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

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

Program highlights

  • 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

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

Certification requirements

The program requires 21 semester hours of course work.

Download the program schedule

Financial aid and scholarships

Student measuring weight on scale

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.edu.gov.

Student presenting lecture to class

Graduate teaching and research assistantships

Saint Martin’s University offers a limited number of Graduate Teaching and Research Assistantships to graduate students. For more information contact the Office of Graduate Studies at 360-412-6142.

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.

Student presenting lecture to class

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.

FAQ's

  • 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 to St. 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 recently reviewed St. Martin’s University and in a letter dated March 18, 2013 granted full approval for the Residency Principal and Program Administrator Program.

Contact

For more information, please contact Program Director Dr. Linda Maier at LMaier@stmartin.edu.

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