Educational Policy and Leadership

Graduate programs in the department provide study leading to doctoral and master's degrees and to the Certificate of Advanced Study. The three programs offer students graduate preparation for a wide variety of leadership and staff positions in school- and district-level administration, colleges and universities, and other organizations at local, state, and national levels. In addition, overseas students and others are prepared for educational planning and policy making positions in foreign countries and with international agencies and foundations. The doctoral and certificate programs are approved by the New York State Education Department for school- and district-level administrative certification. The master's degree is approved for school-level certification.

Students entering these Educational Policy and Leadership degree programs are expected to adhere to the School of Education's Standards of Student Professional Conduct. 

Admissions

Each prospective graduate student must submit a formal application for admission and receive a formal letter of admission before registering for courses. Graduate students are expected to hold a bachelor's degree from a college or university of recognized standing. Their preparation must be appropriate to the program they wish to pursue, and their academic record should promise success in a graduate program.

Students who wish to apply for entrance to a master's program or who wish to enter doctoral or certificate of advanced study programs within the School of Education must apply directly for admission to the University Office of Graduate Admissions and Policy.

In addition to criteria for general admission to graduate study, doctoral applicants must submit a satisfactory score from the aptitude test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Applicants for the Certificate of Advanced Study must have completed a masters degree.

An interview with at least one full-time member of the educational administration faculty may be requested for all certificate and doctoral applicants. This interview is structured, but time is allowed for applicants to pursue their own questions.

A limited number of students may be admitted as "nondegree students." A nondegree student usually is allowed to take up to 12 credits or four courses before considering or being considered for degree status.

An applicant seeking to qualify for state certification for administrative supervisory service in public schools must have completed initial preparation for teaching and hold, as a minimum, a provisional certificate valid for teaching in the public schools of New York, or equivalent preparation.

An applicant who has completed graduate study with specialization in an appropriate field may apply for admission with advanced standing.

Concentrations

The programs in educational policy and leadership include four subfields that allow students to pursue courses related to particular career interests. These concentrations are:

  1. School Administration;
  2. Higher Education Administration;
  3. Educational Policy Studies;
  4. Global Comparative Education Policy. 

Doctoral Program:

Graduate Certificate Programs:

Masters Programs: