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Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study

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Program Information

The Rowan Experience
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The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Principal Preparation meets the requirements specified by the state of New Jersey, including a 300-hour internship. Our part-time, online accelerated format provides working professionals the flexibility they need to advance their educational career. Our program is tailored for candidates who have already earned a master’s degree and a supervisor certificate, have five years of full-time experience, and wish to serve as a principal in public schools.

The New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), not Rowan University, grants certifications based on requirements set by the state. While coursework for this program meets the academic requirements for NJ DOE certification, it is the student’s responsibility to meet all other certification requirements. For current NJ DOE licensure information, click here.

Per the New Jersey Department of Education (NJ DOE), "Educational services certificates are issued to support service personnel [in school districts], i.e. school social worker, school psychologist, learning disabilities teacher-consultant, student assistance coordinator, etc.)." For NJ DOE Educational Services Certificate information and definitions, go to the New Jersey Department of Education licensure website for Educational Services Personnel.

Teachers in the state of New Jersey may apply to the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Principal Preparation program through the New Jersey Teacher Outreach Program (NJTOP®). For more information about NJTOP, click here.

Curriculum
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The Principal Preparation CAGS is a part-time program offered in an accelerated online format. It requires the completion of 36 graduate semester hours.

 The following courses make up the Principal Preparation Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study program.

  • 12 Courses/ 36 Semester Hours
  • Foundation Courses: No
  • Graduation / Exit / Thesis Requirements: No
Course Number Title S.H. (Credits)
Required Courses: 24 S.H.
EDAM 27521 Introduction To The Principalship 3
EDAM 27559 Law And Ethics For School Leadership 3
EDSU 28523 Building Organizational Capacity Through Leadership And Supervision 3
EDAM 27535 School Finance And Records 3
EDAM 27510 Change For School Improvement 3
EDAM 27600 Practicum/Seminar In Administration/Supervision I 3
EDAM 27601 Practicum/Seminar in Administration/Supervision II 3
EDSU 28522 Instructional Leadership And Supervision 3
Elective Courses: 12 S.H.

EDAM 27601 includes and additional $200 field placement fee.

Note: The courses listed above are not official and are subject to change. For an official list of available courses please visit the Rowan Global section tally.

Admission Requirements
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The following is a list of items required to begin the application process for the program. There may be additional action or materials required for admission to the program. Upon receipt of the materials below, a representative from the Rowan Global Admissions Processing Office will contact you with confirmation or will indicate any missing items.

  • Completed Application Form
  • $65 (U.S.) non-refundable application fee
  • Master's degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning
  • Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned)
  • Current professional resume
  • Typewritten statement of professional objectives (must include reasons for pursuing the Principal Certification)
  • Two letters of recommendation

    • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators (supervisor, principal, or superintendent) and include information which attests to applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree.
  • Typewritten statement of leadership experience (must include examples of previous leadership experience and abilities within specific positions/projects)
  • Certificate Program Acknowledgement
  • Copy of NJ Standard Instructional Certificate or Educational Services Certificate
  • Optional interview (If selected for an interview, the applicant will be contacted directly by the Faculty Admissions Committee. The interview can be in person or via telephone.)
  • Certificate Program Acknowledgement
  • NJ DOE Record of Professional Experience

    • Please submit the Record of Professional Experience form which must be filled out by your employer documenting five years of successful educational experience under a valid provisional or standard New Jersey or equivalent out-of-state certificate. The New Jersey Department of Education will make the final determination as to whether or not the experience meets NJ regulations
  • The applicant must provide proof of appropriate certification as well as a letter of employment confirming the specific dates (not just years) during which the applicant has taught or served the educational community under the appropriate certificate.
 
Principals in K-12 Institutions

Career Outlook

Our part-time, online accelerated CAGS in Principal Preparation provides busy professionals with the flexibility and the credentials they need to move ahead as a principal in a k-12 educational setting. Our certificate puts you at the forefront of an expanding field, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for elementary, middle, and high school principals to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028.

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Additional Information