Post-Master's Certificate in School Administration

FULLY ONLINE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

Learn More

Strong school leaders create the conditions for students, teachers, and communities to thrive. UNC Greensboro’s Post-Master’s Certificate (P.M.C.) in School Administration is designed for experienced educators who are ready to take the next step into school leadership. Offered in a fully online, one-year cohort format, the program combines rigorous coursework with a year-long administrative internship to prepare candidates for North Carolina principal licensure. Graduates leave with the knowledge, practical leadership experience, and professional confidence to lead schools with vision, integrity, and a commitment to educational excellence.

Post-Master’s Certificate in school administration Program Distinctions

UNCG’s Post-Master’s Certificate (PMC) in School Administration prepares experienced educators to become effective school leaders. The program is designed for professionals who already hold a master’s degree in education or a closely related field focused on youth or adult development, have at least four years of teaching or other relevant educational experience, and maintain a North Carolina Continuing Professional License. Through 24 credit hours of graduate coursework and a year-long administrative internship, you’ll build the leadership skills, knowledge, and practical experience needed for administrative roles. The PMC also fulfills North Carolina’s requirements for an alternative pathway to school administration licensure.

The UNC Greensboro School of Education was named one of the “Top Graduate Schools of Education” by the U.S. News & World Report.

The P.m.C. in School Administration Student Experience

Students complete four courses that have a focus on real-world school leadership and address:

• The principalship
• Leadership for teaching and learning
• Teacher recruitment, retention, and evaluation
• Cultural and political dimensions of schooling

Participants complete a year-long internship that gives candidates sustained leadership experience under practicing administrators and university faculty mentors rather than a brief practicum.

To be eligible to receive North Carolina state licensure as a principal, students must successfully pass the North Carolina Principal Portfolio Assessment (NCPPA). A fee is required to register for and complete each NCPPA task.

Applying to the p.m.c. in School Administration Program

The P.M.C. application deadline is May 15. The program starts in the summer semester (mid-June). 

The UNC Greensboro School of Education’s and Graduate School’s formal admission requirements specify the following for the P.M.C. program:

• Grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.

The Department of Educational Leadership and Cultural Foundation’s (ELC) formal admission requirements and documents for admission to the P.M.C. program are the following:

• Master’s degree with a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or better.
• Minimum 4 years of experience as a licensed professional educator.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from your principal or education supervisor.
• Transcripts from all universities attended.
• A resume.
• Copy of North Carolina continuing professional license.
• A written statement that clearly articulates the applicant’s interest in and potential for school leadership; and addresses the following:
  • Page 1: Briefly detail your professional goals and why you chose ELC.
  • Pages 2-4: Respond to 2 of the 3 prompts listed here (Note – Please title each topic accordingly):
    • The most critical issue in education today is…
    • The leadership of a school makes all the difference because…
    • North Carolina schools could improve by…

Admissions decisions are based on an applicant’s full set of application materials. All evidence about a prospective student will be considered in making admissions decisions.

After Graduating with a p.m.c. in School Administration

Upon completing the program, graduates are qualified to pursue positions such as:

• Assistant Principal – Supporting instructional leadership, teacher development, student services, and daily school operations.
• Principal – Leading PK–12 schools by shaping school culture, improving student achievement, managing personnel, and engaging families and communities.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $104,070 in 2024.

ONLINE DEGREE Required State Authorization Language

Live outside North Carolina?

Currently, UNC Greensboro is authorized to offer online education in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Find out more about State Authorization — a law that regulates in which states colleges and universities can offer education.

UNC Greensboro does not guarantee that programs which fulfill North Carolina licensure requirements will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states or territories. For further explanation, visit Professional Licensure.