The graduate certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership prepares educators and leaders interested in online teaching, learning, and assessment with the requisite knowledge, skills, and dispositions for effective online and/or hybrid leadership. As the demand for virtual K-12 programs and courses increases, there is a corresponding need to develop leaders in these important areas.

Best Practices for K-12 Online Leadership

The Drexel Certificate in Virtual School Leadership is grounded in the belief that the online leader has a uniquely challenging set of responsibilities that differ from traditional school leadership. The effective online leader must be proficient in the following best practices:

• An understanding of online learning theory that promotes high quality teaching and learning
• An ability to maximize current funding and seek new sources of funding
• An understanding of staffing needs, with an emphasis on recruiting, training and continually mentoring online instructors
• An ability to maintain quality through oversight and student accountability
• An ability to manage the unique time challenges presented in 24/7 online school settings
• An ability to effectively build a community of student, instructors and parents

What Can a Graduate Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership Do For You?

The K-12 Virtual School Leadership Certificate is designed to address the unique leadership, instructional, and evaluative skills required to effectively lead a K-12 virtual school, as well as support virtual teaching and learning in all school contexts. Courses in this program focus specifically on developing leadership practices using technology and emerging methods for quality teaching and online learning.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership?

• Instructional Delivery: Online
• Calendar Type: Quarter
• Expected Time to Completion: 1 year
• Number of Credits of Completion: 18

The Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership consists of 6 courses for a total of 18 credits. Students interested in obtaining the certificate must complete the following courses:

• EDAM 750: Leadership in K-12 Virtual Schools I EDAM 752: Leadership in Virtual Schools II
• EDLT 534: Developing Educational Leaders Using Technology EDLT 535: Research and Evaluation of Emerging Technologies ELL 503: Teaching and Learning Issues in e-Learning
• ELL 504: Learning Technologies & Disabilities

Course descriptions may be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

What are the Requirements to Earn a Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership?

Admissions Criteria

• A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher (graduate degree GPA will be considered along with the undergraduate GPA)

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
• Essay describing why you're interested in the program
• Additional requirements for International Students

Who is Eligible to Earn a Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership?

• Certificate Level: Graduate
• Admissions Requirements: Bachelor's Degree
• Certificate Type: Post-Baccalaureate
• Financial Aid Eligibility: Not Aid Eligible

How Do I Apply to Earn a Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership?

The Graduate Certificate in K-12 Virtual School Leadership is taught 100% online. Students can get started by filling out the Drexel University Online application.