School District Leadership Graduate Programs
Choose Saint Rose for your educational leadership certification
As an educational leader, you rise to multiple challenges every day – from keeping employees and students safe and productive, to working with ever-changing resources.
With a theory-to-practice curriculum and expert faculty who have experience in the field, we’ve designed our graduate programs to equip you with the essential, cutting-edge knowledge and skills you need to be a successful school leader. And we offer our programs in a convenient, flexible format to fit your situation and busy schedule.
The Thelma P. Lally School of Education at The College of Saint Rose is known for producing outstanding, sought-after educational leaders, so consider launching the next phase of your career with us.
What our programs have in common:
- Receive unparalleled instruction from our experienced, expert faculty
- Study advanced coursework developed for future leaders
- Attend in multiple modalities – including synchronous and asynchronous remote learning – to maintain continuity throughout the program
- Access scholarships or membership discounts that make our programs among the most affordable among independent colleges in New York state.
- Work closely with a cohort of talented, diverse peers
- Benefit from a customized internship experience to ensure you can contribute immediately on day one
- Join a powerful, regional and national network of some of the best school leaders in the country
Choose the program that best fits your career goals
Our programs are for academic coordinators, principals, superintendents, and administrative professionals working in any capacity in a school or district, as well as for teachers who wish to move into administration. In addition, our SDBL program invites professionals from outside education to explore the possibility of using their talents in school finance.
School Building Leader (SBL) Options
If you wish to be an educational leader in a school-building or school-district environment, our programs allow you to attend any class in any of three ways: in person, via livestream, or online.
- M.S.Ed. in educational leadership and administration (36 credits) – for those without an M.S.Ed.
- SBL certificate of advanced standing (24 credits) – for candidates with an M.S.Ed. degree
School District Leader (SDL) Certification
If you aspire to leadership in a school-building or school-district environment, and hold an M.S.Ed. degree, earn a:
- Certificate in school district leadership (6-39 credits) – this program encompasses the SBL)
School District Business Leader (SDBL) Options
If you’re interested in a business career in a school district, Saint Rose offers two options:
- SDBL certificate of advanced standing (24 credits, fully online) – for candidates who have earned an M.S.Ed.
- SDBL CAS + MBA (60 credits) – earn your MBA at the renowned Huether School of Business while earning your certificate, and enjoy the flexibility of attending classes in person, via livestream, or online
Saint Rose Alumni Stories
Neil J. Estrada G'10
Neil J. Estrada started his career in the Schenectady City School District, where he taught second, fourth, fifth, and sixth grades for 10 years. A graduate of the advanced certificate program in school building leadership, he later transitioned into the role of administrator there before moving to Amsterdam Middle School as assistant principal and now Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School in the same capacity.
Thea MacFawn G'20
Thea MacFawn started her career as an English teacher before transitioning to administration last year. She wanted to be an educator because her own teachers had helped to show her that she could use her voice to make a difference. Inspired by the notion that students don’t have to wait until adulthood to make an impact on their communities, she and a librarian with the North Colonie Schools co-founded the Capital Region Institute for Human Rights in 2014. The organization holds a leadership program for students and teachers showing them how they can create change.
Tamara Thorpe-Odom G'08
Tamara Thorpe-Odom always wanted to be a teacher, having come from a family that put their children through private school and emphasized that education was the key to success. With a passion for special education, she’s served as an administrator in Schenectady, New Lebanon, and Chatham, as well as at Northern Rivers. And throughout her work, her emphasis as an educator and professional has been about forming relationships.Classroom Heroes Playlist
Contact Us Now
Of course, if you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here to help.
Dr. Deborah Shea
Program Coordinator
