PK–12 School Administrator Certification
The Marsal Family School of Education offers the PK-12 Administrator Certification as an option for students enrolled in the online Master of Arts in Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation (LEI&T). This flexible, nationally accessible certification is designed for working educators seeking to become school administrators in Michigan and beyond. The certification combines online learning with robust hands-on internships, mentorship, and a commitment to educational excellence and equity. Those seeking administrator certification outside of Michigan: check with your state department of education to ensure reciprocity.
Recognizing challenges with traditional, campus-based certification routes, especially for employed teachers and teacher leaders, Marsal developed this option to address accessibility and meet growing local and regional demand for innovative school leaders. With the entire program delivered online and integrated fieldwork conducted in candidates’ home districts, the certification is designed for working professionals ready to take the next step in their careers, with proven institutional capacity and support for sustained success.
Program Structure: Coursework & Clinical Experience
The PK-12 School Administrator Certification is embedded within the highly flexible, fully-online LEI&T MA program. The thoughtfully sequenced curriculum ensures thorough preparation through both academic study and authentic, in-school leadership experiences:
- Three progressive themes of coursework covering foundational leadership, innovation, transformational practice, and actionable leadership.
- Up to 260 hours of field-based internship across elementary, secondary, and central office settings, aligned with Michigan’s preparation standards.
- Practical experience requirement: All certification-seeking students complete two supervised internships (15 weeks each).
Real-World, Diverse Fieldwork
Candidates complete 260 hours of field-based internships over two terms (6 months), generally within their current school district, divided among elementary, secondary, and central office settings. This immersive structure ensures candidates understand the full PK-12 spectrum and are able to:
- Develop and enact innovative practices;
- Promote equity and inclusion;
- Engage families and communities;
- Manage school operations and culture;
- Demonstrate ethical leadership.
When necessary, Marsal works with local partnerships to arrange placements that ensure all required experiences and exposure to diverse student populations.
Dedicated Mentoring and Support
Marsal’s rigorous mentoring and supervision system ensures your growth and readiness:
- Experienced Field Supervisors and local Mentors provide structured feedback, coaching, and evaluation in alignment with Michigan standards.
- Partnerships with districts ensure candidates can complete fieldwork locally, benefit from continuous advisory input, and share new practices and insights with partner schools.
The Michigan Administrator Certification Pathway
The PK-12 Administrator Certification program at the Marsal School is fully aligned with the State of Michigan’s requirements for school administrator preparation as described by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). Upon completion, candidates will be eligible to apply for the Elementary & Secondary Administrator K-12 (ES) Certificate, the credential required to serve in key educational leadership roles such as:
- Building-level administrator (e.g., Principal or Assistant Principal) for all grade levels, PK-12
- Central office administrator (e.g., Curriculum Director, Special Education Director)
- Other administrative leadership roles in public and non-public schools
Ready to Lead the Future of Education?
With Marsal’s online Master of Arts in Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation with the PK-12 School Administrator Certification, you are empowered to drive innovation, equity, and excellence in Michigan schools and beyond.
Requirements
Foundational Leadership credits
- EDUCONL 500 – Foundations for Leading
- EDUCONL 508 – Strategic School Leadership
Innovation and Transformational Leadership credits
- EDUCONL 502 – Action Research
- EDUCONL 503 – Entrepreneurial Leadership
Continuous Improvement Leadership credits
- EDUCONL 504 – Data-Driven Decision Making
- EDUCONL 505 – Transformative Instructional Practices
- EDUCONL 506 – Leading Effective Collaboration
Actionable Leadership credits
- EDUCONL 507 – Capstone
Internship hours
- Elementary school (90 hours)
- Secondary school (90 hours)
- Central office (80 hours)
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Prospective Students
Application Deadlines
Apply early to receive a timely decision! Submitting an early application will give you time to engage with your program and have time to make an informed decision.
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September 7
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April 21
Eligibility Requirements
- Online Master’s Degree
- Only students completing the online Master of Arts in Leading Educational Innovation and Transformation are eligible for the PK-12 School Administrator Certification.
- Academic Performance
- Complete EDUCONL 500 – Foundations for Leading with a final grade of 3.0 or higher.
- Professional Experience (Recommended)
- Teaching experience recommended but not required.
Application Process
- Interested students must attend an information session about the PK-12 School Administrator Certification (or watch a recording of a session) to understand the commitment. During the information session, we will discuss the requirements of the PK-12 School Administrator Certification, the specifics of the certificate program’s focal course (EDUCONL 508 – Strategic School Leadership), and the process for applying to the certificate. The session details, including date, time, and registration instructions, will be shared via email with all students.
- Submit a form stating your interest in the program.
- Complete EDUCONL 500 – Foundations for Leading with a final grade of 3.0 or higher.
Quick Facts
Application fee
Not required
Required coursework
EDUCONL 508 – Strategic School Leadership (3 credits)
Location
100% online coursework with in-person fieldwork in your local school/district
Internships
260+ hours over two thermal elementary, secondary, and central office experiences
Support
Experienced Marsal field supervisors and trained on-site mentors
Michigan PK-12 School Administrator Certification Test Fee
$150 (Visit the MTTC website for more information)
Michigan PK-12 School Administrator Certificate Fee
$160 (Visit the MDE website for more information)
Key Roles for Certified Graduates
Principal, Assistant Principal, Central Office Administrator*, Curriculum Director, and more.
* May also require central office certification
Careers
Professional trajectories of graduates include:
- Principal or Assistant Principal: Lead building-level school improvement, operations, and instructional leadership
- Central Office Administrator: Oversee district-level programs, curriculum, or special education
- Superintendent (with additional district-level experience and central office certification, if required): Lead an entire school district
- Specialized Roles: Including Director of Curriculum, Chief Business Official, and leadership positions requiring administrator certification
The PK-12 School Administrator Certification positions you for formal leadership and advancement within Michigan’s PK-12 school system and is recognized by both public and private educational employers statewide. For out-of-state candidates, we advise contacting your state department of education for reciprocal recognition and additional state requirements.
Internships
- Hands-On, Flexible
- Two term-long internships (totaling at least 260 hours)
- Accessible for working professionals; internships are completed in your own school district or with a Marsal-arranged partner district
- Split among three settings: elementary school (90 hours), secondary school (90 hours), and central office (80 hours)
- Guided and Supported
- Supervised by experienced Marsal field supervisors holding valid Michigan administrator certificates
- Paired with local mentor administrators in your internship schools
- Frequent feedback, coaching, and individualized support
- Connected Online and In Community
- Five live, interactive seminars per internship via Zoom
- Collaborate with peers from diverse communities and share insights during seminar sessions
- Internship Benefits
Internships are carefully aligned with Michigan Department of Education’s administrator preparation standards and designed to give you a comprehensive view of PK-12 leadership. You will have the opportunity to:
- Lead or participate in school improvement initiatives
- Engage in instructional leadership and school culture-building
- Oversee operational, financial, and policy-related school activities
- Work closely with families, staff, and community partners
- Promote equity and inclusion, and apply culturally responsive leadership
- Observe and contribute at multiple administrative levels, from school site to district central office
- Assemble a Leadership Inventory: a portfolio of reflections and actionable assignments demonstrating your growth
- Capstone Experience: your final internship includes a capstone project, allowing you to demonstrate innovative and transformative leadership and to recommend systems-level improvements within your school or district
The Marsal PK-12 School Administrator Certification internship model ensures you graduate fully prepared to serve as a school or district administrator anywhere in Michigan and beyond. Our goal is clear: empower you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead PK-12 schools in a complex, diverse, and ever-changing educational landscape.