Principal As Instructional Leader
Certification Program
WHY CHOOSE TO GET YOUR PRINCIPAL CERTIFICATION FROM SCHREINER?
Advance your career with our online Principal Certification program, designed for educational leaders who need a professional certification for an administrative position. With our individualized attention and courses structured for working adults.
Program requires practice exams and provides a course for Principal as Instructional Leader state testing preparation and PASL (Performance Assessment of School Leaders)
Schreiner University offers a Principal Certification program that is one year, online only, with options to start in the Fall or Spring (no summer term available). Due to TEA regulations, Schreiner University is unable to admit students that do not have a Texas teaching certification and/or resides in Texas. DOD schools can be considered. Contact the Admission Office for more information.
There are two ways to become a principal in Texas through the Schreiner 100% Online Program: You can complete the Schreiner University Online Master of Education, and then apply to our Principal Certification program; or if you already hold a master’s degree, you can complete your Principal Certification. The Principal Certification program consists of 18 hours plus practicum / internship which includes the TEA required 160-hour practicum aligned with principal standards.
Schreiner University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award certificates as well as associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Schreiner University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
- Application
- Students can apply at or the Schreiner University application:
- Application fee of $25
- This can be paid online, over the phone, or by check.
- Official final college transcripts
- Valid Texas Teacher Certificate
- Verified 2 years of teaching experience in an accredited Texas Pre K-12 school
- Interview with the Director of Graduate Education
- Completed application
- Successful completion of a Master’s Degree with a 3.5 GPA
- Texas-certified teacher with TEA ID
- All official transcripts sent to:
Schreiner University
CMB 6228
2100 Memorial Blvd
Kerrville, TX 78028
Or admissions@schreiner.edu
Been Accepted? Here are your next steps…
- Complete your FAFSA or TAFSA
- Complete your commitment form on Schreiner One
- If you are choosing to utilize financial aid, complete your financial aid on Schreiner One
- Set up a payment arrangement for and remaining balance
- Schreiner University PIL Program does not accept candidates who have tested with a previous principal certification program nor do we accept transfer courses in principal certification
1st semester EDUC 6303: Public School Policy & Administration Procedures
EDUC 6312: Educational Leadership for School Effectiveness &
Learning Performance
EDUC 6301: School Law
EDUC 6305: Instructional Leadership
2nd semester EDUC 6304: The Principalship and Practicum
EDUC 6310: Principal Certification Test Preparation
Schreiner awards a $2,278 scholarship for employees of partnering organizations. Click here for more information. We partner with the vast majority of school districts across the state. We strongly encourage you to complete this form to connect with our graduate advisors.
Total tuition cost is $10,278.
PC Scholarship (if applicable) $2,278.
Remaining out of pocket tuition is $8,000.
Our typical PC student is a full-time student taking 12 credit hours per semester. To illustrate the tuition and technology fee costs, here are two examples of a full-time student with the scholarship and without a scholarship.
Student from partnering organization:
Total tuition cost is $10,278.
PC Scholarship (if applicable) $2,278.
Remaining out of pocket tuition is $8,000.
Technology fee x 3 $600.
Remaining out of pocket tuition and technology fee is $8,600. This does not include your book costs, and only represents tuition and the technology fee.
Student not from a partnering organization:
Total tuition cost is $10,278.
Remaining out of pocket tuition is $10,278.
Technology fee x 3 $600.
Remaining out of pocket tuition and technology fee is $10,878. This does not include your book costs, and only represents tuition and the technology fee.
Principal Graduate Certification tuition and Fees per semester
Principal Graduate Certification Program (per hour) $571.
Technology Fee per semester
Full-Time $200.
Part-Time $110.
Subject to completion: 1 year
Credit Hours: 36
Graduate programs are eligible for federal financial aid according to their guidelines.
Federal Direct Student Loans up to $20,500 annually.
What if I don’t meet the admission criteria?
Students with below a 3.5 GPA for their Master’s degree may still be reviewed by the Director of Education and may be considered due to work history .
Do I have to go full time?
Yes, this program is only offered as a full-time program. The coursework is completed in one semester and the practicum and test prep is completed in another semester.
Can I walk in a graduation ceremony?
Yes, even though the program is 100% online and you are not required to, students may choose to walk in the graduation ceremony following their completion of the degree. We host graduate ceremonies in May and December of each year. Regalia is available for graduate students.
Meet Your Professors!

Dr. Neva Cramer
Dr. Neva Cramer Director of Education and Graduate Studies in Education – research and publications in learning through the arts, trauma informed pedagogy, creating engaging learning environments, and supporting literacy through the visual and communicative arts.
Nvcramer@schreiner.edu
I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist, and there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit.
John Steinbeck

Dr. Joan Bowman
Dr. Joan Bowman Associate Professor in Education and Coordinator of the Principal as Instructional Leader Program. – research and presentations in instructional technology and innovative online learning. Dr. Bowman uses her prior experience in public school administrative leadership to train and prepare future educational leaders.
JBowman@schreiner.edu

Dr. Doug Monk
Dr. Doug Monk Assistant Professor in Education- research and presentations in principal preparation. Dr. Monk teaches and supervises pre-service teachers and prepares principal candidates for the state certification exams. As a former teacher and administrator in Texas public schools, he ensures the success of our future professional educators and leaders.
DMonk@schreiner.edu

Liliana Lovisa
Liliana Lovisa, Teacher Certification Officer for Profession in Education. lmlovisa@schreiner.edu



Director of Education
Chair of Principal Certification
Certification Officer
Contact Us
We would be happy to answer any of your questions!
Special Events
Scheduled events such as Schreiner Saturdays offer a variety of information sessions led by faculty, admissions staff, and students to allow prospective students to see what Schreiner University has to offer.
Daily Events
You will have the opportunity to experience campus on a tour led by a current student as well as meet with a faculty member and one of our admissions team members to talk about your application, scholarships and financial aid! Tours are available Monday through Friday at 9 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, and 3 PM.