Hofstra University offers a variety of graduate-level programs that serve to prepare for administrative leadership roles in K-12 settings. Our Educational Leadership and Policy programs provide an interdisciplinary exploration of important foundational and policy issues in education and a comprehensive introduction to educational leadership. Students interested in studying leadership in K-12 schools are exposed to current theories, concepts, and learning models to assume administrative positions in this environment.
Check out our program options below to determine which program track is the right one for you!
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers an Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, MSEd, which provides an interdisciplinary exploration of important foundational and policy issues in education and a basic introduction to educational leadership. This program, in particular, meets the needs of educators in non-public school settings such as museums, corporate divisions, nursery schools, etc. Initially certified teachers may enroll in the program to obtain professional certification. Those without a formal teaching background or NYS certifications are welcome to apply.
Learn More about the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, MSEd
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its Educational Leadership Advanced Certificate to certified teachers and Pupil Personnel seeking formal leadership certification. This five-semester, 30-credit program is designed for candidates who are preparing for leadership positions in public and private schools; the program qualifies candidates for both the New York State School Building Leader Certification (SBL) and the School District Leader Certification (SDL).
Learn More about the Educational Leadership, AC
Hofstra University’s School of Education offers its School District Business Leader Advanced Certificate for those who are preparing for positions as public school district business leaders. This advanced certificate program is designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to operate a fiscally sound school district within the parameters established by New York state and the local school system.
Learn More About the School District Business Leadership, AC
Which program offers certification in leadership?
The Educational Leadership, Advanced Certificate (AC) program leads to NYS certification in both School Building and School District Leadership (SBL/SDL). The School District Business Leadership, AC leads to NYS certification as a School District Business Leader. The Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, MSEd, is a non-certification track master’s program that provides an interdisciplinary exploration of important foundational and policy issues in education and basic introduction to educational leadership.
Am I eligible for the MSEd?
Candidates that are not seeking formal NYS certification in Educational Leadership or who are working as an administrator perhaps in private settings like private/charter schools, nonprofits, etc., are eligible to apply to the MSEd. Since this program does not offer formal NYS certification, candidates can have a varied background for this program.
Do I need teaching experience to be eligible?
Applicants for the Educational Leadership AC program must have at least two years of PreK-12 certified classroom teaching or pupil personnel experience and possess a master’s degree. SDBL 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.
How long do the Educational Leadership programs take to complete?
Candidates in the Educational Leadership, AC program can expect to complete the 30-credit program in two academic years. Candidates within the SDBL, AC program will complete the full 38-credit program option if they do not hold SBL/SDL certification and can expect to finish the program in two-and-a-half academic years; for those who hold NYS SBL/SDL certification can expect to complete the 15-credit track in as little as one-and-a-half academic years. The MSEd is a 36-credit program, which can take students on average two to three years to complete.
How will courses integrate into my current schedule?
These programs are designed for working professionals. Courses that meet face to face will meet between 4:30-6:20 p.m. or 6:30-8:20 p.m. Other courses may meet in a hybrid format to allow for more flexibility.