Admission Requirements

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education  are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student’s potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. Applicants must have completed a master’s degree and a minimum of five years of full-time experience in a professional position in educational or non-educational organizations. A master’s degree in business administration or accounting is preferred.
2. The application must also include the following documents and demonstrate evidence of essential leadership qualities and characteristics:
3. Official transcripts, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
4. *Submission of scores on a nationally-normed graduate admission test (GRE or Praxis). Recent SAT/ACT exams may be accepted if verifiable by the test provider.
5. Three completed department recommendation forms.
6. Current resume.
7. Statement of purpose.
8. Evidence of administrative certification, if completed.

*Certified teachers who hold a master’s degree from an accredited college or university are exempt from standardized testing.

Program Requirements

The program consists of 15 or 38 credits, depending on prior education and certification status.

Pre/Corequisite: Prior to graduation, candidates must have completed a minimum of 3 semester hours in governmental fund accounting or the equivalent at the graduate or undergraduate level.  

Graduation Requirements

1. Successful completion of 32 semester hours (Option 1) or 15 semester hours (Option 2) in required course work with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Successful completion of 600 hours (Option 1) or 300 hours (Option 2) of internships in school district business offices.
3. Passing score on the New York State School District Business Leader Examination (parts 1 and 2).
4. Completion of all required Educational Law Seminars.

Teacher Certification Requirements

Upon successful completion of degree requirements, students will be eligible to apply for the University’s recommendation for New York state certification. Contact the Office of Educational Support Services, 233 Hagedorn Hall, for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. Forms for applying for certification can be found at the Office of Educational Support Services Web page under the certification tab.

*Please note, as of December 31, 2013, the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education now require a new six-hour seminar for Training in Harassment, Bullying and Discrimination Prevention and Intervention, required under the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA): http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/news/newsitem05162013.html.

To be eligible for the certification, students are required to have passing scores on the appropriate New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE). Please contact the Office of Educational Support Services for specific certification requirements.