Program Overview
Credits: 36 credits (M.S.Ed); 24 credits (Certificate)
Our M.S.Ed/Advanced Certificate program is a CAEP-accredited graduate program designed to prepare you for larger leadership roles in education. Our specialized curriculum focuses on leadership development to ensure you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to lead educational communities and nonprofit organizations.
These programs are carefully designed to align with the National Educational Leadership Standards and provide considerable flexibility for you to modify your pathway after initial enrollment. We accept a limited amount of graduate credits from other nationally accredited colleges and universities. Candidates who complete a CAS-SBL or SAS-SDL program can utilize the credit earned in your first CAS toward the CAS by taking five additional courses, two of which are internship courses.


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

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