Online School Administrator Certification and Certificate Programs

Current and prospective school administrators can pursue online certificate programs in educational leadership, educational administration or school administration. These programs provide the skills necessary to serve as effective leaders and educators.

Online School Administration Graduate Certificates

Students in online graduate certificate programs in school administration explore new strategies for teaching elementary, middle and high school students, as well as ways to implement those strategies. They also learn methods of monitoring finances and managing teachers. Some schools require program applicants to have a master's degree, although not necessarily in education, while others accept those with only a bachelor's degree.

Information and Requirements

Although there are a few schools that offer graduate certificate programs in school administration completely online, many of these programs are hybrid in nature, requiring that students visit campus from time to time. Additionally, nearly all programs make students complete internship experiences.
Students must have reliable Internet access. Most schools utilize Blackboard or another educational server, allowing students to access courses, watch lectures, complete lessons and interact with others students online. Students typically must have a media player and Adobe Flash, as well as word processing software.

List of Common Courses in School Administration

Online certificate programs in school administration can include anywhere from 12-30 credits of coursework. Some schools require that students complete each course on a specified time frame, while others allow them to work at their own pace.

School Organization and Administration Course

Students in this course explore the responsibilities of school administrators. They learn to evaluate instructional methods and make improvements to course materials and the ways they're presented. This course also covers strategies for using finances and facilities in the best ways possible.

Technology for School Leaders Course

This course introduces future administrators to available technologies that can help elementary, middle and high school students learn better. Students also examine ways in which technology is changing.

School Law Course

Students learn about their legal responsibilities to children who attend their schools, teachers who work at those schools and parents of the students. They examine laws regarding school policies, including those dealing with drug use, corporal punishment and discrimination.

Professional Development and Supervision Course

This course is concerned with personnel management. Students develop leadership skills while learning about strategies to improve teacher performance.

Career Information for Graduates

Completing an online graduate certificate program in school administration can prepare students for careers as assistant principals, principals or administrators of specific subject areas, such as English, art or special education. They also might lead curriculum and instruction, athletics, career counseling or school psychology programs.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), demand for elementary and secondary school administrators was expected to grow by nine percent between 2008 and 2018. In May 2009, education administrators on the elementary and secondary levels made a median salary of $85,220.

Continuing Education Information

Those who want to work as principals typically must earn licensure, the requirements of which vary by state. Some states also have certification or licensure requirements for other positions in education administration.
Administrators who want to further their education might choose to pursue a master's or doctoral degree in educational leadership or school administration. Additionally, school administrators often are required to complete continuing education courses as part of certification or licensure requirements.