Educational Leadership Department
Kevin Mack, chair
Cornish Hall, Room 1213
(607) 753-2444
Fax: (607) 758-5007

Overview

Augment your perspective and skill in administration as you take the next step to advance your career in educational leadership if you hold a master’s degree and permanent or professional teaching certification in New York. Discover valuable approaches for integrating theory and practice to effectively develop schools and other learning communities when you choose the school building leader C.A.S. program at SUNY Cortland.

Program Highlights

With the guidance of our expert educational leadership faculty, you’ll explore key topics in finance, curriculum, special programs and organization. You’ll also investigate critical legal issues and the role a principal plays in creating a dynamic educational environment. In addition, you’ll delve into strategic supervision and leadership. This program will prepare you for New York state’s School Building Leader Assessment.

Culminating Experience

In addition to completing an internship in educational leadership, you’ll participate in a culminating seminar that blends your classroom and practical experiences.

Career Potential

When you successfully complete the school building leader C.A.S. program, you’re well prepared to take on the responsibilities of any building administrator position.

Graduate Admissions

Evaluation Policy

At the State University of New York College at Cortland, we seek a diverse and academically strong student body. Our admission policy and practice will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin or marital status.

Required Materials

1. Completed online Graduate School Application – Apply Now
2. Official transcripts from all institutions of higher learning attended to be forwarded directly to SUNY Cortland Graduate Admissions Office, indicating the master's degree already conferred
3. Proof of permanent or professional New York state teaching certification
4. Recommendations: 
   1. from an administrator in your district’s central office
   2. from your immediate supervisor
   3. from another educational supervisor/administrator of your choice
5. Essay: A written essay (one-to-two pages only, word processed, double-spaced with 12-point type) that addresses the following question: What is your vision of the school leader in American public schools of the 21st century?
   1. This essay is due with all other application materials and becomes part of the application file; this paper should not be handed in at a separate time
   2. This paper should be well written in the form and quality that a future school leader would proudly provide a superintendent and/or board of education for review.

Admissions Criteria

Preference will be given to candidates with a graduate grade point average of 3.0 and above and a satisfactory rating of the supporting documents as determined by the department.

Deadlines

Fall semester applications: July 1
Spring semester applications: Dec. 1
Summer semester applications: April 1

Applications submitted after the deadline may be considered on a space availability basis.
Please contact the Graduate Admissions Office at (607) 753-4800 to check availability.