School District Business Leadership

Stony Brook University offers two post-master’s advanced graduate certificate programs that lead to New York State certification in areas of school district, building and business leadership. 

The Educational Leadership (EDL) program is a fully online, post-master’s advanced graduate certificate program that prepares K-12 educators for advancement to positions at both the school district (SDL) and school building (SBL) levels. Such positions include superintendent of schools, district superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, department chairperson, or athletic director.

The post-master’s certificate in School District Business Leadership (SDBL) program prepares professionals from the corporate world, public service agencies, and charitable institutions for access and advancement to positions in a school district central office, such as assistant superintendent for school business positions. Most courses are scheduled online, but two are offered on campus.

Both programs are offered in collaboration with the University’s Distributed Teacher and Leader Education Program and articulate with EdD programs from other universities in the region.

Admissions Requirements

Application

• Personal statement.
• Master’s degree.
• Two letters of recommendation. One must be from the Superintendent of Schools (or her/his designee) and the other must be from school supervisory personnel or administrators who have a thorough knowledge of whether the applicant has the temperament and disposition to become an effective leader.
• New York State permanent/professional teaching, administrative or pupil personnel certification plus three years of full-time teaching, administrative, supervisory, or pupil personnel service experience, excluding civil service.
• In those cases where the departmental admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be necessary.

NOTE: Effective Spring 2017, a maximum of 12 credits may be transferred to the Educational Leadership and School District Business Leadership programs prior to matriculation.