Advanced credentials for experienced educators
Educational leadership takes many forms: from teachers who work with students every day to policymakers who develop strategy at every level. Additionally, there are principals and administrators who guide diverse communities of educators and students toward common goals.
If you already hold a master's degree in education and want to add administrative credentials to your Kansas teaching license, the University of Kansas PK-12 Certificate in Educational Administration provides the focused training you need to step confidently into leadership roles and earn the Building Leadership licensure.
This program is a post-master's certificate in educational administration. A master's degree in education, current teaching license, and PK-12 teaching experience are required for enrollment.
Program details
- 100% online with no campus visits required
- 8 courses (24 credit hours)
- 8-week courses designed for focused study
- Complete in as few as 12-16 months
- Required internship in your final term
- No GRE required for admission
- NCATE/CAEP accreditation ensures quality standards
Build expertise that prepares you to lead
PK-12 certificate in educational administration
Complete specialized leadership training in as few as 12 months
This focused certificate program builds the administrative expertise needed for building-level leadership roles. Through practical coursework and hands-on internship experience, you'll develop the skills to navigate education law, manage human resources, and lead diverse school communities effectively.
Develop comprehensive knowledge of building-level administration including education law, human resource management, staff evaluation, and school finance. You'll explore the social, political, and economic forces that influence educational decisions while gaining practical experience in leadership scenarios. The program emphasizes hands-on application through simulations and culminates in a real-world internship where you'll apply your learning in authentic administrative settings.
*The online post-master's PK-12 certificate in education administration meets the educational requirements for a building leadership endorsement in the state of Kansas if the candidate already holds a professional-level teaching license. It does not fulfill the requirements needed to complete a master's degree.
Note: In order to enroll in this program, a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in an education-related field, current teaching license, and PK-12 teaching experience under that license are required.
The online post-master's PK-12 certificate in education administration meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state of Kansas.
Choose this program to:
- Practice leadership decisions in over 30 virtual schools representing real-world administrative challenges
- Complete your administrative experience in an actual school setting with university and field advisor support
- Learn from experienced administrators who understand the realities of school leadership
- Create a professional showcase demonstrating your readiness for administrative roles
This program is ideal for:
- Licensed teachers with master's degrees seeking administrative roles
- Current department heads ready to become principals
- Assistant principals wanting formal credentials
- Teachers pursuing athletic director or student services roles
- Educators seeking Kansas building-level licensure endorsement
Course descriptions
Courses for the online PK-12 certificate in educational administration are designed to fulfill Kansas state standards and prepare students for the building-level certification examination Kansas and other states require for licensure. These are integrated courses that combine theory with practice and feature hands-on case study experiences. All courses listed are worth 3 credits.
Please note: Course list and sequence are subject to change. The online post-master's PK-12 certificate in educational administration offers three start terms: Spring, Summer, and Fall.
ELPS 750: Principalship
ELPS 752: Education Law
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ELPS 755: Human Resources Management
ELPS 854: Student in Society
ELPS 852: School Resource Management
ELPS 853: Staff Evaluation and Development
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SPED 756: Special Education Leadership
ELPS 895: Internship
Note: After their fourth course, students will have access to the ELPS Internship Gateway course to start preparing and gaining experiences to complete the internship.
Licensure disclosure
KU’s licensure programs strive to maintain accurate and up-to-date information about the educational requirements for licensure in U.S. states and territories. However, regulations are subject to change and varying interpretations. In addition to possible changes in educational requirements, licensure often includes additional requirements, such as specific examinations and additional training or practicum hours. It is highly recommended that students seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency before beginning an academic program to ensure they know what is needed to obtain the license/certification/registration in the state in which they intend to practice and/or seek licensure. For more information, visit our licensure disclosures page: soehs.ku.edu/current-students/licensure/disclosures
Advance your skills, expand your impact
The University of Kansas online education programs are built for people who want to make a difference—in classrooms, schools, and communities. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, parent, nonprofit professional, you’ll find programs that connect research to practice and provide tools you can put to use right away. With flexible online courses and dedicated faculty support, KU helps you grow your expertise while continuing the important work you’re already doing.
- ✓ 8-week focused courses
- ✓ Evidence-based, research-driven curriculum
- ✓ Practical skills you can apply immediately
- ✓ Top-ranked by the U.S. News & World Report*
*Retrieved on August 18, 2025 from usnews.com/education/online-education/university-of-kansas-155317
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Support educational excellence through administrative leadership
Every school needs visionary leaders who can guide diverse communities of educators and students toward shared goals. Building-level administrators don't just manage—they create the conditions where both teachers and students can reach new heights academically and personally.
Without skilled educational leaders, schools struggle to implement effective policies, support teacher development, and create the positive learning environments students deserve. Whether you're seeking comprehensive graduate education or focused administrative credentials, KU offers pathways to develop your leadership expertise.
- The PK-12 certificate offers accelerated administrative training for educators who already hold master's degrees
- The education administration master's degree provides comprehensive preparation for building-level leadership roles with comprehensive coursework
- Licensure resources help you navigate Kansas requirements for administrative credentials
Each pathway prepares you to transform school communities and create lasting positive change in education.
Ready to step up as an education leader?
Erica and Tatiana are experienced admissions outreach advisors dedicated to supporting education professionals like you. Working one-on-one, they'll help you clarify your teaching and leadership goals, determine which program is the best fit for you, and help you navigate the application process.
Make a lasting impact in education
Ready to join the next generation of educational leaders? KU's online education programs offer three starts per year, making it easier to begin your journey when the time is right for you.