Program Overview

Get to Know Our Online Post-Master’s Certificate in Education Administration (K-12) Program

The online Post-Master's Certificate in K-12 Administration at Eastern Michigan University is designed for individuals who want to advance their career into school leadership. No teaching certificate is required. You will work one-on-one with an advisor to guide your path.

In our 100% online coursework, you will study pertinent topics such as leadership in culturally pluralistic educational environments, community relations, instructional leadership, continuous school improvement, budgeting and economics, and human resources principles.

This online school administration program is aligned with the "Professional Standards for Educational Leaders" developed by the National Policy Board for Educational Administration. All professional education programs in the College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

Graduates of the Post-Master's Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration program will be able to:

  • Develop, advocate and enact a shared mission, vision and core values of high-quality education
  • Cultivate an inclusive, caring and supportive school community
  • Strive for equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to promote each student's academic success and well-being
  • Foster a professional community of teachers and staff
  • Manage school operations and resources

School Administration career opportunities:

  • School Principal
  • Assistant School Principal
  • District Administrator

Also available:

Eastern Michigan University offers a variety of graduate education programs and a post-master’s certificate online. Check out our other online education programs.

Program Details

$512 Per Credit Hour

As few as 12-14 months 

23 Credit Hours

Apply Now

Request Info

Need More Information?


Call 734.487.8892

Tuition and Fees

The affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition for the Post-Master’s Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration online program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Financial aid may also be available for eligible students.

Tuition Breakdown

$512 Per Credit Hour

For more information regarding Tuition and Fees, please visit Student Business Services.

Calendar

EMU Online Dates and Deadlines

The Post-Master’s Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration online program has an accelerated course schedule with multiple start dates a year. Get started right away, or when it’s most convenient for you. View the full calendar to see all deadlines for submitting your application and documents—as well as enrolling and paying tuition.

Now Enrolling

March 3 - Start Winter II 2025 Classes

May 5 - Start Summer 2025 Classes

Admissions

Know the Requirements for This Online Post-Master's Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration Program

The Post-Master’s Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration online program has specific admission requirements. In addition to the requirements outlined below, applicants must also meet the admission requirements of the EMU Graduate School.

Admission Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in education or related field
  • Resume detailing professional and educational experiences
  • Graduate GPA of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale

View all admission requirements:

  • Post-Master's Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration Online Admission Requirements Expand dropdown
    • Master's degree in education or related field from an accredited university with a minimum GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
    • Official transcripts
      • Note: Effective July 1, 2022, the Graduate School will require only the official transcript from the degree-granting institution for admission consideration. Additional transcripts may be required by the program. Please note: International students are required to submit all transcripts along with a third-party transcript evaluation for admissions consideration.
    • Two letters/forms of recommendation with two professional supervisors and/or supervising professors that address the quality of the applicant's professional work experience in K-12 setting preferred
    • Résumé detailing professional and educational experiences
    • On the graduate application, students must complete the personal statement of accomplishments and academic goals portion describing the reasons for requesting admission. This essay must be a minimum of 250 words and will be reviewed as an indicator of writing ability.
    • International students must meet the following additional criteria: official score report from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Test System (IELTS), or the Michigan English Language Assessment Batter (MELAB) must be sent by the testing service directly to the University. Student score reports, faxes or photocopies will not be considered official. Minimum scores for admission are 550 (paper-based test), or 79 (internet-based test) for the TOEFL; 77 on MELAB; or 6.5 (or higher) on the IELTS. If the TOEFL is taken, the Test of Written English (TWE) is also required. A conditional admission may be available to those students falling just below the minimum score requirements.

    If you need to submit official documents by mail, send them to:

    Office of Admissions
    Eastern Michigan University
    P.O. Box 970
    Ypsilanti, MI 48197

    Documentation can be sent via email to: [email protected].

    Have a question? Call us at 734.487.8892.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

All professional education programs in the Eastern Michigan University College of Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and approved by the Michigan Department of Education.

Courses

The Degree Plan for Our K-12 Administration Post-Master's Certificate Online Program

In order to earn the Post-Master's Certificate in K-12 Basic School Administration online, students must complete between 18 and 23 credit hours, to be determined based on previous education and work experience. Students will work with an advisor to determine specific coursework needs once their application and documents are submitted and reviewed. As an online student you will take all your classes with EMU instructors, just like you would if you were here on campus.

General Education courses may be needed for the completion of degree. After admission to the University, your academic adviser will assist in determining which courses are required to ensure your degree completion. Required general education courses can be taken online at the same program rate. For the complete listing of these requirements, visit the EMU general education page.

  • Post-Master's K-12 Basic Administration Certificate Courses Expand dropdown
    • EDLD 513: Community Education and Community Relations Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course is an exploration of the basic principles and philosophy of community education, its current status and relationship to education and interpretation of the educational institution to a diverse community. Emphasis is on promoting public confidence in schools via two-way communication and community involvement in schools.
    • EDLD 515: Instructional Leadership Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course promotes development of the knowledge, attitudes and skills necessary for administrators as they supervise effective, positive instructional programs; principles and procedures for addressing issues related to professional growth and continuous improvement.
    • EDLD 517: Leadership for School Improvement Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      sustain school improvement processes. Building capacity and support among staff for initiatives, revising and refining school practice, monitoring progress toward established goals and making decisions regarding effectiveness.
    • EDLD 612: Economics of Public Education Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course is an examination of the basic economic, fiscal and legal theories of support for education, tax structures, state aid formulas, federal aid and school budgets.
    • EDLD 617: Administering Human Resources in Education Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course promotes development of an understanding of the issues, problems and practices involved in the administration of personnel programs in education. It is an in-depth exploration of the basic principles of staff administration and high-level morale. For prospective and practicing administrators.
    • EDLD 620: The Principalship Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      This course examines the role of a school principal in: a) improving curriculum and instruction; b) the establishment of effective operations in a school; and c) establishing avenues for change by an awareness of innovations, materials, technologies and research that are relevant for the elementary, middle and high schools.
    • EDLD 630: Legal, Ethical and Professional Issues of Administration Expand dropdown
      Duration: 7.5 weeks
      Credit Hours: 3
      The course discusses the operation of laws; development of legal principles; federal and state relationships to education; authority relationships to education; authority and liability of school boards, administrators and teachers; negligence; discipline and control; professional ethics and related issues.
    • EDLD 687: Master's Internship in Educational Leadership Expand dropdown
      Duration: 15 weeks
      Credit Hours: 2
      This course provides training in administration through actual supervised experience. Arrangements must be approved by advisor and director of the internship program prior to registration. Enrollment limited.

#1

Ranked #1 in Michigan for "The Best Online Master's in Educational Administration Programs" by BestColleges.com (2016)

Request More Information

Begin Application Process

Start your application today!

Apply Now

Still have questions?

Feel free to reach out to us at 734.487.8892 or email us at [email protected]

734.487.8892

Additional Resources

Interested in learning more? Explore our academic resources for information about programs, calendars, academic support, and so much more. While you're there don't forget to visit our five colleges. Our Graduate School provides a wealth of information to help you navigate your graduate education journey. Ready to get started? Just click Apply Now to begin the application process.