Minimum number of credits required to complete the C.A.G.S. program: 36
Minimum number of credits required to complete the PAL program: 16
Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0
School: Winston School of Education and Social Policy
Learn more about the program
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S) in Educational Leadership is an online program designed for professionals who are seeking a leadership role in schools or related institutions.
Candidates who are currently working as administrators in schools may want to align their administrative skills with the new Educator Evaluation System. For those who plan to prepare for top-level positions in educational administration, the program serves as a foundation for further graduate study.
All students in the program enroll in core courses providing a comprehensive view of educational leadership and in a capstone involving field-based work or research. Within this common framework, students specialize through their field-based experiences in preparing for roles as teacher leader, department head, lead teacher, or curriculum coordinator. The core includes classes in advanced leadership and policy, collaborative leadership, school law, and school, family and community partnerships. For those students seeking more specialized courses, the program offers additional courses in school finance and operations, supervision and evaluation, supervision of instruction for diverse learners, and how to use data for school improvement.
The C.A.G.S. in Educational Leadership is a 36-credit program. There are three concentrations available in the C.A.G.S. program:
- Principal/Assistant Principal, with Licensure (K-6, 5-8, 9-12)
- Leadership, Non-Licensure
- School Counseling, Non-Licensure
In addition to the three C.A.G.S. concentration there is an additional non-degree, credit-bearing program:
- Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) Preparation
PAL is a 16-credit program. Students may opt for an additional four-credit Capstone course.
Admission Requirements
The C.A.G.S. is an advanced degree, and has the following application requirements, which may differ from the master’s level application. Please review the most up-to-date admission requirements on the Graduate Admissions website.
- Completed online application.
- Current resume/CV that demonstrates three years employment as a teacher, administrator, or supervisor in a public, private, or higher education setting.
- Final transcript that demonstrates the receipt of a master’s degree in education or an educational related field.
- Two letters of reference from a supervisor in the education field who can speak to the candidate’s professionalism, leadership, and ability to be successful in an advanced degree program. For those students seeking licensure, one letter must be from a supervisor on-site who agrees to monitor the candidate’s 500-hour practicum.
- Personal statement (500-1000 words).
The PAL program admission requirements are as follows:
- Master’s degree in education or education related field
- Three years’ work experience as a teacher or administrator
- Currently working in a K-12 school in Massachusetts under a licensed Massachusetts administrator
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