Advance Your Leadership and Transform Education
Grow as a scholar, leader, or analyst who is grounded in policy, practice, and research with a certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from BU Wheelock. This program will both broaden your practical leadership skills and deepen your understanding of the enduring challenges of education.
The educational leadership CAGS is for students who already have a master’s degree in a relevant program and are interested in continuing their education. The Educational Leadership & Policy Studies CAGS at Boston University may lead to administrative licensure and can be taken on either a full-time (one year) or part-time (two years) basis.
Program Pathways
As a student in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies CAGS at BU Wheelock, you’ll learn to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative educational programs, practices and services for local, regional, national and international schools, institutions and organizations. CAGS candidates must successfully complete a comprehensive examination as a part of the CAGS degree.
Students in the CAGS program work in collaboration with their academic advisor to develop an individualized program of study in one of three broad focus areas: PreK–12 Educational Leadership; Policy, Planning, and Administration; and Higher Education Administration.
Students in the licensure pathway for the CAGS in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies take a unique combination of practice-embedded coursework and research-informed clinical experience that will lead them to eligibility for a Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) administrator license in one of the following areas:
- Principal/Assistant Principal (PreK–8, or 5–12)
- Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent
- Supervisor/Director
- Special Education Administrator
Students in the licensure pathway gain hands-on experience through an intensive clinical placement with an experienced field-based practitioner and a University supervisor. Through the practicum, you’ll apply DESE’s Professional Standards and Indicators for Administrative Leadership, connect coursework to real-world challenges, and put leadership theory into practice.
Career Outcomes
Advance your impact in education with a CAGS in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from BU Wheelock. You’ll develop advanced leadership, policy, and research skills to lead innovative programs, strengthen educational organizations, and improve outcomes for students and communities. You’ll learn to:
- Adapt leadership approaches to support students, schools, and communities.
- Develop a clear, research-informed vision for teaching and learning.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative data to strengthen educational outcomes.
Alumni of the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies CAGS
Graduates are prepared for a variety of leadership and analytical roles, such as:
- Leaders of alternative, independent, charter, and international schools
- Professionals in community organizations, think tanks, government agencies, and international education organizations
- Specialists focused on educational issues, products, programs, and services
Featured Faculty
The faculty in Boston University Wheelock’s Educational Leadership & Policy Studies CAGS program bring extensive experience as education leaders, researchers, and practitioners. Their practical, real-world approach prepares graduates to lead effectively and drive meaningful change across educational settings.
Courses in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies CAGS
Core courses in the Educational Leadership & Policy Studies CAGS program cover educational leadership, policy, research, organizational improvement, and equity. Student in the CAGS program must earn a minimum number of 30 credits.
In addition to these courses, you’ll develop advanced expertise in areas such as:
Students who are not seeking licensure are encouraged to select courses in one of three broad focus areas: PreK–12 Educational Leadership; Policy, Planning, and Administration; and Higher Education Administration. You’ll develop advanced expertise in areas such as:
- Leadership in Schools and Communities
- Strategic Planning and Implementation
- Educational Equity and the Law
- School Governance, Finance, and Operations
- History and Foundations of Higher Education
Students in the PreK–12 Educational Leadership licensure track build the knowledge and leadership skills they need to succeed in clinical experiences and meet state licensure standards. They take a set of core courses (24 credits), which they augment with coursework specific to their goals as a supervisor/director, superintendent/assistant superintendent, or principal/assistant principal. Courses include:
- Family & Community Engagement
- Performance-Based Instructional Leadership
- School Labor Relations and Personnel Management
- School Governance, Finance, and Operations
Related Programs
MA in Educational Policy Studies
Be prepared to conduct rigorous education-focused research and data analysis to make informed decisions about PreK–20 education and child policies. With the master’s (MA) in Educational Policy Studies, you’ll explore research policy, and learn to apply research to understand and evaluate policy.
EdM in Educational Leadership (PreK–12)
Impact PreK–12 education through leadership, policy, and analysis roles at the local, state, and federal level with the EdM in Educational Leadership (PreK–12). This program features everything you’d find in a master’s degree in education administration, with a greater emphasis on leadership and policy. Includes flexible licensure and non-licensure options.
EdM in Higher Education Administration
The EdM in Higher Education Administration explores areas such as counseling and advising, student life, financial aid, admissions, and more. Obtain foundational expertise, explore the relationship between theory and practice, and learn to analyze and address current issues facing higher education.
Scholarships Available
Ready to start your CAGS in educational leadership and policy studies? Let us help you figure out how to fund your dreams. Merit-based scholarships are available to graduate students.
Admissions & Dates
Fall & Spring 2027
Aug 3, 2026
Application Opens
Spring 2027 Start
Dec 15, 2026
Application Closes
Fall 2027 Start
Jan 15, 2027
Priority Deadline
Fall 2027 Start
Aug 1, 2027
Application Closes
Frequently Asked Questions
The CAGS in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at BU Wheelock is an advanced graduate program for professionals with a relevant master’s degree who want to deepen their expertise in educational leadership, policy, research, and organizational improvement.
The program is designed for experienced educators, scholars, leaders, and analysts seeking advanced skills to lead schools, districts, education organizations, and policy initiatives. Students may work in PreK–12 education, higher education, government, community organizations, or other education-related settings.
The PreK–12 Educational Leadership licensure pathway may lead to Massachusetts administrative licensure. Students complete clinical and practicum experiences that help them apply leadership skills and meet state licensure standards.
The CAGS can be completed full time in one year or part time in two years, offering flexibility for working education professionals.
Graduates can pursue leadership and specialist roles in schools, districts, government agencies, community organizations, think tanks, research institutes, and international education organizations. Career paths may include school and district leadership, education policy, program development, and education analysis.
Licensing Disclosure
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.
Background Checks
Students who are admitted into BU Wheelock routinely participate in field experiences as a part of their respective program curriculum and requirements. Most field sites require criminal background checks to determine students’ eligibility for participation. History of a criminal background may disqualify students from participating in these required experiences, which in turn may impede the successful completion of one’s degree program.