Educational Leadership CAS

Join a network of over 1,000 district-level leaders who have earned their school district and school building leadership certification online from SUNY Oswego. This network provides strong mentoring and a broad understanding of leadership practices. Our coursework is based on authentic learning experiences in real schools, working with experienced administrators solving real issues.

Quick Facts

Rolling Admission Apply Anytime

You Can Start Summer or Fall

Delivery Option(s) Online and Regional Sites

In-State Cost $471 Per Credit

Credit Hours 33

Estimated Completion Time 2 Years

Overview

Our nationally accredited educational leadership program offers authentic learning experiences as you collaboratively lead systems for positive change in schools for today and tomorrow. Graduates of this program are eligible for both School Building Leader and School District Leader New York State certifications. Candidates work with 20 to 35 practicing education administrators in their local geographic region.

Depth & Experience

Our candidates are well prepared and consistently score above the state average on the required New York State School Building Leader assessments and School District assessments.

Outcomes

As a graduate of this program, you are eligible for School Building Leader and School District Level New York State certification. Our program graduates commonly find jobs within one year of graduation as a result of our intensive intern process and the hands-on, problem-solving experience in partnering schools. 

Career Opportunities

  • Assistant Superintendent
  • Athletic Director
  • Curriculum Director
  • School Principal
  • School Building Leader
  • School District Superintendent
  • Special Education Director
  • Staff Development Specialist
  • Technology Coordinator

Tomorrow's leaders must connect with all stakeholders, who embrace change as opposed to avoiding it, and who do not fear letting others lead with them to transform schools that effectively prepare students for the world ahead of them.

Program Resources

Information Sessions

Learn about our graduate programs through our information sessions today!

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RELATED PROGRAM

School District Leadership

The advanced certificate in School District Leadership is a pathway for former teachers and other eligible school personnel to elevate their careers as visionary school leaders.

View Program
Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation

AAQEP Accredited

This program has earned national accreditation by demonstrating excellence in the areas of content and pedagogy, clinical experiences, selectivity, program impact, and capacity for continuous improvement.





Diversity Graduate Fellowship Program

Prospective students may be eligible for an award which includes an annual stipend, in addition to fully-paid tuition for full-time study.

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More than 120 Graduate Assistantships Offered

Assistantships provide an opportunity to gain experience through professional work on campus.

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$500,000

in total awards given every year to our graduate students

See Funding Opportunities


The Power of SUNY Tuition

Achieving your long-term career goals shouldn’t come at the expense of your immediate financial security. Oswego offers low tuition compared to many private colleges. Never sacrificing quality for affordability, our graduate students are receiving a nationally accredited program that will translate into effective knowledge and opportunities.

Application Requirements

Official transcript
Submit official transcripts confirming your bachelor’s or master’s degree/advanced certificate. This includes graduate-level coursework or post-baccalaureate degree/certificate. U.S. transcripts must be sent directly from the granting institution (electronic or mail). All international transcripts require verification via a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation. If you are a SUNY Oswego alum, your official transcript will be automatically requested after entering your student ID and identifying SUNY Oswego as your school on the application upon submitting your application.
GPA of at least 3.0

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better is required for applicants. (Applicants with a GPA below 3.0 are welcome to apply, but should explain in the purpose statement what skills and experiences you will bring to the program or any special circumstances that affected your GPA.) If you have questions regarding your GPA, please speak to the department advisor for further information.

Master’s degree

Your official transcript must indicate that you have earned your master’s degree from an accredited university.

Professional NYSED Certification

Individuals will satisfy the Professional NYSED Certification requirement after successfully completing a graduate teaching education program from an accredited institution, and obtaining a master’s or higher degree program in their specialization or related field or in any area as long as the individual has completed 12 hours of study in their specialization. New York State requires this entry-level certificate for classroom teachers with specific areas of interest. Submit a copy of your NYS initial teaching certificate in area of interest during the application process.

Statement of purpose

In 500 words or less, describe your personal achievements relating to your academic interests, and detail your educational and professional objectives with reasoning for applying to SUNY Oswego. This statement will help the review team better understand and evaluate your application.

Resume

Include a professional resume or curriculum vitae that includes your academic history, professional background and any accomplishments of note. This document should provide details that support your admittance to the program.

Two letters of recommendation

Indicate two names with valid email addresses. We will send an email request directly to the references on your behalf. These references should be able to speak to your character, work ethic and abilities. (At least one of these recommendations must be from your school district.)

Application fee

Prospective students are charged a non-refundable $65 fee for processing the application.

International admissions

Important: All international transcripts must be verified through a World Education Services (WES) credit evaluation as part of your application.

English Language Proficiency: Submit official TOEFL (79 overall, MBA 83) or IELTS (6.5) scores, unless exempt.

Visa and I-20 Documentation: After acceptance, upload your financial documents and passport copy to receive your Form I-20 for your visa application.

For more details, please visit Application Requirements for International Graduate Students.

Professional Licensure Disclosure Statement

All academic programs offered by SUNY Oswego that lead to a state license or certification in a particular profession have been designed to meet state licensing requirements in the state of New York. Our programs are not designed to meet licensure requirements in other states. If you plan to pursue a license in a particular profession in a state other than New York after you graduate, it is your responsibility to determine whether our curriculum will meet the requirements in the state where you plan to live and work. For questions about licensure disclosure, please contact SUNY Oswego's Provost Office.

Phone: 315-312-2290 

Email: provost@oswego.edu.

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