About Administrator Preparation
The University of Connecticut Administrator Preparation Program (UCAPP) is designed for Connecticut-certified educators with at least three years of teaching experience in a public school and interest in school-level leadership. It offers aspiring school administrators an opportunity to earn a sixth-year diploma in educational administration through UConn’s Neag School of Education. Graduates also may be eligible for the 092 certification endorsement as an intermediate administrator in the state of Connecticut.
Two Pathways
Starting in Spring 2027, UCAPP offers two program pathway options for students: the Online Pathway and the Hybrid Pathway.
Online Pathway
- 100% online instruction
- Unique course sequence (see the Plan of Study page)
- Spring semester start
Hybrid Pathway
- Hybrid instructional delivery
- Summer class sessions are primarily online, with 50% of all class sessions in the fall and spring online and 50% in person
- Enrollment determines the in-person class location
- Unique course sequence (see the Plan of Study page)
- Summer semester start
Both Pathways
- Same courses (in differing sequences), over two years
- Cohort model
- Internship experience
- Leadership coaching support
Core Program Elements
School districts statewide are seeking to develop a pipeline of well-qualified and capable leaders who can lead highly effective schools, including those with diverse needs. In response to the ongoing demand for competent school leaders, the Neag School has designed a program focused on preparing highly qualified school leaders to promote equity and excellence in schools for all students. Core elements of UCAPP include:
- Cohort model. UCAPP is based on a cohort model, bringing together a group of students for all courses and assignments for the duration of the program.
- A hands-on, customized internship completed at the school/district where you work, under the mentorship of your supervising principal. The internship is supported by leadership coaching that aligns practicum experience with coursework content.
- Highly qualified instructors, including UConn faculty and local educators, with a wealth of academic and practical experience.
- Spiraling curriculum aligned to the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and Connecticut School Leadership Standards.
- A standards-based program of study that aims to develop the knowledge and skill set essential for effective school leadership, exceeding minimum certification requirements.
- Selective admission through a performance-based screening process.
Unique to UCAPP
In addition to the core program elements, every UCAPP student has the opportunity to take advantage of a unique set of program experiences:
- An enhanced program thanks to UCAPP's past participation in the nationwide effort known as the University Principal Preparation Initiative (UPPI). In 2016, UConn was one of seven universities selected to join this initiative, funded by New York City-based Wallace Foundation, aimed at improving training for aspiring administrators.
- Engagement and completion of four Core Assessment tasks that allow you to practice authentic principalship work in schools within your clinical experience.
- The UCAPP change project, the capstone core assessment task, in which you will identify a specific issue facing your internship school or the school where you work to lead a school improvement initiative.
- Site visits to schools of excellence to learn from highly effective leaders.
- Participation in a variety of SchoolSims simulations that emulate real-world leadership scenarios, allowing you to decide on a course of action, implement it, and experience its consequences.
- Optional hands-on supplemental learning experiences on topics such as budgeting, SRBI/RTI case management, and PPT facilitation.