How to Apply

Application Deadline

The application for the Spring 2025 Cohort is open.

Eligibility

  • You must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university.
  • Valid elementary or secondary teaching certification or Educational Staff Associate (ESA) certificate.
  • Minimum of 3 years of instructional experience in a K-12 setting.

Application Requirements

If any documents are generated using Artificial intelligence (AI), your application may be denied.

Official Transcripts

  • Submit one official transcript from each college or university attended.
  • If your cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0, please include an explanation of GPA statement.
  • If you previously attended Gonzaga or are a current student, GU transcripts are ordered by your Application Specialist on your behalf.

Official transcripts can be mailed or emailed to:

Gonzaga University
Graduate Admissions Operations
AD Box 102
502 E Boone Avenue
Spokane, WA 99258-0068
gradtranscripts@gonzaga.edu

Letters of Recommendation

Two professional recommenders who can evaluate your leadership, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, judgment, professional practice and your ability and capacity to complete a graduate degree. Supervisors or past professors are great choices for recommenders. Letters of recommendation are facilitated through the online application. Recommendations from family members are not accepted.

Advise your recommenders to touch on these points in their letters:

  • Describe and provide examples of your ability to lead, and/or your leadership experiences in the school setting.
  • Describe and provide examples of your commitment to serving students.
  • Describe and provide examples of your teaching ability.

Statement of Purpose

Begin your statement of purpose with a brief background about yourself. Describe and include examples for each of the bullets below:

  • Why you are interested in Gonzaga’s graduate program?
  • Your strengths and what you will bring to the program that will help you as an educational leader.
  • Your leadership experiences in or out of the school setting.
  • Your personal commitment to working/teaching students, service to others, and advocating for all students.
  • What you expect to accomplish with this master’s degree and your plans once you receive your degree. 

State Required Prerequisite Form

District Permission Form

  • Please submit this form getting permission from your district to complete your internship with them. You will be required to get a signature from a district representative.

Copy of Teaching or ESA certificate from Washington State

  • Provide proof of your teaching or ESA certificate from Washington State (Screenshot acceptable).

Abuse Course Certificate

  • This is typically a certificate of completion or a transcript indicating in which academic course you completed the content or an annual Child and Protective Services course.

Proof of Teaching Experience

  • Washington state verification of teaching experience.
  • Your school or district's HR Department will need to fill out this form for verification.

Resumé or CV

Submit your current resume or curriculum vitae of professional experience. Please format your vitae as shown below and address each of the bulleted items listed. In each section, provide dates with the most recent date first.

  • Education and Work Experience: Describe your education and work history including location, length of service, position, and your work with diverse populations.
  • Professional Development/Training: List career-related training and professional development programs completed within the past four years; include the source of training, the duration, and year completed.
  • Technology Training: Briefly describe your training and experience in information technology including software and telecommunications networks for business, education, teaching, and personal use.
  • Volunteer/Unpaid Service: List and describe any voluntary post-secondary employment and community service experience. Include the name of organization, length of service, and a brief description of duties.
  • Leadership Experience: Describe specific training and/or experiences you have had as a project leader, trainer, or co-coordinator of change initiatives.

Gonzaga Scholarship Information

Once you start your application you will have the option to apply for a one-time scholarship for this program.

If you plan to apply for this scholarship, please upload a document to your application that answers the following questions.

  • Why did you decide to pursue a career in K-12 education?
  • Explain your definition of leadership and what and/or who has influenced your definition?
  • How would receiving this scholarship impact your ability to succeed in the Master’s in Educational Leadership with Principal Certification program?

Military-Connected Students and Veterans

Currently, all active-duty military members must have permission/approval from an Education Services Officer (ESO), Military Counselor, or the Military Service prior to applying.

  • For more information on how to begin your graduate school application process, please visit the military-connected student and veterans How to Get Started page.

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our Application Specialist.

Contact:
Catie Peissig | Application Specialist
Call or Text (509) 313-4370 or (866) 380-5323
peissig@gonzaga.edu
Schedule a Phone Appointment

If you have questions about program details, financing your degree or other questions, please contact your Admissions Specialist. 

Contact:

Graduate Admissions

Call or Text: (866) 380-5323
Email: gradadmissions@gonzaga.edu
Schedule an Appointment