EDL Admissions

School Building + School Leadership Post-Master's Advanced Graduate Certificate

Stony Brook University's Educational Leadership program admits all teachers who have the talent and experience needed to become effective school leaders. Our EDL Admissions Committee welcomes applications from all New York State certified teachers who have their professional or permanent certifications.

Our program does not require the GRE or specific master's-level coursework to gain admittance. Instead, by performing a holistic review of all submitted materials, the Committee develops a deeper understanding of each applicant's unique qualities, aspirations and potential to succeed. This process culiminates in an admitted student cohort that brings together people with diverse experiences and backgrounds who will enrich our community and advance the field of K-12 education.

We look forward to learning about you.

Rolling Application Deadlines
NEXT PRIORITY REVIEW DATE:

May 1

FOR SUMMER 2023

Apply Now

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Admissions Criteria & Start Terms

To be admitted into the Educational Leadership program, all students must meet the following criteria, whether they are online or in a cohort:

Master's degree. Your official transcript must indicate the conferral of a master's degree, with a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
New York State Permanent or Professional Teaching Certification, plus three years of full-time teaching, administrative, supervisory, or pupil personnel service experience, excluding civil service.

Start Terms and Rolling Deadlines

SPD doesn't have application cut-off dates.

This program admits students four terms per year – Fall, Spring I, Spring II, and Summer. While applications are continuously accepted, those submitted by the dates listed below will be granted priority review. Completed application packages received after this date will be accommodated as space permits.

Priority Review Deadlines – Online Students Only:

Fall: August 1
Spring: December 1
Summer: May 1

Priority Review Deadlines – Teacher Center Cohort Students Only:

Fall: August 15
Spring I: November 1
Spring II: January 15
Summer: May 7

If an applicant's package is missing materials and cannot be reviewed for the upcoming term, the application will be held for processing for the next admissions cycle.

Application Requirements

All applicants must submit the following materials through our online application portal.

When applying, be sure to select whether you will be an Online or a Teacher Center Cohort student.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please review How to Submit Your Official and Unofficial Transcripts for instructions.

Unofficial Transcript: Upload into the Application Portal

You will be asked to upload an unofficialcopy of your transcript from your master's institution that shows your cumulative GPA and degree conferral. We will review applications and make admissions decisions using your unofficial transcript while we wait for your official transcript to arrive.

Official Transcript: Sent By Your Master's Institution

While we will review applications and make admissions decisions using your unofficial transcript, we will need your official transcript so you can matriculate and enroll.

Stony Brook Alumni

If you earned your master's degree from Stony Brook University, you do not need to submit a transcript.
All applicants must submit a 750-1000 word personal statement that should be a reflection of your ability to approach graduate-level work successfully, using creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research.

Your personal statement must be your own original work. and should address the following:
- - What is your purpose in pursuing this post-master's advanced graduate certificate?
  - How have you prepared yourself for this field of study? (Include any relevant professional experience.)
  - Specifically, how will this degree/certificate assist you in advancing both your professional and personal goals?
  - Describe your research and study interests and any other aspects of your background, skills, or qualifications that would aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your motivation for graduate study.
You will need two recommendation letters from school supervisory personnel or administrators who have a thorough knowledge of whether you have the temperament and disposition to become an effective leader.

Submt the names and email addresses of the recommenders on your application and they will be contacted.

Do not collect paper or digital letters as there is no way for you to upload them into the application system.

After Submission

You may expect to hear from SPD via email regarding an admissions decision within two business weeks after receipt of the completed application. The email will direct you to the Application Portal for the decision.

If you're offered admission, you will be prompted to respond before you can be matriculated.

Ready for Your Next Step?

If you're prepared for the challenge of graduate study, don't wait to have a greater impact on your students, your school and the community. Apply now.

START YOUR APPLICATION

Information Session

Going to back graduate school is a big commitment, so make sure you're fully informed. Attend one of our information sessions to meet the program director and learn more about the University, our program's format, certification questions, the admissions process and more.

View Dates and Sign Up

Have More Questions?

We are happy to help! You can chat with our live representatives for quick questions during our extended business hours, read through the School of Professional Development's frequently asked admissions questions for deeper dives, or email an EDL advisor with specific questions about your application.