Minimum number of credits required to complete the CAGS preparation program: 36
Minimum number of credits required to complete the PAL program: 16
Minimum cumulative GPA required: 3.0
School: School of Education and Social Policy
Learn more about the program
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership is an online program designed for professionals who are seeking a leadership role in schools or school-related institutions.
Candidates who are currently working as administrators in schools may want to align their administrative skills with the Educator Evaluation System.
All students in the program enroll in core courses providing a comprehensive view of educational leadership and in a capstone or practicum involving field-based work or research. 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 CAGS in Educational Leadership is a 36-credit program. There are two concentrations available in the CAGS program:
- Principal/Assistant Principal, with Licensure (K-6, 5-8, 9-12)
- Leadership, Non-Licensure
In addition to the two CAGS concentration there is an additional non-degree, credit-bearing program:
- Performance Assessment for Leaders (PAL) Preparation
PAL is a 16-credit non-degree program. The program offers four courses aligned with with the four PAL tasks.
Admission Requirements
The CAGS 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 (mentor) on-site who agrees to monitor the candidate’s 500-hour practicum, has an initial or professional license and has worked under that license for at least three years. The letter must include the mentor’s MA license number.
- Interview with Program Director
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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