Principal As Instructional Leader
Online 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).
Admission requirements for Principal as Instructional Leader
- Application
- 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.
- Interview with the Director of Graduate Education.
- Completed application.
- Successful completion of a Master’s Degree with a 3.0 GPA.
- Texas-certified teacher with TEA ID.
- All official transcripts sent to:
Schreiner University
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.
- We do not accept PIL candidates who have started the TExES principal certification testing or certification practicum or internship. We do not transfer course credits from a prior program.
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
Principal Graduate Certification Program:
- Cost per credit hour: $350
- Program Fees: $400
- Length of Program: 18 hours
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: $6,700 total ($350 per credit hour)
This does not include book costs and only represents tuition and the technology fee.
The program is subject to completion within 1 year.
Graduate programs are eligible for federal financial aid:
- Federal Direct Student Loans: up to $20,500 annually
Click here for more information. We strongly encourage you to complete this form to connect with our graduate advisors.
What if I don’t meet the admission criteria?
- Students with below a 3.0 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.

Let’s Talk 💬


Meet Your Professors

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

Amy Billeiter
Amy Billeiter Graduate Field Supervision Compliance and Site Coordinator – Ms. Billeiter has worked as a teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Currently, she supervises required documentation and acts as a liaison and oversees experiences between candidates and mentors.
ABilleiter@schreiner.edu

Dr. Gilberto Ponce
Dr. Gilberto Ponce – Associate Director of Education / Assistant Professor- Dr. Gilberto Ponce brings many years of experience in public and charter school systems, having served as a teacher, instructional coach (Math), and administrator (campus and district). His research and presentations focus on Dual Language leadership, sustainable bilingual education programs, second language acquisition, and effective ESL instruction and observation. Dr. Ponce is passionate about preparing the next generation of educators and school leaders and is proud to contribute to the vibrant academic community at Schreiner University in the Texas Hill Country.
GMPonce@schreiner.edu



