Get certified as a school principal through our high-quality, fast-track program! Designed for working educators, this certification-only program can be completed in as few as three semesters — online or hybrid with multiple convenient locations. You’ll build expertise in instructional leadership, school operations, data-informed decision-making, and campus culture to improve outcomes for all learners. Our Accelerated Principal Certification Program at the University of Houston prepares you for a rewarding, difference-making career as a certified K-12 principal in Texas.

Highlights of the Accelerated Principal Certification program:

• Format: Hybrid OR 100% online
• Locations: Main Campus; Sugar Land Campus; Katy Campus; Cy-Fair ISD
• Completion time: Typically, 1 year (3 semesters)
• Semester start: Fall
• GRE: Not required
• Deadline to apply: Find all application deadlines.

Eligibility

This certification-preparation program is designed for certified teachers who meet the following requirements: 

• GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on last degree earned)
• Master’s degree
• Valid Texas teacher certification*
• Teaching experience (two years at the time of acceptance or upon program completion)

*If you do not hold this certification, apply to the College’s  alternative teacher certification program and finish those requirements before starting the principal program courses.

What You’ll Learn

In line with state standards, the Accelerated Principal Certification program at UH requires the following:

• Six courses (225 clock hours of content and pedagogy)
• Practicum in a school district (160 hours)
• Three field observations (135 minutes) by a UH field supervisor
• Three site supervisor (campus mentor) progress reports

Coursework

• ELCS 6301: Leadership for Equity in Diverse Schools
• ELCS 7302: Data Informed Decision Making for School Leaders
• ELCS 7320: Instructional Leadership I
• ELCS 7321: Instructional Leadership II
• ELCS 6370: Research for Educational Leaders
• ELCS 7391: Practicum in the Principalship

Certification 

To earn principal certification in Texas, you must:

• Successfully complete all coursework.
• Complete all required practicum hours and observations.
• Hold a teacher certification issued by the Texas Education Agency.
• Hold at minimum a master’s degree.
• Pass the state TExES 268 and TExES 368 certification exams.
  • Learn more about testing and setting up required accounts online.

Career Opportunities

Texas is home to more than 8,000 public schools — and each one relies on certified campus leaders to drive success. With growing demand for principals and assistant principals, certified educators are well-positioned for leadership roles across the state. In the Houston region, many campus leaders earn over $100,000 annually, with top salaries exceeding $200,000 (source: TEA). Job possibilities include: 

• Principal
• Assistant principal
• School administrator
• Team leader
• Department chair

Why Choose UH?

• Proven Success: Our students have a strong pass rate on the Texas 268 principal certification exam (89% in 2022-23) and the Texas 368 performance assessment (100% in 2022-23).
• Expert Faculty and Mentorship: Learn from supportive professors with real-world experience and a passion for growing future leaders.
• Powerful Network: Connect with educators in a diverse, dynamic location that includes 100+ school districts (Regions 4 and 6 in Greater Houston).

Cost & Financial Support

To estimate costs, use the UH tuition calculator (for hours, select 6 hours for typical enrollment). Plus, explore opportunities for funding your graduate certification program; please note that federal aid is only available for degree programs, not for certification-only programs.

Admissions Questions

For questions about the application process, please contact the UH College of Education’s Graduate Student Success Team at coeinfo@uh.edu. For specific questions about the Accelerated Principal Certification program, please contact us at elpsprincert@central.uh.edu. 

Note: An applicant or candidate who has been convicted of an offense may be ineligible for issuance of a certificate upon completion of the Educator Preparation Program. Please refer to the current State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules prescribed in  §249.16 of the Texas Administrative Code (relating to Eligibility of Persons with Criminal History for a Certificate under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter  53, and Texas Education Code, Chapter  21). Applicants/candidates have the right to request a criminal history evaluation letter as provided in Chapter 227,  Subchapter B, of the Texas Administrative Code (relating to Preliminary Evaluation of Certification Eligibility).