Graduate Certificate in School Leadership Lead the Way, Every Day

9
Credit Hours
100% online, 8-week courses
Transfer in up to 50% of the degree total
Build a Better Learning Community with a Certificate in Educational Leadership
Do you want to improve your leadership skills so you can apply your teaching experience to solve educational problems? Conferring Liberty University’s 100% online Graduate Certificate in School Leadership can help. This educational administration program is designed to help professionals navigate the complexities of schools, communities, and teaching organizations.*
Throughout this online certificate in educational administration, you can learn how to:
- Improve learning outcomes for all students.
- Make informed, ethical decisions.
- Promote the value of diversity, lifelong learning, and innovation.
*Please note that this certificate does not grant licensure.









Backed by a brick-and-mortar campus ranked among Niche.com's Top 5 College Campuses in America
What Sets Us Apart?
- Private Nonprofit University
- 600+ Online Degrees
- No Standardized Testing for Admission
- Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
- Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree
Why Should You Choose Liberty University’s Online School Leadership Certificate?
Liberty University’s school leadership certificate can help you bridge the gap from hands-on classroom experience to administration roles.
Are you currently working as an educator? Do you want to start your career in school leadership? A graduate certificate in educational leadership online can provide you with an advanced credential. You will be able to demonstrate your value as a leader in your organization.
Here’s why you should complete your graduate certificate with us:
- Liberty University is regionally accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. You’ll be earning your certificate from a respected institution.
- This program is offered 100% online. You can continue to dedicate time to your career and family while earning an advanced credential.
- Our professors have real-life experience teaching and administrating at all levels of education. They are excited to share their expertise with you.
What Will You Study in an Educational Leadership Certificate Online?
Our Graduate Certificate in School Leadership seeks to develop educators with a Christian worldview. These educators can prepare to serve in their school or organization with diligence and integrity. We accomplish this through challenging and rewarding courses taught by experienced education professionals. Each professor can teach you the skills and techniques you need to develop into a better leader and administrator of learning environments.
Through your education leadership courses online, you can explore the methods and best practices of the field. You can also discuss effective supervision methods, educational policy concerns, and how to navigate important local, state, and federal regulations.
Potential Career Opportunities
Our school leadership certificate can help you prepare for several career paths. Depending on your current knowledge, education level, and experience, there are many different positions that could benefit from our accredited school leadership certificate:
- Dean of discipline
- K-12 administrator
- Program director
- School administrator
- School board member
- School leadership associate
- Secondary school department head
The administrative, supervisory, and educational policy skills that you gain from our certificate in school leadership can be an asset in many other aspects of the education world as you pursue positions of added responsibility. Additionally, the credits from this certificate may transfer directly into the MEd in Curriculum and Instruction – General Education. Take the next step towards your personal and professional goals with a school leadership certificate from Liberty University.
Additional education or training may be required for some jobs or occupations. Conferral of a certificate does not guarantee job placement. Education careers may also require satisfaction of teaching licensure requirements, which this certificate is not designed to fulfill.
Required Courses
Certificate Information
- This program falls under the School of Education.
- View the Graduate Education Course Guides (login required).
Certificate Completion Plan

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Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.
Tuition & Aid
Your success is our success, which is why we are committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, online undergraduate tuition rates have been frozen for the last 10 years!
Graduate Full Time | $565/Credit |
---|---|
Graduate Part Time | $615/Credit |
Military Graduate | $275/Credit |
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Admission Information for Our School Leadership Certificate Online
Admission Requirements
- Apply online or over the phone with an admissions counselor by calling (800) 424-9596.
- A non-refundable, non-transferable $50 application fee will be posted on the current application upon enrollment (waived for qualifying service members, veterans, and military spouses – documentation verifying military status is required).
- Send official college transcripts (mailed as sealed, unopened copies or sent via a direct electronic transcript system). A regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 2.0 GPA is required for admission in good standing. Applicants who have earned a master’s degree or at least 12 graduate credits from an accredited institution will be assessed on the basis of the master’s-level degree work.
- Applicants whose native language is other than English must submit official scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or an approved alternative assessment. For information on alternative assessments or TOEFL waivers, please call Admissions or view the official International Admissions policy.
Transcript Policies
Official College Transcript Policy
An acceptable official college transcript is one that has been issued directly from the institution and is in a sealed envelope. If you have one in your possession, it must meet the same requirements. If your previous institution offers electronic official transcript processing, they can send the document directly to luoverify@liberty.edu.
Admissions Office Contact Information
Liberty University Online Admissions Verification
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24515

Ready to Apply?
Submit your application online or over the phone.
Military
Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.
Who May Qualify?
- Active Duty
- Reserve/National Guard
- Veterans/Retirees
- Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees
- Current Department of Defense Employees
Available Benefits:
- Tuition discounts – $275 per credit hour for graduate courses*
- Additional discount for veterans who serve in a civilian capacity as a First Responder (less than $625 per course)**
- 8-week courses, 8 different start dates each year, and no set login times (may exclude certain courses such as practicums, internships, or field experiences)
*These rates are reflective of academic year 2024-2025.
**Not applicable to certificates.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a graduate certificate the same as a master’s degree?
Graduate certificates and master’s degrees both require graduate coursework. However, graduate certificates are shorter and more focused. This allows you to get the training you need in the shortest time frame possible.
Our school leadership certificate only requires 3 courses.
Can credits from the Graduate Certificate in School Leadership be applied towards a master’s degree program?
Credits earned in your online Graduate Certificate in School Leadership may apply toward a relevant master’s degree.
Are educational certificates worth it?
Yes – an educational leadership and administration certificate can help you increase your career options and earning potential.
How do you become an educational leader?
For most professionals, you need to hold your initial teaching license to consider educational leadership roles. If you’re a teacher and want to add more value to your résumé, our certificate can help. This program provides you with 9 credit hours that focus on education administration. You can earn an advanced leadership certificate in a single semester!
What is the role of the educational leader?
Educational leader’s primary responsibilities include:
- Collaborate with teachers
- Develop and implement an effective educational program
- Provide guidance and direction on curriculums
- Support educators
Inner Navigation
- Overview
- What Sets Us Apart?
- Why Choose Liberty?
- What Will You Study?
- Tuition & Aid
- Admission Information
- Military
- FAQs
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