Program Overview
Completion Time: 24 Months
Credits: 36 credits
Flexibility: 100% Online (Full or Part-Time)
Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
Certification: Leads to SBL and SDL Certification in NYS
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate GPA – 3.0
- Must have an earned Master’s degree and a NYS educator certification
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Statement of Intent
School District Leader (Advanced Certificate and Trans D Certificate)
Completion Time: 6-12 Months
Credits: 24 credits
Flexibility: 100% Online (Full or Part-Time)
Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
Certification: Leads to School District Leader Certification in NYS
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate GPA – 3.0
- Must have a master’s degree and a NYS educator certification or be “exceptionally qualified” having demonstrated outstanding leadership in another field
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Statement of Intent
School Building Leader (Advanced Certificate)
Completion Time: 6-12 Months
Credits: 24 credits
Flexibility: 100% Online (Full or Part-Time)
Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
Certification: Leads to School Building Leader Certification in NYS
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate GPA – 3.0
- Must have a master’s degree and a NYS educator certification
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Statement of Intent
School Business Leader (Advanced Certificate or Trans H)
Completion Time: 6-12 Months
Credits: 24 credits
Flexibility: 100% Online (Full or Part-Time)
Start Terms: Fall, Spring or Summer
Certification: Leads to School Business Leader Certification in NYS
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate GPA – 3.0
- Must have an MBA degree and accounting coursework (and CPA with three years auditing experience for Trans H)
- Letters of recommendation: 2
- Statement of Intent
Our accredited Educational Leadership (MS Ed) and Advanced Certificate programs are designed for educators and professionals ready to move into leadership roles across New York State schools. Through practice-focused, fully online coursework, you’ll develop the skills needed to lead instructional improvement, manage school operations, and drive student success at the building and district levels.
The 36-credit MS Ed in Educational Leadership prepares candidates for School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) certification in NYS, while our Advanced Certificate options—including School Building Leader, School District Leader, and School Business Leader—provide efficient pathways for certified professionals to earn additional leadership credentials. With flexible full- or part-time study and multiple start terms, these programs are built to fit the schedules of working educators and leaders.
Flexibility
Each of our programs is designed for the working professional, so you can schedule our course load at your own pace. Course delivery is through synchronous video conferencing, allowing for the classroom experience and interpersonal interactions while remaining in a location of your choice.
Diversity
Our candidates hail from across the state, including New York City, bringing a vibrant mix of gender, race, and ethnicity to the classroom.
Personalized Expert Instruction
All of our faculty members have extensive experience in leadership roles and bring their lived experience and practical knowledge to the classroom. You’ll also work one-on-one with a faculty advisor to discuss advancement and professional career coaching.
As a non-traditional student transitioning into school district leadership, I am confident that had it not been for the preparation provided by the ED Leadership program at Niagara University, I would not have gained the skills and knowledge necessary to be as successful as I am today. This program prepared me not only for today’s competitive job market but for future progress as well.Lorna Washington, ‘13, Ed.D. Chief of Staff/Special Asst. to the EPO Superintendent, Rochester City School District
Discovery Awaits
What You’ll Study at Niagara University
We offer several unique programs in Educational Leadership that will prepare you to graduate with either a Master’s degree or advanced certificate, with a pathway to New York state certification.
Master of Science in Educational Leadership (SBL and 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)
Find Your Best Self
Knowledge, Experience, and Skill Development
Foundations in leadership development
Ability to transition from public account auditor to school district business leader
Prepare to Soar
Academic, Experiential, and Career Pathways
Careers
Superintendent
School Principal
Curriculum Coordinator
Academic Dean
Business Official
Accreditations
Ready to Apply?
Filling out an application is easy!
NU offers rolling admissions, which means that you can apply at any time for the upcoming semester. Applications are reviewed as they come in, and students are typically notified of an admission decision in 3-4 weeks. What’s stopping you?
Apply Now