NSU Catalog 2025-2026 
    
    Dec 05, 2025  
NSU Catalog 2025-2026

Principal and Building Leadership Certificate (Graduate)

Location(s): Northern State University Campus, Online, Huron Community Campus



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Admission Requirements:

  1. Completed Graduate Certificate Seeking Application
  2. $36.00 (non-refundable) application fee
  3. One letter of Recommendation verifying at least three years of teaching experience
  4. Official M.S. Ed. transcript showing your degree awarded

Certificate Overview:

Northern’s Graduate Certificate in Principal and Building Leadership is a flexible and affordable opportunity for educators who have already earned a master’s degree in education to complete the coursework required to become a licensed principal. For principal certification, graduates of this program must pass the Praxis Educational Leadership: Administration and Supervision exam.

This certificate is tailored for licensed educators aiming to transition into leadership roles such as principal, assistant principal, athletic director, or dean of students. This certificate meets the principal endorsement requirements set by the SD Department of Education (https://doe.sd.gov/Effectiveness/Principal.aspx) and National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) building-level standards, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for school leadership.

Final Culminating Experience


  • Passing score on the PRAXIS exam
  • Assembly of an internship portfolio addressing each of the NELP standards

Total Credits Required: 26 credits


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