Program Overview
Stony Brook University's post-master's advanced graduate certificate program prepares business leaders who can transform educational systems through strategic operational expertise.
Whether you're an experienced administrator or business professional, you'll develop the specialized knowledge to optimize district resources, implement effective systems, and create the organizational foundation that enables academic excellence in New York State schools.
Career pathways include: Assistant Superintendent, Deputy/Associate Superintendent for Operations, District Operations Director, and various leadership positions that bridge operational excellence with academic achievement.
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Two Program Tracks
Business Professionals
Business professionals from the private or public sector who are not licensed educators can bring their skills and acumen into the school district environment without prior teaching or school leadership experience.
- No prior teaching or educational leadership experience required
- Complete the full 36-credit certificate program
- Qualify to sit for the certification exam upon completion
School Leaders – Accelerated Track
Educators who possess New York State Permanent or Professional School District Administrator (SDA) or School District Leader (SDL) certificate may be eligible for our accelerated track.
- Only requires 15 credits of coursework
- Personalized course plan based on prior experience
- Schedule an advising appointment with Program Director prior to admission
Content Areas
Our comprehensive curriculum covers all the essential knowledge areas required for successful school business leadership:
Program of Study
This certificate program consists of 36 credits, distributed among the areas listed below. If you are a current School Leader pursuing the accelerated-track option, your program of study will be determined in conjunction with the program director.
FOUNDATIONS
9 credits
EDL 501 Educational Leadership Theory I
EDL 502 Educational Leadership Theory II (prerequisite EDL 501)
EDL 515 School District Leadership
CORE COURSES
18 credits
CES/MBA 514 Collective Bargaining and Arbitration in the Public Sector
EDL 520 School Finance
EDL 525 Managerial Accounting for the School Business Official
EDL 528 School Law
EDL 571 School Business Administration
EDL 572 School Personnel Management
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP RESEARCH PROJECT SEMINAR (EDL 595)
3 credits
Each student is required to conduct an individual research project on a topic of special academic interest or professional relevance. The topic must be approved by and completed under the direction of the faculty member teaching this course. Successful completion requires a grade of "B" or better to graduate; a student who earns a lower grade will need to repeat the course. No transfer credit or substitutions permitted.
Prerequisite: Completion of 24 EDL program credits.
INTERNSHIP AND SEMINAR
6 credits
Prerequisite: Students must complete a minimum of 27 credits (all foundation and required courses, and an elective) before enrolling in these courses. Read more about the Internship Experience.
EDL 565 School Business Internship
EDL 566 School Business Internship Seminar
Please Note: There are field hours embedded in each course through authentic activities. Assignments will be given that would require collaboration with administrators in a public school district. This is in addition to the full semester and summer portion of the Internship.
Examination and NYSED Workshop Requirements
In addition to their graduate course work, all candidates for certification must pass a required New York State qualifying test prior to issuance of a license after graduation from this program. They also must complete required NYSED workshops for certification. It is the student’s responsibility to monitor the TEACH website to ensure that they are taking the appropriate workshops and examinations.