Educational Leadership Online

Now Available Online

All educational leadership programs are offered in a fully online format. All educational leadership programs operate on a three-semester basis; fall, spring, and summer. Classes are held Monday-Thursday nights, typically running from 5 -7:30 p.m. or from 7:30-10 p.m. The semesters average 13 weeks in length. The summer sessions generally start the third week in May and run until the second week in August. Courses may be taken at an individual pace and no particular sequence is required. Candidates may skip a semester if need be or take up to 12 credits per semester if desired.
 
Courses in the programs are taught predominately in the synchronous mode with video-conferencing. In synchronous mode, instructors use video-conferencing on the university’s “Canvas” student management system to interact with candidates. Candidates can see the professor and all other participants can be seen. Professors may, from time to time, utilize alternative instructional delivery modes.

Educational Leadership Programs Leading to NYS certification:

• Master of Science in Educational Leadership (SBL & SDL)
• Advanced Certificate - School Building Leader
• Advanced Certificate - School District Leader
• Advanced Certificate - School District Business Leader
• Advanced Certificate - School District Leader (alternative Trans D)
• Advanced Certificate - School District Business Leader (alternative Trans H) 

Educational Leadership Programs without NYS Certification 

• Master of Science: Educational Leadership - International

About our Educational Leadership Online Programs

Niagara University's educational leadership program is a CAEP-accredited graduate program that prepares candidates for leadership roles. Candidates may work toward a master's degree and certification/licensure for school, district, or business leadership opportunities in New York state. In addition, the M.S.Ed. in educational leadership will provide knowledge and skills for school and district roles.

The educational leadership program focuses on the development of leaders with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to lead educational communities and nonprofit organizations. Individuals enrolled in the programs come from small, large, rural, and urban school districts as well as varying communities and represent a rich diversity that adds depth and breadth to the Niagara experience.

Educational Leadership Program Statement

The educational leadership programs in the College of Education are founded on a commitment to developing practitioners who, in the Vincentian tradition, foster human learning, development, spiritual well-being, and emotional stability in their respective institutions. Graduates of these programs are expected to demonstrate the qualities of outstanding reflective practitioners and the dispositions of caring, respect for self and others, commitment to equity and social justice, open-mindedness, and fairness. Additionally, we expect candidates within these programs to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions recognized by the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC). The ELCC standards were prepared by members representing the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

New York State Nine Essential Characteristics of Effective Leaders

• Leaders know and understand what it means and what it takes to be a leader.
• Leaders have a vision for schools that they constantly share and promote.
• Leaders communicate clearly and effectively.
• Leaders collaborate and cooperate with others.
• Leaders persevere and take the “long view.”
• Leaders support, develop and nurture staff.
• Leaders hold themselves and others responsible and accountable.
• Leaders never stop learning and honing their skills.
• Leaders have the courage to take informed risks.

Accreditation

• Registered with the New York State Department of Education.
• Accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104).
• Accredited by NCATE (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education).
• Aligned with New York state certification requirements for building, district and school business leadership.
• Recognized by and aligned with program standards of the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC).