FAST TRACK to Michigan Administrator Certification
The Fast Track to Michigan Administrator Certification program is an accelerated 18 - 24 credit program that prepares educators for the Elementary and Secondary (ES) administrator endorsement or the Central Office administrator (CO) endorsement.
If you have a master’s degree and want to move into administration at the building level, CMU can help you earn the credentials you need in just one year. The administrator certification is embedded in the Specialist in General Education degree at CMU. If you already have a master’s degree, all you need to take are the certification core courses and complete a three credit internship. Your advisor will work with you to ensure that you only take the courses you need.
- Each eight-week course is taught online.
- Complete the program in 1 year.
- No entrance examinations are required.
- Federal financial aid is available.
- Apply through the Specialist's Degree category and select the General Education Administration: Instructional Leadership Concentration, Ed.S. program
Download the Fast Track to Michigan Administrator Certification PDF to learn more about the program and view the FAQ.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long does this program take to complete?
A: One calendar year if follow the recommended schedule. You take two 3-credit courses over the course of three or four semesters.
Q: What will I receive after completing this program?
A: This is a Michigan Department of Education approved Administrator Certification Preparation program in elementary and secondary school administration (ES endorsement) or central office district administration (CO endorsement). Upon completing the program requirements, you will apply to the Michigan Department of Education for certification, and Central Michigan verifies your completion of the required courses. This program does not provide a degree or other CMU credential.
Q: Do I need a master’s degree for this program?
A: Yes, the state requires that all certification candidates hold a master’s degree from an accredited institution, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You can search to see if your degree qualifies.
Q: Do I need teacher certification or have teaching experience to be eligible for this program?
A: No. However, CMU does require three or more years of full-time professional experience in an educational setting or organization, e.g., activities around the curriculum and instruction of an educational program. We recommend that you become familiar with any additional experience or requirements that may be necessary to be employed as an administrator.
Q: Do I need to complete an internship?
A: Some students may qualify for an internship waiver. Those not qualifying for the internship waiver must complete the three-credit internship. To be eligible for the internship waiver, you must have over six months of experience as a school-level administrator or district-level administrator and have had a performance evaluation/appraisal in that position.
Q: What are the classes like?
A: Courses are taught in a compressed, online, eight-week format. The instructor utilizes a learning management system called Blackboard to deliver the content and communicate within the course. Synchronous class meetings are held weekly. You will participate in readings, exercises and assignments, discussion boards, and complete written assignments. The projects are intended to allow you to explore issues in your professional environment and are performance-based.
Q: Does this program lead to an advanced degree?
A: Although the Fast Track option itself does not provide a degree, it is embedded in the Specialist in General Education degree program. This allows students to complete an Ed.S. degree with the addition of three courses, which is nine additional credits. The department recommends that you secure your state license and then continue to complete the specialist degree. Six of the nine credits then count toward your five-year administrator certification renewal.
Q: Is the Michigan administrator certification transferable to other states?
A: Most states have reciprocity with Michigan’s educator certification, including administrator requirements. Some states may require a separate state exam or other requirements, so we recommend all candidates who intend to work outside of Michigan to contact their state education department to determine if the Michigan certification will transfer.
Q: Is administrator certification required for all administrative positions in education?
A: Only positions in Michigan’s K-12 Public school system that oversee academic programming must hold administrator certification. However, many districts may require certification for other administrative positions. Other administrative positions, such as business managers, facilities managers, daycare operators, preschool administrators, etc. are not required to hold Michigan administrator certification. Additional guidance on state law.
Q: How do I apply for the program?
A: Apply online to the Specialist in General Education program. Along with the application student should submit a current resume, two current professional letters of recommendation, a two-page statement, and two significant activities sharing your experience and potential for educational administration.