Are you ready to make a difference as an educational leader? Through the Ritchie Executive Leadership for Successful Schools (ELSS) program, you can qualify for Colorado K-12 principal licensure at the University of Denver's Morgridge College of Education in 12 months. You can then continue for three more quarters to earn a master's degree in educational leadership and policy studies. This personalized and accessible graduate program is designed for those working in K-12 to advance into leadership at their schools or districts. 

The Ritchie ELSS graduate program offers a top-ranked, transformative educational journey. Immerse yourself in an equity-driven curriculum featuring project-based learning, designed to equip you with a fresh perspective on current academic challenges. 

Start Dates: Summer 

Curriculum: 30 Credit Hours  

Program Length: 12 Months 

 

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80% Percentage of ELPS certificate graduates who attain an educational leadership position upon graduation

100% Percentage of admitted students who receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education

Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

How our curriculum prepares you for your career in educational leadership

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    Lead while you learn 

    The Ritchie ELSS program empowers you to enact immediate change within your current role while also laying the groundwork for your future endeavors. Engage in meaningful coursework and a school-based internship, equipping yourself with the essential skills to create tangible impacts in your field. 

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    Coursework designed around the academic calendar 

    This personalized, accessible and affordable graduate program is designed for those working in K-12 schools/districts. Engage in project-based learning seamlessly aligned with your school or district calendar, ensuring a practical and relevant educational experience. 

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    Mentorship from faculty

    Work with program faculty who serve as leader mentors throughout the program.

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    Take educational theory into practice 

    Foster collaboration with your peers and help build a community of lifelong connections.

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

  • 100% of admitted students receive some form of tuition assistance from the Morgridge College of Education. 
  • MCE tuition assistance may be in the form of a Dean's Scholarship and/or a GRA/GTA/GSA tuition waiver. 
  • Eligible students may also qualify for federal and/or state financial aid through FAFSA.
  • Please contact MCE.finaid@du.edu for more information. 

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution, a minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.5, or a master’s degree GPA of 3.0.

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Advance your career with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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Courses for the Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

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The program consists of four quarters of coursework and requires at least 300 internship hours aligned with coursework. 

  • ADMN 4840 - Strategic and Transformative School Leadership 
  • ADMN 4841 - Instructional Leadership for Equitable Schools 
  • ADMN 4842 - Human Resource Leadership 
  • ADMN 4843 - Strategic Resource Management for School Leadership 
  • ADMN 4860 - Principal Internship 
  • ADMN 4860 - Principal Internship 
  • ADMN 4860 - Principal Internship 
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Get Started on Your Graduate Certificate

Build your career and gain principal licensure with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education

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