis?
All faculty and staff have extensive experience in K-12 education. We strive to make learning relevant and applicable in leading K-12 schools and districts. Our program is flexible, offering blended programing for full-time K-12 teachers.

What are the key skills and/or experiences students gain in the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure program?
Our first goal is to help our students gain a better understanding of themselves and their presence as a leader. Our program is aligned with the Colorado Department of Education Principal/Leadership standards. We focus on helping our students understand all facets of leading a school or district, starting with the foundation of building a strong organizational culture. We then focus on the knowledge and skills needed to lead the day-to-day operations and instructional programming in a K-12 school or district.

What differentiates the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership: Principal Licensure from similar programs at other universities?
Our program is accelerated, meaning a teacher can earn an Educational Leadership Certificate and Colorado principal licensure in less than a year. Students have the choice to continue and earn a master’s degree in less than 15 months. We use Emergenetics, a thinking/behavior profile used to help students gain a better understanding of themselves and others. We use the profile to help our potential leaders with building and maintaining trust with those they lead.

What advice would you give to someone who’s considering finishing their degree, continuing their education, or pursuing a degree for the first time as an adult?
Most adults pursuing a degree in our program are also working full time. Time management is key to success; you have to be disciplined with a schedule of when you do schoolwork and studying. Make sure you communicate with your instructors and ask for help when you need it. Find your passion — this will make learning enjoyable and rewarding.

By the Numbers

10%

Discount offered for licensed or contracted teachers

$61820

Avg. salary for special education teachers*

20600

New special education teacher roles to be filled by 2031*

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Elementary, Middle, and High School Principals

A Master's Degree Within Reach

The graduate certificate in Educational Leadership is a great first step towards becoming a licensed principal or school administrator. But why stop there? With just three more classes, you can continue on to earn a Master's in Education: Educational Leadership from Regis University.

Certificate + Principal Licensure:
24 credit hours

Master's in Education + Principal Licensure:
30 credit hours

Learn More About the Master's Program

Imagine Yourself In ...

EDLS 690: School Strategy and Sustainability

Analyze forces shaping the education environment and the fundamental strategic choices leaders make that influence school performance.

EDLS 662: Instructional Leadership

Understand the implications of the common core state standards and research instructional practices and the implications on student achievement.

EDLS 696: Equity Leadership

Examine ethical dilemmas in education leadership and the decision-making processes involved. Analyze topics to develop skills in moral reflection and ethical decision-making considering professional and societal values.

To apply to the Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate program, you will need:

Completed online application
Official degree-bearing transcripts from a regionally accredited university
Resume
Applicants must have three years in a licensed capacity in a school district

Real people. Really invested in you. Contact your admissions counselor today and learn how we help you each step of the way.

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Tuition for the 2025-2026 academic year: $679 per credit hour
Total program credits: 24
Tuition discount: 10% discount available for licensed or contracted teachers
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Earning your Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership sets you apart and expands your professional network — think of it as an investment in your future. Between scholarship opportunities and financial aid packages, advancing your education is within reach. Explore our Investing in Your Future graduate financing guide or visit our Office of Financial Aid on the web.

Learn More About Financial Aid Options

A Culture of Excellence

Want to learn more? Here's something for you:
The Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership program is offered by the Division of Education within Regis College.