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Certificate & Non-Degree

Post-graduate School Administrator Certification

The school administration program is designed to meet requirements for certification as a school administrator (principal or program administrator).

Why Saint Martin's University?

  • Program flexibility and designed for employed students; courses are offered evenings, hybrid and summers
  • Reduced tuition during summer months through the Summer Academy Scholarship
  • Use of case studies, field experiences, guest speakers and reflective assessments to assure relevance
  • Highly qualified faculty members with many years of real-world experiences working in schools and other educational settings

About the school administrator certification

Either option will help you meet your professional goals through a flexible program offered in small classes taught by highly qualified faculty:

  • Students without a master's degree: Enroll in the MED program, leading to certification and a master's degree
  • Students already possessing a master's degree: Enroll in the certification-only option; coursework and experience will be evaluated to determine specific requirements needed

Information sessions

Want to find out more? 

Sign up for 2023-24 information sessions

All sessions will be held at 6:00 pm on Zoom.

Wednesday, December 6, 2023
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Federal aid

Federal financial aid is available for graduate students who will be enrolled at least half time and are citizens, or eligible non-citizens, of the USA. Most federal aid for graduate students is in the form of direct loans. 

For more details about federal aid eligibility and the different types of aid available for graduate and professional studies visit: studentaid.gov/.

Graduate assistantships

Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of Graduate Assistantships to graduate students. Contact the Office of the Provost for more information.

Post-graduate School Administrator Certification Requirements

Applicants are encouraged to have had at least three years of relevant work experience in the field of education. Other work experience with students is considered on an individual basis. All applicants must meet the following qualifications:

  • A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution
  • A GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate studies and/or previous graduate work
  • Certification as a teacher or ESA in the state of Washington or comparable certification from another state
  • Letter of support from your district for internship placement

The program requires 21 credit hours of course work.

Download the program schedule

2024-2025 Program Schedule revisions in progress. Please email pharvey@stmartin.edu and education@stmartin.edu with any questions.

How long does the school administrator certificate program take?
Students entering the program with a Master's can complete the required coursework and internship in one-year starting with the Summer Academy.

How much does it cost to attend?
For general information regarding cost of attendance, please see the tuition and fees page.
There is a Summer Academy Scholarship for students who are accepted into the program and apply for the scholarship. The scholarship reduces the regular tuition charge to $700 per credit for the Summer Academy. This scholarship is not available to students who are receiving other tuition discounts.

What if I don't have a master's?
Students without a master's can apply for the MED Program with a concentration in school administration. This pathway generally takes two years to complete. See the MED website for additional information.

Do I have to come Saint Martin's University every week?
No, the program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals. The Summer Academy is offered as a hybrid format with some on-campus classes. Fall and spring semester, students are required to come to campus 7 times a semester during the week. The rest of the course content is conducted online. Students are expected to have access to technology and participate in an online class environment. See the program schedule page for a suggested schedule of classes.

Are there requirements to come to Saint Martin's University on the weekends?
No, classes are not scheduled for school administration students on the weekends.

What is the class size?
Classes are purposely kept small so that students can engage in collaborative learning activities with their colleagues and instructors can offer strong support for students’ success.

What are the employment opportunities?
The Association of Washington School Principals posts current offerings. Those candidates open to relocating can often secure an administrator position more quickly.

How much does a School Principal make in Washington?
The average School Principal salary in Washington is $125,520 as of October 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $110,878 and $141,200. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. Source:  https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/school-principal-salary/wa

Do I have to be a Catholic to attend Saint Martin's University?
The University welcomes people of all beliefs.

Is the program accredited?
Saint Martin's University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The State of Washington Professional Educator Standards Board reviewed Saint Martin’s University and in a letter dated March 18, 2013 granted full approval for the Residency Principal and Program Administrator Program.

What if I have more questions?
Contact the Office of Graduate Studies at gradstudies@stmartin.edu, or the School Administration Program Director at pharvey@stmartin.edu.

Post-graduate School Administrator Certification at a Glance

Degree
Certificate
Program Type
Certificate
Campus
Main (Lacey)
Type of Instruction
In Person
Online
School
College of Education and Counseling
Resources
Summer Admin Academy Scholarship
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Summer Admin Academy Scholarship

Scholarships up to $10,000 will be available for and applied to the Summer Academy courses. Scholarships cannot be awarded to or combined with any other tuition discount program. The scholarship amount will be determined by the number of credits the student is registered for in the Summer Academy.

Special tuition program

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Catholic school special tuition program

The Saint Martin's University Catholic school special tuition program will provide a 50 percent occupational special tuition to full-time religious and lay teachers, and principals and paraprofessionals of Catholic schools which are under the auspices of the Archdiocese of Seattle. This special tuition will apply to students accepted to any College of Education program. Individuals who are employed on a part-time basis will not be eligible for the program.

To be eligible for the above special tuition, individuals must be fully accepted into the undergraduate teacher education program, the certification-only program, the Master in Teaching Program or the Master of Education Program. Please note that the special tuition for each semester (including summer) is based on the University academic year tuition rate.

Saint Martin's University reserves the right to limit the number of Catholic school special tuition program participants in any particular course or program. It is understood that students will be admitted on a "space available" basis. It is likewise understood that this tuition grant program is not retroactive.

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Steps for applying for the Catholic school special tuition program

Complete an application for admission to Saint Martin's University College of Education at least six weeks before classes begin.

After acceptance into the College of Education, complete the application for the special tuition and mail to: the College of Education, Saint Martin's University, 5000 Abbey Way SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Application for this special tuition must be submitted at least two weeks before the academic session in which a course is being offered.

Application for Catholic School special tuition

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Saint stories

Advocating for diversity and equity in the public school system
"We all talked about the need for more teachers of color and what could be done to recruit and retain them."
Terae Harris ’16
Post-graduate School Administrator Certification
Class of 2016
Living Our Benedictine Values
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Respect for Persons
To respect each person regardless of class, background or professional skill. "No one is to pursue what is judged best for oneself, but instead, what is better for someone else." — Rule of Benedict 72
Advocating for diversity and equity in the public school system
Terae Harris ’16
Post-graduate School Administrator Certification
Class of 2016
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College of Education and Counseling

The College of Education and Counseling is committed to educating dynamic, engaged, and culturally responsive leaders. Our graduates step into their schools, organizations, government agencies and nonprofits ready to engage with their communities in a way that honors and celebrates diversity in the spirit of Benedictine values. Join us in this important work - grounded in mission and driven by a vision of equitable education for all!

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Explore a Related Post-graduate School Administrator Certification Program

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