General Instructional Supervision Graduate Certificate
College of Applied Human Sciences
The online Graduate Certificate in General Instructional Supervision from WVU's College of Applied Human Sciences prepares practicing teachers to become effective school-based instructional leaders. Grounded in research that informs and enhances instructional practices, this 18-credit program combines a strong academic foundation with practical application that provides you the necessary tools to effectively support both teachers and students.
Cost:
$702 / Cost per credit hour *
Courses and Credits:
6 Courses / 18 Credit Hours
Duration:
15 months
Dates:
Next Start: August 18, 2026 Admission Terms: Fall, Spring, Summer
Learning Format:
Online asynchronous / Local internship
Program Overview
Where Leadership and Purpose Align
Step into a leadership role that transforms teaching and learning. The General Instructional Supervision Graduate Certificate empowers you to become an effective and instructional leader. Grounded in research and shaped by real-world experience, this program equips you to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence in your school community. You will blend academic rigor with hands-on experience through a 16-week internship, action-oriented place-based coursework, and a professional portfolio developed throughout the internship.
- Strategic and Instructional Leadership: Learn to develop mission- and vision-driven goals, lead professional development, and design curriculum and assessment systems that support teaching and learning.
- Cultural Responsiveness and Ethical Practice: Explore how to foster inclusive school environments, lead with equity and care, and make ethical decisions that protect the rights of students and staff.
- Organizational and Community Leadership: Students gain experience managing school operations and resources while practicing collaborative, community-based leadership rooted in place-based theory.
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.
Curriculum
You will complete five 8-week content courses and a 16-week internship aligned to the National Educational Leadership Preparation standards.
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.
Meet the Faculty
- EDUC 630 Strategic Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 634 Organizational & Community Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 632 Cultural Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 631 Instructional Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 633 Ethical & Policy Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 639 Leadership Internship 1, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 630: Strategic Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 634: Organizational & Community Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 631: Instructional Leadership, 3 credit hours
- EDUC 632: Cultural Leadership, 3 credit hours
Year One, Summer Semester
- EDUC 633: Ethical & Policy Leadership, 3 credit hours
Year Two, Fall Semester
- Internship I, 3 credit hours
Admissions Requirements and Eligibility
- WVU Graduate admissions criteria
- Applicants must have a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75 (4-point scale) for regular graduate admission.
- Applicants with a GPA between 2.50 and 2.75 may be admitted as a provisional graduate student. Once admitted provisionally, students are required to achieve a 3.0 GPA in their first 9-hours of coursework to be reclassified as regular status and remain in the program.
- Professional Teaching Certificate
- At least 2 completed years of teaching (In order to obtain administrative licensure, students will need to have completed 3 years of teaching by program completion). The certificate is not dependent on successful licensure.*
Admissions Process and How to Apply
- 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, Fees and Financial Aid
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.
Connect with Our Team
Ann Clayton Online Admissions Coach
(304) 293-0915 Ann.Clayton@mail.wvu.edu
Explore Profile Schedule Chat
Careers and Employment
The courses, internship opportunity, and training in the General Instructional Supervision 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:
Career Paths
- K-12 Principal
- Curriculum Supervisor