School Building Leader (M.S.E.)
30 credits
NYSED 29020/29019
This program is designed for current and aspiring school leaders and supervisors in public and nonpublic schools and school districts. There are several options within the master's degree program: a certification track for those seeking New York State School Building Leader certification, a faith-based track for those seeking to become leaders in religious schools, and a one-year, accelerated cohort track (known as AMPEL). It is possible to combine tracks (e.g. there is a faith-based certification track).
New York State School Building Leader (SBL) Certification
Our master’s program in educational leadership is approved and recognized by the New York State Education Department as an approved School Building Leader preparation program. Graduates of this one-year program will be prepared to take the examination for the New York State School Building Leader (SBL) certification. This certification is appropriate for such positions as principal, supervisor, department chairperson, assistant principal, coordinator, and unit head, and it is required for school building-level leadership positions in all New York state public schools and, increasingly, in faith-based and nonpublic schools.
Prospective students must consult with their respective state education department to determine whether they meet qualifications for their state certification. Many states have reciprocity with New York state regarding leadership certification. Individuals seeking NYSED School Building Leader certification must meet all state requirements for the certification and should visit the NYSED website to review these. NYSED requires that candidates for School Building Leader certification take and pass the SBL certification exam (parts 1 and 2), take and pass the Educating All Students exam, and complete the mandated Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) workshop.
CIP Code
13.0401 - Educational Leadership and Administration, General.
You can use the CIP code to learn more about career paths associated with this field of study and, for international students, possible post-graduation visa extensions. Learn more about CIP codes and other information resources.
Applicants must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study in the Graduate School of Education, as well as the following program-specific admissions requirements:
- possess an initial or professional state certificate in teaching or other appropriate and acceptable educational specialty
- have earned a minimum earned undergraduate and graduate grade point averages of approximately 3.0 (B or better)
- two references (if currently working in a pre-K–12 setting, one reference should be from your current school principal)
- proof of immunization against measles, meningitis, mumps, and rubella
- a satisfactory command of oral and written English
- three years of paid, full-time approved, and successful teaching experience by completion of the degree if seeking state SBL or SDL certification
Program of Study
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework will include 10 of the following: | 30 | |
| Administration, Management, and Budgeting | ||
| Fundamentals of Educational Supervision and Professional Learning | ||
| Instructional Leadership | ||
| Leading for Equity and Social Justice | ||
| Partnering with Families and Communities 1 | ||
| School Finance | ||
| Education Law, Policy & Advocacy | ||
| Leading Learning in Teams and Organizations | ||
| Critical Issues in Educational Leadership | ||
| Internship I (required of candidates seeking SBL certification) | ||
| Internship II (required of candidates seeking SBL certification) | ||
| Perspectives on Leadership | ||
| Research for Educational Change | ||
| Master's Comprehensive Exam/Assessment 2 | ||
or ASGE 0702 | Performance Assessment Completion | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
For students in the School Building Leader (Public) program, ASGE 6150 Partnering with Families and Communities is required. For students in the School Building Leader (Catholic) program, this course is an option as part of the credits required for the degree.
- 2
For students in the School Building Leader (Public) program, completion of a series of four standards-based performance assessments is recorded by a passing grade in ASGE 0702 Performance Assessment Completion. Students in the School Building Leader (Catholic) program complete ASGE 0701 Master's Comprehensive Exam/Assessment.
There is required fieldwork associated with all courses except for ASGE 0701 Master's Comprehensive Exam/Assessment and ASGE 0702 Performance Assessment Completion.
Completion Requirements
In addition to the general degree-completion requirements of the Graduate School of Education, candidates for the M.S.E. in school building leader must meet these requirements:
- complete the prescribed program of study, which includes 30 credits
- maintain a minimum overall graduate grade point average of 3.0 (B or better)
- if seeking the SBL certification, complete a year-long, six-credit internship, which is generally done in the candidate’s own school
- pass a master’s comprehensive examination which is generally taken during the last semester of coursework
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ASGE 6145 | Leading for Equity and Social Justice | 3 |
| ASGE 6130 | Instructional Leadership | 3 |
| ASGE 6150 | Partnering with Families and Communities | 3 |
| ASGE 6520 | Internship I | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| ASGE 5119 | Fundamentals of Educational Supervision and Professional Learning | 3 |
| ASGE 5112 | Administration, Management, and Budgeting | 3 |
| ASGE 6361 | Leading Learning in Teams and Organizations | 3 |
| ASGE 6521 | Internship II | 3 |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Summer | ||
| ASGE 6325 | Education Law, Policy & Advocacy | 3 |
| ASGE 6720 | Research for Educational Change | 3 |
| Credits | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |