Education Administration Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 26, 2023

Education Administration, also known as School Administration, School Leadership, or Higher Education Administration, is necessary for all areas of education. Schools are run as businesses in some ways and need business leaders, administrators, and other organizational professionals.

An Education Administration Graduate Certificate is for public administration, business graduates, and teachers who wish to enter school management. This graduate certificate is a great addition to your existing qualification and opens many administration doors.

What Are the Online Education Administration Graduate Certificate Requirements?

When applying for an education administration graduate certificate program, the school will expect you to meet all eligibility criteria. This will inevitably vary by school, but most require some combination of the following:

Accredited bachelor's/master’s degrees in relevant education and administration subjects such as teaching, public policy, and public administration
2.75 minimum GPA; some prestigious and well-known schools may ask for higher
Official transcripts from all universities attended
If originating from a non-English-speaking country, you must demonstrate proficiency. Accepted standards are PTEA, TOEFL, and IELTS. Some may accept ELS112 and DuoLingo
Recommendation letters or references from academic and/or professional sources
Resume/CV
The full application fee
A personal statement in support of your application, usually about 500 words
You may also be asked for an exam-style essay, answering an industry-specific question or addressing a current issue in school administration

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online Education Administration Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

Most students can complete their education administration grad certificate coursework in around one year (2-3 semesters). The curriculum includes core coursework and often a few elective courses. Standard class titles include:

Leadership and Organizational Behavior
Educational Personnel Management
School-Community Relations
Public Policy
Organization and Administration of Schools
School Law
Effective Leadership
Supervision and Professional Development
Curriculum Theory, Development, and Implementation
Internship in Administration and Supervision
Educational Alternatives for Students Special Needs
Introduction to Children and Youth with Exceptionalities
Legal Aspects, Service Systems, and Current Issues in Special Education
Contemporary Issues in Educational Policy
Leadership in Diverse Settings

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online Education Administration Graduate Certificate?

A graduate certificate in education administration opens multiple career doors in the realm of academia, including:

College Vice President: A college or university’s supreme administrator will be responsible for major strategic decisions about the organization's direction.
Academic Director: Working in schools, colleges, and universities, you are responsible for overseeing many educational decisions of the institution and monitoring curricula for government regulatory compliance.
Dean: This traditional role is responsible for the admissions department, working to communicate with and recruit students. They also manage faculty and staff accountable for student services.
Enrollment Administrator: These professionals are responsible for attracting students, overseeing admissions, and ensuring paperwork is for applicants.
Alumni Relations: Oversee relations and event outreach with former students. These professionals help promote the school and are part of a critical wider community.
Educational Consultant: Here, you can work outside the formal education system, advising schools on academic decisions and on ways to improve. You can also work with students, helping them decide on career options.