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
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
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.
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.
Mentorship from faculty
Work with program faculty who serve as leader mentors throughout the program.
Take educational theory into practice
Foster collaboration with your peers and help build a community of lifelong connections.
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Advance your career with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies
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
Get Started on Your Graduate Certificate
Build your career and gain principal licensure with a Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Denver’s Morgridge College of Education