MSEd in Educational Leadership

• For additional program information see the School of Public Affairs website

The Masters of Science in Education- Educational Leadership (MSEd-EL) program prepares elementary and secondary educators to obtain high-level supervisory positions in public schools. The coursework offers a comprehensive understanding of educational administration in an urban environment. Students acquire managerial and analytical skills applicable to a wide range of institutional settings, including public, private, and charter schools. The focus is on the latest scholarship in educational leadership and on developing applied knowledge through experience working in teams within public schools. The degree requires the completion of 33 credits. Students who obtain 24 credits are eligible to apply for the School Building Leadership (SBL) certificate mandated by the State of New York to become an assistant principal or principal. With 15 more credits beyond the 24 credits, students can apply for a School District Leadership (SDL) certificate from the State of New York to become a school superintendent.

Most MSED-EL courses are offered through partnerships with organizations and programs that are responsible for the professional education of school administrators. Applications are made directly to the sponsoring organization, which are then transferred to Baruch College for submission to the graduate admissions system for processing. Depending on the program, the instruction is offered on Baruch College’s campus, at the New York City Leadership Academy in Long Island City Queens, and within New York City’s public schools. Five partnership programs are offered.

Aspiring Principals Program (APP)

APP is a 14-month leadership development program. APP has 3 distinct phases: 1) a 6-week summer intensive that engages participants in a problem-based, action-learning curriculum that simulates the challenges of a New York City principal; 2) a 10-month, school-based residency under the mentorship of an experienced principal; and 3) an ending summer session that enables participants to transition successfully into school leadership positions. All participants are evaluated on a pass-fail basis and must meet rigorous performance standards to progress to each successive program phase and to graduate. Participant salaries and benefits are paid by the New York City Department of Education while in the program. Students receive 24 credits for the completion of PAF 9301, PAF 9309, PAF 9310, PAF 9314, PAF 9312, PAF 9319, and PAF 9320 and are recommended for State certification once all requirements are met.  Classes are completed off-campus at the New York City Leadership Academy.

Leaders in Education Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)

LEAP trains school leaders to maximize their effectiveness. The year-long program begins with a summer institute that provides the knowledge and skills to manage instructional improvements, initiate effective organizational change, handle difficult problems, and engage parents and community in the accomplishment of educational goals. The summer institute is followed by a full-time internship in a school setting that involves implementing innovative projects and honing leadership skills. The internships are guided by mentor principals selected for their outstanding track record in urban public schools. By completing the summer intensive, their courses throughout the fall, as well as their full time mentorship, the participants receive academic credit for PAF 9301, PAF 9309, PAF 9310, PAF 9314, PAF 9312, PAF 9319, and PAF 9320 and are recommended for State certification once all requirements are met.

Scaffold Apprenticeship Model (SAM Citywide)

SAM Citywide is a School Building Leadership certification program that integrates leadership skill development into the work of school improvement. The entire program is directed by an expert lead facilitator. The curriculum entails an apprenticeship model where learning is embedded in the work participants do in their schools. The participants’ schools are the subject of study, professional literature augments craft knowledge, and action research links theory and practice.

The aim is to scaffold a sequence of research-based ideas that shape school work – explicitly at first and then internalized as “habits of mind.” Success is measured by the capacity of the participants’ to improve student outcomes in the schools in which they work. In a 2-year cohort model, students complete the following courses on the Baruch College campus: PAF 9310, PAF 9314, PAF 9309, PAF 9319, PAF 9301, PAF 9312, PAF 9320, and PAF 9321 and are recommended for State certification once all requirements are met.

New Leaders for New Schools (NLNS)

New Leaders for New Schools is a School Building Leadership certification program that trains individuals to become leaders within their schools within the role of Assistant Principal and Principal. This program consists of an intensive summer institute, followed by a yearlong, full-time internship where the student will have substantial projects and leadership opportunities in a school, as well as academic sessions to incorporate the theory with the practice. The internships will be led by exceptional mentor principals selected for their outstanding track record in urban public schools. The participants receive academic credit for PAF 9301, PAF 9309, PAF 9310, PAF 9314, PAF 9312, PAF 9319, and PAF 9320 and are recommended for State certification once all requirements are met.  

Teacher Education Leadership (TEL)

TEL is designed to develop the skills required for a teacher to become an assistant principal or principal. The instructional material is job-embedded and participants learn by doing, using their own schools as the focus of their study. The program takes place over two semesters and participants receive 12 credits and a certificate of completion from Baruch College. Completed at the NYC Leadership Academy, the participants receive academic credit for PAF 9301, PAF 9309, PAF 9310, and PAF 9314.