Combined School and District Leadership Graduate Certificate

College of Applied Human Sciences

Expands Your Leadership Across Systems

Through a blend of coursework and practical experience, this program prepares you to navigate the complexities of both school and district leadership. You'll strengthen your ability to lead instructional improvement, manage organizational resources, and foster inclusive, community-centered learning environments.

• Strategic and Instructional Leadership: Learn to shape mission- and vision-driven goals, lead professional development, and design curriculum and assessment systems that support student learning across schools and districts.
• Cultural Responsiveness and Ethical Practice : Explore how to build inclusive educational environments, lead with empathy and care, and make ethical decisions that protect the rights of students, staff, and communities.
• Organizational and Community Leadership : Gain experience managing complex systems, including facilities, budgets, and personnel, while practicing collaborative leadership that engages families, communities, and stakeholders.

The application for the Fall 2026 entry term will launch this fall. In the meantime, we encourage you to request information or connect with the admissions coach to learn more about the program and the application process.

You will complete five 8-week content courses and two 16-week internships (one building-level and one district-level), aligned to the National Educational Leadership Preparation standards, at a school and district office local to you. 

Upon completing this program, you will be equipped to:

• Make strategic leadership decisions, including the development of mission and vision driven by values and goals. 
• Make instructional leadership decisions, including professional development plans, curriculum and instruction programs, and assessment and accountability systems. 
• Evaluate climate and cultural leadership practices, including the establishment of a community of care for teachers and students and strategies toward equity and cultural responsiveness.
• Employ ethical decision-making regarding policies and utilize appropriate systems to protect the rights of students and faculty. 
• Utilize organizational leadership practices to manage facilities, human and fiscal resources, and ensure a safe environment. 
• Practice community-engaged, collaborative leadership strategies. 
• Evaluate place-based leadership theories and practices. 

• One-two page statement of interest in the program
• Official transcripts from all institutions attended (other than WVU)
  
• Email to: GraduateAdmissions@mail.wvu.edu
• Mail to: WVU Office of Graduate Admissions, One Waterfront Place, PO Box 6510, Morgantown, WV 26506-6510
  
• Resume or CV
  
• Two reference letters

Tuition and fees are usually not the only educational expenses you may have while pursuing a degree. You may have other costs such as books, supplies, and living expenses. Visit the Estimate Costs and Aid webpage to estimate and plan for other potential expenses.

Tuition per credit hour is listed on the page of your program of interest. Please note, tuition and fees are reviewed and subject to change at the start of each academic year.

• Learn More about Tuition and Financial Aid
• Explore All WVU System Tuition and Fees
• Understand Restrictions on University Tuition Waivers

The courses, internship opportunities, and training in the Combined School and District Leadership Graduate Certificate program aims to prepare you to emerge as a leader in the K-12 education space. Upon completion of this program, you will be equipped to pursue any of the following career paths: