Principal Certificate

The Principal Certificate Program is an internship-based leadership program that leads to eligibility for endorsement as a K-12 principal by the state of Wyoming's Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB).

The program is designed for those who:

• already have a closely related master's degree (this does not guarantee admission to this program) and appropriate educational experience,
• seek endorsement to supplement a current UW master's degree in progress, or
• wish to take courses in educational leadership as electives.

The program does not lead to a master's degree. To receive an endorsement as a principal also requires a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience. Those seeking a master's degree in educational leadership should apply to the Master's Degree Program offered by the department.

Program Details

The Principal Certificate program requires students to successfully complete 21 credit hours. These 21 credit hours include 12 credits of educational leadership courses, a 3 credit Introduction to Research course, and 6 credits of internship. After completing the program and presenting their Professional Portfolio, students will be eligible for a principal's endorsement through PTSB and a UW Principal's Certificate.

Focusing on our mission to develop effective principals, the program includes four core courses currently offered in two locations in the state, Casper and Rock Springs. The four core courses are scheduled for three weekends, usually Friday night and Saturday, and may include video conferencing or online components. Please see course schedule. We offer a completely online UW principal certificate program. Please note, out of state students should check with their state PTSB to ensure the program meets eligibility requirements for principal certification in their own state.

    >>Click here to review the required course list

    >>Click here for the course schedule

    >>Click here to learn more about the principal internship

Tuition and Fees

The University of Wyoming was ranked 10th in the nation for best value!

Note:  All courses for the Principal Certificate program are offered only through Outreach.
Additional outreach course fees: $20/credit for video or audio classes; $40/credit for online classes.

Please BE ADVISED that tuition for Outreach courses will be increasing. See link for details.

    >>Click here to learn more about funding opportunities

Relevant Scholarships:

• William G. Berube Scholarship

• Elnora Brooks Memorial Scholarship

• John K. Corbett Memorial Scholarship

• Russell I. Hammond Scholarship

• Leona S. and Jeanette Heptner Scholarship

• Maurice Wear Scholarship

• Ivan Willey Scholarship

How to Apply

There are two application deadlines for this program: January 15 and September 15.

Step 1: Apply to UW and Professional Studies through the online applicant portal

1. Click here to access the UW graduate applicant portal
2. After completing the initial information page, you will receive an email from the system including a link and your temporary username and password
3. Please complete the contact, academic, residency information, etc.
4. Submit the $50 application fee
5. Submit ALL required documents to the online document portal (applications with missing documents will not be considered)
   1. Required documents for this program application:
      1. Unofficial copies of transcripts (official copies should be sent to UW Admissions)
      2. A completed principal program application
      3. A superintendent approval form signed by the superintendent of the district where you plan to perform your internship
      4. A letter of intent describing career goals and reasons for pursuing a principal certificate
      5. One copy of the department reference form sent directly to the department by each of your three referees:
         
         1. someone familiar with your leadership skills
         2. recent supervisor
         3. a selected colleague
      6. A current resume
6. Use the applicant portal to request three letters of recommendation (use the attached form)
7. Agree to admissions terms and submit your application

Step 2: Submit official copies of transcripts to UW Admissions

1. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions should be requested and sent to UW Admissions
   Address: University of Wyoming Admissions – 1000 E. University Ave. – Laramie, WY 82071

Applications are reviewed and recommendations for admittance are made approx. one month after the application deadline.  All applicants are required to visit the UW for a personal interview.