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Admissions and Academic Advisor
Be a part of University of Washington Tacoma's tradition of excellence!
The Educational Administration program at the University of Washington Tacoma is focused on developing systems-focused school leaders who can transform historically inequitable structures and practices that contribute to disparate outcomes.
Students who have completed the University of Washington Tacoma, Educational Administration Certification Program:
- 90% job placement rate
- Over 200 graduates are administrators in school districts in Pierce, North Thurston, Kitsap, and South King County
Graduates of note include:
- Andrew Eyres, Assistant Superintendent, ESD 113
- Lance Goodpaster, Assistant Superintendent, Franklin Pierce School District
- Laurie Dent, Superintendent, Sumner School District
- David Hammond, Assistant Superintendent, Bethel School District
- Jeff Loupas, Assistant Superintendent, University Place School District
- Heather Renner, 2012-2013 Washington State Middle School Principal of the Year, Franklin Pierce School District
- Allison Drago, UW Tacoma 2006 Alumna of the Year, Director of Primary School Education, University Place School District
The program is a full-time course of study for potential school leaders. Admitted students progress as a cohort community through four quarters of full-time study beginning in summer quarter. Upon successful completion of all certificate requirements, students will earn a Residency Administrator's Certificate.
Leadership, management and instruction are three distinct components that are emphasized in each of the four quarters. Coursework is taught in synchrony with the school's administrative calendar. The curriculum is grounded in best practice as determined by theory and research.
Program Information
THE 2025 COHORT APPLICATION IS OPEN!
Because the program of study must be completed in sequence, students are admitted for Summer Quarter only. The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Because the program of study must be completed in sequence, students are admitted for Summer Quarter only. The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
Bachelor's degree
from a regionally-accredited institution.
3.0 grade-point average
3.0 grade point average calculated from the applicant's final 90 graded quarter credits or 60 graded semester credits. Applicants who do not meet this requirement may be eligible for admission depending on the quality of their complete application file.
UW Graduate School application
When applying online, be sure to choose "Graduate" from the pull-down menu of application types, then "Education - Tacoma (MEd - Educational Administration)" from the pull-down menu of graduate programs. The School of Education does not accept Graduate Non-Matriculated applications for admission to the Educational Administrator Certification program.
Unofficial transcripts
From every college or university you have attended must be uploaded into the online application. If admitted to the program, one official transcript from your bachelor's degree college (except if UW) will be required by the UW Seattle Graduate Admissions Office.
Personal goal statement
In 2-3 double-spaced pages, write a statement explaining why you wish to become an administrator and reasons you believe you will be effective. Include:
- Leadership experiences that led to, or are likely to lead to improved education outcomes for students
- Leadership experiences that address issues of equity, and/or social justice
Resume
Your resume should provide specific evidence of demonstrated leadership ability (projects, positions, accomplishments). In addition to educational degrees and professional experience (include dates), the resume should include any relevant awards, publications, presentations, or other achievements that will help us evaluate your application.
Internship - Proposed Plan
Proposed schedule and timeline for completion of required 720-hour (360 for Program Administrator Certificate) internship will be completed by your sponsoring principal or administrator; i.e. full days, half days, planning periods, activities, and responsibilities. This must be detailed and show accumulation of 720 (or 360) hours.
Applicants should consult their districts as early as possible to learn about relevant procedures and deadlines for administrative internships. Most districts have a required internal application process; the process varies by district and may begin as early as Fall.
Three letters of recommendation from Administrative Staff
These required letters of recommendation should be requested of the following people:
- your sponsoring principal/administrator
- A current or former administrator who holds a principal license.
- A supervisor, coworker, or someone who can speak to your leadership potential.
The Letters of Recommendation are now incorporated into the online application and you will identify your recommenders within the application.
Prerequisite experience form
To be eligible for admission, applicants must have had at least three years of successful experience as a certificated teacher in a PK-12 school, or equivalent experience as a certificated Educational Staff Associate (e.g. school counselor, school psychologist, speech and language pathologist). It is preferred that candidates for the program have had leadership experiences beyond the classroom, such as school or district level committee work, department chair, etc.
Copy of valid teaching or ESA certificate
Personal interview
Selected finalists will be invited for a personal interview
Important Immunization Information
All enrolled students are required to provide proof of measles (rubella) immunity. Students will not be allowed to register for any classes until the UW Tacoma Registrar's Office confirms that they have satisfied this requirement. Students born before 01/01/57 are considered to be immune to measles and therefore do NOT need to submit proof of immunity.
Because the program of study must be completed in sequence, students are admitted for Summer Quarter only. The application process is completed entirely online within the UW Graduate School Application. All materials will be either uploaded or completed online. Your application will not be reviewed for admission until all materials have been received. Complete applications received by the application date will be assured of a review; complete applications received after the application date will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
The application checklist is a helpful document to ensure that all items are complete.
UW Graduate School Application
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey: (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
| Day | Date | Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | April 16, 2025 | 4:00pm | Zoom | Register |
| Monday | May 12, 2025 | 4:00pm | Zoom | Register |
| Tuesday | June 10, 2025 | 4:00pm | Zoom | Register |
If none of the above days/times work please contact Justin Gailey (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698) to talk more about the program and admission information.
Where do I start the process of learning about the program?
It is highly recommended that you attend one of the information sessions listed in the tab above.
Can I keep my job within the K-12 school system while attending this program?
Yes, in fact you must be employed within the K-12 school system with either a teaching or ESA certificate in order to attend this program.
How long is the program?
For those who hold a master's degree, the certificate only program is four quarters, summer through spring quarters. For those who do not hold a master's degree, there are an additional 12 credits (4 courses) to be certified and receive a master's degree.
What if I do not yet have a master's degree?
Since the state requires that one have a master's degree in order to be certified as a principal or program administrator, one must take an additional 12 credits (4 courses) beyond the four quarter (summer through spring) certification program.
Where will I do my internship?
You will do your 720-hour (360 hours for program administrator only) internship within your school/district. Each district has an internal intern selection process and you must be chosen by your district.
Do I have to be chosen as an intern by my district?
Yes. Each district has an internal intern selection process and you must be chosen by your district. Applicants should consult their districts as early as possible to learn about relevant procedures and deadlines for administrative internships.
How much is tuition?
The Educational Administration Program is four full-time quarters. There are additional tuition charges for those who need to incorporate a master’s degree.
Please visit the tuition webpage for tuition rates.
How do I get information about scholarships and other financial aid opportunities?
Please visit the Student Financial Aid website for Graduate Students and the School of Education Scholarship webpage.
Questions? Contact Justin Gailey: (jgailey@uw.edu; 253-692-5698)
In addition to the State of Washington Residency Administrator's Certificate requirements, all students must complete the following coursework:
Courses are subject to change at the discretion of the School of Education
