According to guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Board of Education, those who wish to attain their principal certification in the state must have at least five years of significant teacher experience, while certified as a teaching professional. Some of your classroom experience can come while working towards your certificate.
Most institutions require candidates to have an undergraduate and Master's degree from an accredited school. Universities such as Penn State require applicants to interview with a school department official as part of the application process. Finally, candidates must submit an application, along with all supplementary documents, including transcripts, Verification of Experience form and references. There is also a nonrefundable application fee. According to the Pennsylvania DOE Web site the following colleges and universities offer a principal certification program:
Alvernia College
Arcadia University
Bloomsburg University
Bucknell University
Cabrini College
California University of Pa
Carlow University
Carnegie-Mellon University
Chestnut Hill College
Cheyney University of Pa
Delaware Valley College
Drexel University
Duquesne University
East Stroudsburg University of Pa
Eastern University
Edinboro University of Pa
Gannon University
Gwynedd-Mercy College
Holy Family University
Immaculata University
Indiana University of Pa/Main
Lehigh University
Marywood University
Millersville University of Pa
Newmann College
Pennsylvania State University/Main
Philadelphia Biblical University
Point Park College
Saint Bonaventure University
Saint Francis University
Saint Joseph's University
Shippensburg University of Pa
Slippery Rock University of Pa
Temple University/Main
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh Campus
University of Scranton
Villanova University
Westminster College
Widener University/Main
Wilkes University
York College of Pa
Most of the relevant coursework revolves around instruction in three core leadership standards outlined by the DOE: the development of a strategic organizational vision tailored to individual student success; an understanding of standards-based systems theory and its implementation in the classroom; and accessing and using data to enhance overall decision-making. Temple University's Harrisburg campus has a core curriculum 15-credit curriculum in their Principal Certification Program in Education Administration, and allows students to choose several electives such as Gender Studies and School Law.
Students are expected to complete several internships on every levels of the K-12 system at a local school district. Furthermore, they are expected to take on a mentor, whom they will shadow as they learn about leadership. Internship requirements vary from program to program.
At some point (although generally after completing all relevant coursework) students must take and pass the School Leaders Licensure Assessment Praxis test. Test results will be sent directly to the DOE, and remain valid for five years. After your university has been notified of a passing score and evaluated your coursework, they can endorse you for certification.