School Administration


Explore your passion for School Administration at CWU, diving into educational policy, effective leadership, and nurturing school communities.

This comprehensive program provides a foundation in both theory and practice, equipping you to demonstrate expertise as an experienced educator who wishes to become a school administrator. Your future in educational leadership starts here, promising opportunities to shape the future of education and make a lasting impact.

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School Admin. and Higher Education Programs

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What You'll Study

Academic Catalog | School of Education

 

Which Pathway is Best for You?


If you see school leadership in your future or have been identified as a future principal, CWU offers two paths to help you step into the role with confidence:

  • School Administration MEd Program – For educators with at least one year of teaching experience who have not yet earned a master’s degree.
  • School Administration Certificate Program – For educators with at least three years of teaching experience who already hold a master’s degree. 

Get Ready to Lead

Our program is designed to propel experienced educators the training needed for a career as a school principal, department chair, instructional coach, or special education leader. As an administrator, you have the chance to influence school policies, curriculum development, and overall school culture.

Certification Ready

For those interested in moving into a principal or administrator role, the addition of our year-long internship (integrated into your current teaching position) will satisfy the requirements for certification for the Washington Office of Public Instruction.

Diversity Leadership

In EDAD 577, you'll work on leadership skills in diversity management across all sectors of education, gain valuable insights and strategies to create inclusive and equitable learning and teaching environments.

Higher Salaries

Earning you M.Ed. degree opens up increased opportunities for career advancement and professional growth. As a result, administrative positions typically come with higher salaries compared to teaching roles.

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Discover how to apply to your program of choice at Central.

Financial Aid

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The best way to discover what makes CWU so special is to experience it yourself. 

100%

Online

Our fully accredited program is offered 100% online, allowing you to progress through the program at a pace that meets your needs.

State and

National Standards

The School Administration program at Central Washington University utilizes state and national standards and has a strong reputation for preparing excellent candidates for school leadership positions.

Roots in

Teacher Education

Teacher education is in our DNA at CWU. It’s why Central was established more than a century ago and it remains one of our most important academic programs.

Why Study Education at Central?


  • Learn from well-qualified teaching professionals through internships in the classroom and other hands-on experiences.   
  • Our small class sizes allow for more personalized attention from faculty, creating a collaborative and supportive learning environment. You’ll have easier access to professors and academic advisors, ensuring you get the guidance you need to succeed.  
  • Teacher education is in our DNA at CWU. It’s why Central was established more than a century ago and it remains one of our most important academic programs.  

Opportunities and Outcomes


Principal | Lead and manage an elementary, middle, or high school, shaping policies and student success.

Assistant Principal | Support school leadership, oversee student affairs, and manage staff development.

District Administrator | Work at the district level in curriculum, operations, or student services.

Instructional Coordinator | Develop and implement curriculum, improving teaching strategies and student learning.

Education Policy Analyst | Influence education policies at local, state, or national levels.