Program Overview

A five-semester, 30-semester hour program designed for educators who are preparing for entry-level leadership positions in public schools, the Advanced Certificate qualifies students for the New York State School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) certifications. The goal of the program is to prepare creative, flexible, visionary and reflective elementary and secondary school educational administrators with the skills necessary to facilitate and improve the quality of learning for all students. Toward this end, students complete the required sequence of courses as a learning community and engage in class and field-based experiential learning projects designed to develop important leadership skills. In addition to course work, administrative candidates complete three semesters of supervised internships in multiple settings, tailored to individual career objectives. The Advanced Certificate program is also fully transferable to the Doctor of Education (EdD) program in educational and policy leadership .

On average, students complete this program in two academic years.

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 for the advanced certificate must have at least two years of PreK-12 certified classroom teaching or pupil personnel experience and possess a master’s degree.
2. Applicants must demonstrate strong analytic ability and leadership potential.
3. 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. Three completed department recommendation forms.
5. Current resume.
6. Statement of purpose for advanced study in context of personal and professional goals.
7. Proof of New York state certification on one of the areas indicated in item #1.

Program Standards

The graduate director will review the academic standing of all graduate students at the end of each semester.  A student must maintain a 3.0 average to be considered in good standing.  Students who do not maintain a 3.0 average will be placed on academic probation.  Students who earn more than one C-, C, or C+ per semester, accumulate more than two C-, C, or C+ grades in their graduate coursework, or receive a D or an F in any course will be dismissed from the program.  In addition to the required GPA, students must demonstrate adequate competence and professionalism throughout all coursework and fieldwork.  If the director or program faculty determines that a student has failed to demonstrate this standard, they will be dismissed from the program.  Students may petition for readmission by following the School of Education Appeal policy.

Program Requirements - Semester Hours: 30

The program consists of 6 credits per semester for five continuous semesters (including summer). Course work typically begins in the fall semester. In the third, fourth, and fifth semesters, candidates combine course work and an administrative internship. A typical schedule is as follows:

Graduation Requirements

1. Successful completion of 24 semester hours in required coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
2. Successful completion of 600 hours of internships at the school building and district levels.
3. 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 School of Education Dean’s Office for information regarding any required Educational Law seminars* and other certification requirements. 

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 School of Education Dean’s Office for specific certification requirements.