Educational Leadership (CAGS)

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership is a post-master’s degree program designed for professionals in education, or a related field, who wish to deepen their knowledge and expertise in school leadership and administration. The program builds on prior graduate-level education and focuses on developing the skills necessary for effective leadership in educational settings. This program equips educators with the tools to manage educational organizations, lead change initiatives, and foster a positive learning environment. Key areas of focus include instructional leadership, strategic planning, organizational development, ethics, policy analysis, and community engagement. The program prepares educators for leadership roles emphasizing both theory and practical application in real-world educational contexts.

For students interested in pursuing doctoral studies, 27 of the 33 CAGS credits can be transferred into PSU's Doctor of Education program. 

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) program requires the following materials to be submitted through our online application

  • GPA of 3.0 or better – The admissions review team will consider academic history for bachelor’s, master’s and post-master’s coursework.
  • Official transcripts from all college level coursework verifying conferral of bachelor’s and other graduate degrees from an accredited institution, along with official transcripts from any/all other colleges and universities attended. 
  • Three professional recommendations that directly address applicant’s candidacy for admission to a post-master’s program; include a detailed explanation of applicant’s strengths and ability to do research; and address applicant’s potential to successfully participate in, and complete, a post-master’s program.
  • Current resume 
  • Professional writing sample – create a writing sample or use a previously created work that has been submitted academically or written for professional reasons. 
  • Statement of interest/intent addressing the following:
    • indicate your reasons for applying to the CAGS program
    • describe your preparation and/or readiness for post-master’s level coursework
    • explain why the program is a good fit
  • NH Residency Verification form (NH residents only) 

Deadlines

Students pursuing a CAGS in Educational Leadership can apply for admission to any of the upcoming semesters. Here are the annual application deadlines:

  • Fall semester – August 1
  • Spring semester – December 1
  • Summer semester – April 15

*We suggest submitting your documentation at least two weeks prior to the posted date to ensure your application is complete and can be reviewed by the deadline. 

 

Curriculum Requirements

Course Title Credits
Educational Leadership Component
EP 7020Collaborative Leadership3
EP 7030Transforming the Educational Agenda3
EP 7040Planning in Education and Human Services3
EP 7050Advanced Mixed Research Methodology3
EP 7060Legal Issues in Policy Making3
EP 7080Ethical Leadership and Decision Making3
Specialization Component
Credits approved by advisor12-18
Capstone Experience
Complete one of the following:3-6
EP 7850
CAGS Capstone
EP 7910
Independent Study
EP 7560
Special Topics in Educational Leadership
Total Credits33-39
 
  • Demonstrate ability to be critical consumers of research and other information.
  • Demonstrate ability to creatively and ethically design and conduct original research.
  • Demonstrate an ability to collaboratively facilitate the development of a shared vision of learning in order to promote continual and sustainable organizational improvement.
  • Use data to drive decision making, identify goals and assess organizational effectiveness.
  •  Develop an organizational culture and program characterized that can be characterized as having expectations for students and staff.
  • Create and evaluate a comprehensive, rigorous and coherent curricular and instructional program.
  • Develop and supervise the instructional practice and leadership potential of staff.
  • Manage the organization, operation and resources through monitoring and evaluating the appropriate systems.
  • Efficiently use human, fiscal and technological resources through monitoring and evaluating the appropriate systems.
  • Collaborating with faculty and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizing community resources on behalf of the organization by collecting and analyzing information pertinent to improvement of the organization’s educational environment.
  • Promote an understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultural, social and intellectual resources within the community the organization serves.
  • Build and sustain positive relationships with families, caregivers and community partners to facilitate a dynamic, high-achieving learning environment for all.
  • Act with integrity, fairness and in an ethical manner to ensure a school system of accountability for every student’s academic and social success.
  • Model principles of self-awareness, reflective practice and transparency.
  • Uphold the values of democracy, equity and diversity within the school to ensure that individual student needs inform all aspects of education.
  • Evaluate the potential moral and legal consequences of decision making.
  • Advocate within the community and educational environment for students, families and caregivers.
  • Act to influence local, district, state and national decisions that affect learning.
  • Anticipate and assess emerging trends and initiatives in order to adapt educational-based leadership strategies.

Leadership Positions in Schools, Leadership Positions in Human Service Organizations, Leadership Positions in Community Service Organizations, Career Advancement for Educators