The CAGS in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is designed for the self-directed, continuous learner who has earned a master’s degree and desires to develop knowledge of educational leadership and policy. The CAGS program is ideal for working professionals and for aspiring or developing leaders of alternative, independent, charter, and international schools as well as those interested in a career in education-related community organizations, institutes, think tanks, and state and federal service, and international education enterprises. This program is also useful for professionals in such areas as journalism, law, education sales and marketing, and elected and appointed offices who wish to specialize in educational issues, products, or services.

Students who wish to complete a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study work in collaboration with their academic advisor to develop an individualized program of study to realize their educational objectives. The minimum number of credits students must earn is 30 (more for those seeking Administrative Leadership Licensure described below), and students are encouraged to elect courses in one of three broad focus areas: Pre-K–12 Educational Leadership; Policy, Planning, and Administration; and Higher Education Administration. Those interested in pursuing one of these focus areas may select courses from the Recommended Electives below. Students may also, with guidance from their advisor, take electives from multiple focus areas as well as design their own program of studies.

Total credits: 30

Recommended Electives—Pre-K–12 Educational Leadership Focus (16 credits)

• AP 720 Performance-Based Instructional Leadership (4 cr)
• AP 750 Educator Evaluation and Supervision (4 cr)
• AP 758 School Governance, Finance, and Operations (4 cr)
• AP 662 Strategic Planning and Implementation (4 cr)
• AP 800 Practicum and Seminar (4 cr)

Recommended Electives—Policy, Planning, and Administration Focus (16 credits)

• AP 600 Diversity and Justice (4 cr)
• AP 753 Educational Policy (4 cr)
• AP 754 Educational Equity and the Law (2 cr)
• AP 757 School Labor Relations and Personnel Management (2 cr)
• AP 758 School Governance, Finance, and Operations (4 cr)

Recommended Electives—Higher Education Administration Focus (16 credits)

• AP 601 History and Foundations of Higher Education (4 cr)
• AP 612 How Colleges Work (4 cr)
• AP 699 Current Issues in Higher Education Administration: Policy and Practice (4 cr)
• AP 730 Innovation in Higher Education (4 cr)

Other Electives (14 credits)

The Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development is committed to improving public education for all students by providing schools and school districts with instructional leaders who:

• Understand and adapt to the changing needs of their students, schools, and communities.
• Have a vision of effective instruction grounded in practice and research.
• Understand both qualitative and quantitative data to realize that vision.

Utilizing a wide network of affiliated school leaders from throughout greater Boston and beyond, our Educational Leadership Licensure Programs (ELLPs) provide aspiring school leaders with a unique combination of practice-embedded coursework and research-informed clinical experience leading toward both a CAGS and eligibility for a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrator license as a:

• Principal/Assistant Principal (Pre-K–8, or 5–12)
• Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
• Supervisor/Director
• Special Education Administrator

The courses listed below provide the theoretical foundation, professional skills, and knowledge base that the students will apply in their clinical experiences leading to mastery of the state licensure standards and indicators.

Total credits: 36–40, depending on license

Core Courses for All Licenses (20 credits)

• AP 526 Family and Community Engagement (2 cr)
• AP 662 Strategic Planning and Implementation (4 cr)
• AP 720 Performance-Based Instructional Leadership (4 cr)
• AP 750 Educator Evaluation and Supervision (4 cr)
• AP 754 Educational Equity and the Law (2 cr)
• AP 757 School Labor Relations and Personnel Management (2 cr)
• AP 758 School Governance, Finance, and Operations (4 cr)
• TL 530 School Leadership: English Language Learners (2 cr)

Supervisor/Director License

The 20 credits above, and:

• CT 721 Analysis and Design of Curriculum (4 cr)
• CT 801 Leadership Practicum & Seminar (300 hours) (4 cr)
• Elective (4 cr)

Special Education Administrator License

The 20 credits above, and:

• SE 702 Leadership Practicum & Seminar (600 hours) (8 cr)
• SE 744 School Administration and Special Needs (4 cr)

Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent License

The 20 credits above, and:

• AP 761 Organizational Analysis (4 cr)
• AP 805 Leadership Practicum & Seminar (600 hours) (8 cr)

Principal/Assistant Principal License

The 20 credits above, and:

• AP 802, 803, or 804 Leadership Practicum & Seminar (600 hours) (8 cr)
• Elective (4 cr)

At the core of our program is an intensive clinical relationship among the student, a highly experienced field-based practitioner, and a University-based supervisor. This clinical relationship enables the student to relate course assignments to the field, applying theories learned in the classroom to the practice of leading educational institutions. It also provides entry into a practicum experience in which DESE’s Professional Standards and Indicators for Administrative Leadership (PSIs) are practiced and mastered.