Graduate Certificate in K-12 Principal at University of North Dakota

Transform your career trajectory with UND’s K-12 Principal Certificate—a strategic pathway designed for educational leaders ready to make their mark on student success. Designed as a stand-alone credential for professionals who already hold a master’s degree or prefer not to pursue a full master’s program, this certificate provides direct access to North Dakota Principal Credential eligibility (and throughout the U.S.) without sacrificing quality or rigor.

Department: Department of Teaching, Leadership & Professional Practice  |  Duration: 3-4 semesters (20 credit hours)  |  Study mode: online  |  Intake: Fall (Aug. 1), Spring (Dec. 1), Summer (May 1)  |  Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

K-12 Principal Certificate The following UND courses are approved by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI) and aligned to meet the requirements of the North Dakota Principal Credential. NDDPI administrative rule 67-11-21 requires a master's degree in a certifiable education field in addition to twenty semester hours of credits from a state-approved program in order to qualify for this credential. Required courses include EDL 515 Education Law and Ethics (NELP: Ethics and Professional Norms); EDL 593 Internship in Educational Leadership (NELP: Internship).

Career pathways

In today’s climate of principal shortages and increasing leadership demands, this certificate doesn’t just prepare you to fill a role—it equips you to excel and innovate.

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