CAGS in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Boston University is designed to prepare our students to be PreK-12 public, independent, and international school and district leaders, and education-related community, state, federal, and institutional leaders and analysts. Students in our program have already achieved their master’s degree in a relevant program and are interested in continuing their education. Our faculty and coursework are committed to developing 21^st Century educational leaders who are data informed, future oriented, and people focused.

We offer two concentration options for our students: a PreK-12 Educational Leadership concentration, which contributes to the Administrative Licensure process, or a customized program without a specified concentration (“No Sub-Concentration”). Overall, our program prepares students to adopt a reflective mindset that critically considers how personal and professional narratives, context, relationships, historical inequities, and contemporary issues affect and guide administration at any level.

Our PreK-12 Educational Leadership concentration focuses on 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. We prepare our students to: understand and adapt to the changing needs of their students, schools, and communities; have a vision of effective instruction grounded in research; and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to realize that vision. This concentration may lead to administrative licensure.

We support students who do not wish to identify a sub-concentration and guide them in instead customizing the program to suit their professional goals. This “No Sub-Concentration” option is ideal for those interested in a career leading independent and international schools, as well as those who plan on working in education-related community organizations, institutes, think tanks, and state and federal service. With guidance from an experienced advisor, students may elect courses in such areas as policy analysis, diversity and justice, performance-based leadership, and other topics that focus on reforming and transforming schools and school systems into high performing organizations for all students.

Our program:

Prepares students to be PreK-12 public, independent, and international school and district leaders, and education-related community, state, federal, and institutional leaders and analysts.
Emphasizes the importance of a reflective mindset that critically considers how personal and professional narratives, context, relationships, historical inequities, and contemporary issues affect and guide administration at any level.
Offers two concentrations to accommodate student interest and professional goals: PreK-12 Educational Leadership, and a customizable program without a specified concentration (“No Sub-Concentration”).
Provides certain students with the opportunity to become eligible for licensure.
Requires all students have a prerequisite master’s degree in a relevant field.

Faculty Contact Information: Dr. Bob Weintraub, rjtraub@bu.edu, 617-353-3519
Graduate Admissions: whegrad@bu.edu, 617-353-4237

For program requirements and additional details, please visit the BU Bulletin.

For additional information regarding Gainful Employment, please click here.

BU Wheelock Educator Preparation Programs Licensing Disclosure provides information about BU Wheelock state approved programs and how the educational requirements compare with those in other states. Education students in licensure programs should review this resource and contact edlic@bu.edu with questions