There are two types of admission to the Principal Certification program: Nondegree and Degree admission. 

Nondegree Admission

For nondegree admission, you need to

• hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited United States college or university.*
• meet requirements of the Principal Certification program.
• complete a Graduate Nondegree Application (no application fee is required).

*Please note:  U.S. citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. who hold an international bachelor's degree, must submit official transcripts and your diploma for evaluation to be approved for nondegree enrollment.  International applicants on visas are not eligible for nondegree enrollment.

A maximum of 9 credits taken as a nondegree student can be transferred into the Principal Certification program. 

Degree Admission

Degree application for Certification admission must be received by the Admissions Office prior to the end of your third course. 

For admission to the Principal Certification program, you need to hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally-accredited college or university with credit conditions equivalent to those required by Penn State.  By completion of the program, you will need 5 years of professional school experience on a state-issued certificate.

Admission is granted jointly by the Penn State Graduate School and the academic program at Penn State Great Valley. The Admissions Committee reviews applications and makes decisions based on the quality of an applicant's credentials relative to other applicants. 

You need to schedule a personal interview with the Principalship academic adviser before submitting application materials.  Please bring an Interview Requirement form with you to the appointment.

After your personal interview, please submit the following:

• Online application 
       •  under degree sought, enter CERT
       •  under major sought, enter ED LDR 
       •  The employment history requested on the application is helpful in evaluating your application.
• Non-refundable $45 application fee, payable by credit card online or by check or money order payable to The Pennsylvania State University.
• Two official transcripts from each college or university you have attended.  Penn State students do not need to submit transcripts. (more info)
• Valid state-issued certificate related to education. 
• Three completed Reference Forms.  Your signature at the end of the form, waiving your right to access these references, is required.
• Verification of Experience form PDE 338 V, documenting five years of professional school experience on a state-issued certificate appropriate to the assignment, must be submitted before you complete the certification program.

Mail transcripts and other required documents to:  Penn State Great Valley, Admissions Office, 30 E. Swedesford Rd, Malvern, PA 19355.  Your admission will be reviewed after your application portfolio is complete.

Application Deadline

Rolling admission.  Applications are taken throughout the year.

Concurrent Programs

Penn State offers an opportunity to pursue 2 degree programs on a concurrent basis.

International Students

For application requirements in all visa categories, click here.

Helpful Information

Undergraduate and Graduate Academic Transcripts

The Admissions Committee will review an applicant's undergraduate and graduate transcript.  Individuals with a combined junior/senior grade-point average of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale and appropriate course backgrounds will be considered for admission.  On some occasions, exceptions to the minimum grade-point average may be made for individuals with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests.

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