Procedure for Admission

1. Complete the application at bellarmine.edu/apply-now
2. A current resume (Note: Three years of successful teaching experience in a P-12 setting with full teacher certification during those 3 years is required).
3. A copy of valid state issued Professional Teaching Certificate.
4. A previously completed master’s degree is required with a preferred cumulative GPA of 3.50 from the advanced degree.
5. Final official transcript(s) from each college or university attended should be mailed to the Office of Graduate Admission and should not be marked “Issued to Student.” If any transcript(s) or undergraduate degree(s) is from an international institution, you must provide an official copy to be evaluated by the Bellarmine International Programs Office. The Office of Graduate Admission reserves the right to request a certified copy of the original transcript(s).
6. Provide email addresses in the online form for two references. Recommendations should come from individuals who are former professors or who have supervised the applicant in a school setting. One recommendation must come from the applicant’s current principal/head teacher. All recommendations must be related to the professional environment.
7. Responses to the four essay questions. 
   • Teachers are leaders; a school principal is a leader of leaders. As you look at your leadership opportunities in your experiences or role, please describe how these experiences are foundational in preparing you for the role of a school principal.
   • Select one book that you have read on the topic of leadership. Identify the title and author and explain how you think the author's message relates to P- 12 school leadership.
   • There are many challenges facing today's school leaders. In Kentucky, the challenge of meeting expected student academic performance through the impact of the school leader on student achievement is critical and challenging. Describe how you will use your knowledge of curriculum, instruction and assessment to increase student achievement and meet or exceed expected school academic performance?
   • In addition to leader, a school principal assumes many roles in a school: learner, mentor, supervisor, manager, politician, and advocate are but a few. From these six roles, choose the three that you think are most important and provide evidence of how you have successfully served in these three roles.
8. The Educational Autobiography (details below).
9. A collaborative interview between the applicant, a School of Education representative and appropriate school district personnel will be arranged. A successful interview is required for an admission decision.

International Applicants

Please complete the items under Procedure for Admission and submit the following:

Language Proficiency. All students are expected to have appropriate English-language proficiency to be admitted to the university. The language proficiency is required to ensure students are adequately prepared and well positioned to succeed.

Financial Affidavit. All applicants must provide credible evidence (e.g. a bank statement, letter on bank stationary attesting to the availability of funds, etc.) of the ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year. If funds are provided by another person on behalf of the student, an affidavit must accompany the financial information.

Proof of Passport. Scan of passport ID page must show validity for 6 months post completion of the program.

Priority Application Deadline

Priority applications for the summer semester cohort should be submitted by May 1. Completed applications submitted after this date will be considered on a space available basis.

Educational Autobiography

Using standard margins, double spacing, and 12-point font, complete an educational autobiography and personal goal statement. Include your own educational background and experiences from pre-school to graduate work; work experiences; a discussion of your strengths and weaknesses; factors leading to your decision to pursue certification as a school principal; your academic, intellectual, and professional objectives; and your commitment to your professional development at Bellarmine University. This document is an important part of the application review process. You should take great care to produce a thoughtfully planned and well written statement. Your work should be limited to 1000 words. Your completed work should be labeled Attachment C and include your name.