Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Applications for the M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies are accepted on a rolling basis for both Fall and Spring enrollment.  All applications are submitted electronically at hofstra.edu/gradapply and reviewed as they are received. This program does not lead to New York state certification.

Admission Requirements

1. Bachelor's degree, with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
2. Three letters of recommendation.
3. A detailed resume of professional experiences.
4. A comprehensive statement of professional goals and objectives. 

For more information on applying for graduate studies at Hofstra, please contact:

Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 1-866-GRADHOF
Apply online at hofstra.edu/gradapply.

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the GPA or testing criteria but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. Applicants for the advanced certificate must have at least two years of PreK-12 certified classroom teaching or pupil personnel experience and possess a master's degree.
2. Applicants must demonstrate strong analytic ability and leadership potential.
3. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or its equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
4. Three completed department recommendation forms.
5. Current resume.
6. Statement of purpose for advanced study in context of personal and professional goals.
7. Proof of New York state certification on one of the areas indicated in item #1.

Applications for admission to this advanced certificate program in the Department of Specialized Programs in Education are made to the Office of Graduate Admission. Admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of multiple criteria.  The department understands that any single criterion may not reliably predict a student's potential for success in the program. Students may consider applying even if they fail to meet one of the criteria listed below but feel that other aspects of their experience might compensate. All individual cases will be reviewed by an Admissions Counselor before being referred to the graduate program for further review.

1. Applicants must have completed a master's degree and a minimum of five years of full-time experience in a professional position in educational or non-educational organizations. A master's degree in business administration or accounting is preferred.
2. The application must also include the following documents and demonstrate evidence of essential leadership qualities and characteristics:
3. Official transcripts, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 on all undergraduate course work, or it's equivalent (e.g., a 3.0 in a completed graduate program). We encourage you to submit all transcripts from your undergraduate work and any graduate work for consideration.
4. Three completed department recommendation forms.
5. Current resume.
6. Statement of purpose.
7. Evidence of administrative certification, if completed.

• Association of School Business Officials
• NYS Association of School Personnel Administrators
• NYS Council of School Superintendents

“Currently I am serving as an Assistant Principal on Long Island and am working towards my doctorate in Educational and Policy Leadership at Hofstra University. My program and plan of study was laid out for me at the beginning of my journey with no surprises along the way! Finding that balance between work and life is important to your success and the program provides support to make this possible. Hofstra’s program has also sharpened my proficiency as a writer, framing communication very clearly which for someone in a leadership role is of paramount importance.”

"As a current doctoral student in the Educational Leadership and Policy, EdD program, everything I’ve faced since initially entering the field of education in 1997 has served me throughout my twenty years of service in the classroom. Currently I serve as an assistant principal overseeing two elementary schools in the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park Union Free School District, and have found much connection between my studies and professional role.”

“I am currently an assistant principal at Comsewogue High School. My time at Hofstra has prepared me for the ever changing landscape of high school administration. As each day presents new and ever morphing challenges, the skills that I have learned at Hofstra have helped me to build a positive building culture, assess situations as they come, and adjust plans to best support both the students and faculty in my building.”