Students pursuing Principal Certification at RMU have the unique opportunity to earn a Master of Science in Education degree concurrently.

Here is how our program is designed to enhance your educational leadership journey:

Dual Credentials for Enhanced Career Prospects

The Master of Science in Education with Principal Certification allows students to seamlessly integrate their principal certification coursework with a master’s degree. This dual credential enhances your qualifications and positions you for advanced leadership roles in education.

Comprehensive and Flexible Curriculum

Students enrolled in the Principal Certification program will complete 15 LEAD credits, including courses like:

• LEAD6000 Principal Preparation Seminar
• LEAD6010 Leadership and School Improvement Internship
• LEAD6020 Leadership and Student Achievement Internship
• LEAD6030 Leadership and Special Education Internship
• LEAD6040 Leadership and Professional Development Internship

To earn the Master of Science in Education degree, students will take an additional 15 credits:

• EDUC6065 Educational Statistics
• EDUC6130 Educational Research Seminar
• EDUC6140 Education Capstone
• Two departmentally approved 6000-level electives (EDUC/SDIN/RDSP/TESL)

Flexible Learning Formats

The Principal Certification courses may be offered either On Ground or Online depending on the cohort. The additional master’s courses will be exclusively online, providing flexibility for working professionals. Course and program modalities will be communicated at the onset.

Cohort-Based Learning with Elective Choices

The program is cohort-based for the Principal Certification courses, fostering a supportive learning community. For the master’s degree, students will join peers from other education tracks, choosing electives that align with their career goals.

Take the Next Step in Educational Leadership

By integrating Principal Certification with a Master of Science in Education, RMU prepares future educational leaders with the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed for success. Start your journey today and become a transformational leader in education.

Contact Information

Mary A. Hansen, Ph.D.    
University Professor of Education
hansen@rmu.edu
412-397-6213

Patricia Kardambikis Ph.D.
kardambikis@rmu.edu
412-397-6246

Application Process

To apply, candidates must submit the following through the RMU website:

• Graduate admission application: Apply Here
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended.
• Two letters of recommendation on company letterhead.
• Current resume
• International students must provide a statement of financial support, proof of health insurance, official TOEFL scores, and all official transcripts.

For more details on the application process, visit Graduate Admissions.

Curriculum Overview

AREA I – Research Core

9 Credits Required (also required for M.Ed. Literacy)

• EDUC6065 Educational Statistics 
• EDUC6130 Educational Research Seminar
• EDUC6140 Education Capstone

AREA 2– Educational Administration (For students in Principal Cert)

21 Credits, 15 Required, 6 Elective

• LEAD6000 Principal Preparation Seminar
• LEAD6010 Leadership and School Improvement Internship 
• LEAD6020 Leadership and Student Achievement Internship
• LEAD6030 Leadership and Special Education Internship
• LEAD6040 Leadership and Professional Development Internship
• EDUC/SDIN/RDSP/TESL 6000 level departmentally approved elective
• EDUC/SDIN/RDSP/TESL 6000 level departmentally approved elective