School District Business Leader, Adv. Cert.

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Associate Professor Thompson, Graduate Program Director, 516-463-5749

This advanced certificate program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a fiscally sound school district within the parameters established by New York state and the local school system. The program is suitable for current educational administrators who wish to develop expertise in the business and financial aspects of a school district organization. It is also suitable for individuals, with or without prior experience in education, who seek preparation for school district business leadership positions. Completion of this program qualifies the graduate for the New York State School District Business Leader (SDBL) certificate.

On average, students complete this program in two and one-half academic years.

Admission Requirements

Application for admission is made to the Graduate Admission Office. Admission decisions will be based on the following:

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.
The application must also include the following documents and demonstrate evidence of essential leadership qualities and characteristics:
    a.) Official transcripts.
    b.) Three completed department recommendation forms .
    c.) Current resume.
    d.) Statement of purpose.
Evidence of administrative certification, if completed.

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.

Option 1 - Semester Hours: 38

For applicants who have not completed an approved administrative certification program, the program requirements include the following:

EADM 260 - Leading Learning Organizations Semester Hours: 6
EADM 261 - Building Learning Communities Semester Hours: 6
EADM 264A - Framing Problems and Making Decisions Semester Hours: 4
EADM 266 - Educational Program Development, Delivery and Assessment Semester Hours: 4
EADM 270 - School District Business Operations and Contract Management Semester Hours: 6
EADM 272 - School District Business Fiscal Planning and Management Semester Hours: 6
EADM 313 - Administrative Internship: School District Business Leader Semester Hours: 3 -6
(a total of 6 s.h. of internship is required)

Option 2 - Semester Hours: 15

For applicants who have completed certificate programs in approved programs and currently hold certification as School District Leader (SDL), or School District Administrator (SDA), the program requirements are as follows:

EADM 270 - School District Business Operations and Contract Management Semester Hours: 6
EADM 272 - School District Business Fiscal Planning and Management Semester Hours: 6
EADM 313 - Administrative Internship: School District Business Leader Semester Hours: 3 -6
(a total of 3 s.h. of internship is required)
Note: EADM 270 and 272 may be taken in any sequence.

Graduation Requirements

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.
Successful completion of 600 hours (Option 1) or 300 hours (Option 2) of internships in school district business offices.
Passing score on the New York State School District Business Leader Examination (parts 1 and 2).
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, 129 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.

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