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Educational Leadership Department - Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS THE CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCED STUDY IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP?

The Certificate of Advanced Study [CAS] in Educational Leadership is a certificate provided by SUNY Cortland to students who successfully complete an approved graduate program. Completion of the program also permits SUNY Cortland to recommend students to the N.Y. State Education Department for various administrative certifications, including the School Building Leader (SBL), School District Leader (SDL), and School District Business Leader (SDBL).WHAT IS


THE EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM?

The Educational Leadership Program has three strands. The first two strands would typically be applied for by students who hold permanent teaching certification in New York and are interested in becoming certified school administrators. These strands are the School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL). Those students successfully completing all coursework and the internship may qualify for both these certifications, thereby making themselves more marketable in employment. The third strand – School District Business Leader (SDBL) - would be applied for by students who are not permanently certified to teach but hold a master’s degree and are interested in applying for the NYS certification as a school business administrator.


Program Requirements for Certificate of Advanced Study

Students entering the program (SBL and SDL) who hold a Master’s degree and permanent teaching certification in New York must complete either 24 or 27 hours of course work and either 3 or 6 hours of internship credit (27 hours of course work + 3 hours of internship credit = 30; 24 hours of course work + 6 hours of internship credit = 30).


Requirements for School Building Leader (SBL) and School District Leader (SDL) students

SUNY Cortland students planning to acquire the SBL and/or SDL certificates must complete 24-27 hours of required course work plus an administrative internship. For those students wishing to qualify for both the SBL and SDL certifications, no elective courses can be included. All courses are required to qualify for both the SBL and SDL certificates from NYSED. Students should note that their internship experience must contain both a building and district level component in order to qualify for both the SBL and SDL certificates.The SUNY Cortland Educational Leadership faculty encourages all eligible students to earn and apply for both the SBL and SDL certificates at the successful completion of their program of study. Being a school leader with both certifications will make the graduate far more marketable in the employment field.


Program Requirements for School District Business Leader (SDBL) students

Students entering the program who do not hold permanent teaching certification in New York, but have an earned master’s degree, must successfully complete either 30 or 33 hours of course work and either 3 or 6 hours of internship credit (33 hours of course work + 3 hours of internship credit = 36; 30 hours of course work + 6 hours of internship credit = 36). Ten courses, including at least a 3 credit hour internship in a school district business office, are required, with an additional 6 credits earned in an extended internship and/or additional elective coursework. Students should note that their internship experience must be done in a school business office.


WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION?

There are both college and department requirements for admission to the program. Admission packets are available through the Office of Graduate Studies. SBL and SDL Strand: For teacher certified individuals, a master’s degree and permanent teaching certificate are additionally required for admission. SDBL Strand: Students who are not certified to teach in New York State are additionally required to have a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education recognized by SUNY Cortland. This program of study is the only option for those students with a non-education background.


ARE THERE ANY TIME LIMITS FOR COMPLETING THE PROGRAM?

Students may take up to nine (9) credit hours before being matriculated into the program. The program must be completed in five (5) years from the time of the first course, not from the time of matriculation.


ONCE IN THE PROGRAM, WHAT COURSE REQUIREMENTS MUST BE MET?

The Educational Leadership Program is so structured that there is little, if any, room for elective courses. The educational path you select should be based on the type of administrative position you plan to pursue. Plan your courses with your program advisor.


MAY I USE COURSES TAKEN FOR MY MASTER’S DEGREE TOWARD THE CAS?

No, the same course may not be used to fulfill certification (or program) requirements for two different programs.


CERTIFICATE OF ADVANCE STUDY” AND “STATE EDUCATION CERTIFICATION” – ARE THEY THE SAME THING?

No, the Certificate of Advanced Study [CAS] in Educational Leadership is awarded to students by the College. The New York State Education Department certifies you to practice as a school leader, and this is signified through the three certifications awarded by the state – SBL [School Building Leader], SDL [School District leader], and the SDBL [School District Business Leader].Currently, NYSED does NOT require Athletic Directors to be certified. However, school districts may require Athletic Directors to hold this certificate. Directors of Physical Education are required by NYSED to hold administrative certification.


GRADUATION

Near the completion of your program you should contact the Office of Graduate Studies (607-753-4800) to request a review of your records to verify that you have met requirements for graduation. This should be done by November 1 for January graduates, March 1 for May graduates, and June 1 for August graduates.


MAY I TRANSFER COURSES FROM OTHER INSTITUTIONS INTO THE CORTLAND PROGRAM?

SUNY Cortland’s Educational Leadership Program has little, if any, room for electives. Students wishing to transfer required Educational Leadership courses in from approved colleges should contact their program advisor before taking the course(s). Not all transfers will be accepted. Contact your advisor first.


WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Contact your program advisor or the Educational Leadership Department Chair at SUNY Cortland (607-753-2444) or the SUNY IT Graduate Office (315-792-7828).

 

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