Online K-12 Principal Certificate

Whether you’re an experienced teacher aspiring to step into building leadership or a professional seeking to pivot into educational administration, this online certificate positions you at the forefront of 21st-century school leadership. The K-12 Graduate stand-alone certificate eliminates redundancy while providing direct access to North Dakota Principal Credential eligibility (and throughout the U.S.).

This fully online, asynchronous certificate offers unparalleled flexibility for working educators. You can study when and where it works best—ideal for working educators balancing professional responsibilities with career advancement.

You’ll work closely with dedicated faculty advisors and experienced mentors who understand the complexities of educational leadership. The embedded internship component provides authentic field experiences where you’ll apply cutting-edge leadership theory directly to your school environment, building relationships with stakeholders, refining your decision-making skills and developing the confidence to lead transformative change. This hands-on experience transforms textbook knowledge into leadership expertise.

NELP-Aligned K-12 Principal Certificate Approved by NDDPI

Every course is meticulously aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards and approved by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (NDDPI), ensuring your education meets both state requirements and national best practices.

UND's K-12 Principal graduate certificate is delivered fully online. You never have to come to campus. The asynchronous format means you can complete coursework on your timeline, balancing district responsibilities with professional growth.

Flexible 100% Online Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

• Lesson modules
• Streaming video content
• Virtual libraries
• Posted lectures
• Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Leaders in Online Education

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online graduate experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

• Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on campus students.
• Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
• Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
• Personalized faculty advisement: Your faculty mentor will provide guidance tailored to your academic goals, research endeavors and career aspirations, ensuring you are on the right path throughout your graduate studies.
• Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
• Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
• 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
• Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

• Affordability
• Student satisfaction (retention rate)
• Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
• Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)