Educational Leadership Program

Foundations and Social Advocacy Department
Janet Duncan, chair
Kevin Mack, coordinator
Cornish Hall, Room 1213
607-753-2444
Fax: 607-758-5007

Overview

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. Combine theory and practice to effectively develop schools and other learning communities when you choose the school building leader and school district leader C.A.S. program at SUNY Cortland.

Program Highlights

With the guidance of SUNY Cortland's expert educational leadership faculty, you'll examine critical topics in finance, curriculum, organization and special programs. You'll also investigate key qualities for guiding a school district, important legal issues, the dimensions of serving as a principal, and the elements and value of strategic supervision. This program will prepare you for New York state's School Building Leader and School District Leader Assessments.

Culminating Experience

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

Career Potential

When you successfully complete the school building leader and school district leader C.A.S. program, you're well prepared for the responsibilities of positions such as subject and content area supervisor, building administrator, director of athletics and physical education, director of special education, curriculum coordinator, superintendent or central office administrator. 

If you qualify for this dual program and follow through to successful completion, you'll greatly enhance your marketability in the workforce.

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. All candidates must have a minimum of three years classroom teaching service and/or pupil personnel service such as speech therapist, school psychologist, etc. in a P-12 school setting.

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.