Apply to the EDL Program
Admissions Criteria
All of the following are required for admission into the Educational Leadership program:
- Master's degree. Your official transcript must indicate the conferral of a master's degree, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.
- New York State Permanent or Professional Teaching Certification, plus three years of full-time teaching, administrative, supervisory, or pupil personnel service experience, excluding civil service.
- Two letters of recommendation. Two recommendation letters from school supervisory personnel or administrators who have a thorough knowledge of whether you have the temperament and disposition to become an effective leader.
- Personal statement. All applicants must submit a 750-1000-word personal statement that reflects their ability to approach graduate-level work successfully, using creativity, critical thinking, analysis, and research.
Your personal statement must be your own original work and should address the following:
- What is your purpose in pursuing this post-master's advanced graduate certificate?
- How have you prepared yourself for this field of study? (Include any relevant professional experience.)
- Specifically, how will this degree/certificate assist you in advancing both your professional and personal goals?
- Describe your research and study interests and any other aspects of your background, skills, or qualifications that would aid the Admissions Committee in evaluating your motivation for graduate study.
In cases where the admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be requested.
Key Dates
This program admits students three terms per year — Fall, Spring, and Summer. Completed application packages received after the deadline date will be considered for the following term.
Online Students
- Fall: August 10
- Spring: January 5
- Summer: May 1
Teacher Center Cohort Students
- Fall: August 10
- Spring: January 5
- Summer: May 1
Application Requirements
Application Portal
You'll need to create an account in our application portal and submit the following in order to be considered for the program:
- Your biographical and demographic information
- Educational history
- Teaching certification verification
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- $100 nonrefundable application fee
Transcripts
Visit the website of the institution that granted your master's degree and request to have your official transcript sent to the School of Professional Development electronically (PDF format). Enter the following email address when prompted on your institution's order form.
Transcripts should be sent from your institution to spd_transcripts@stonybrook.edu. Do not send transcripts to the Graduate School or Undergraduate Admissions.
We cannot accept transcripts from applicants directly.
In rare cases and only with approval, official transcripts may be sent by mail to:
School of Professional Development — Educational Leadership
S-114 Social & Behavioral Sciences
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794–4310 (must use extended code)
Next Steps
All materials required for the application must be submitted by the deadline date to be considered for the upcoming semester.
You may expect to hear from SPD via email regarding an admissions decision within two business weeks after receipt of the completed application. The email will direct you to the Application
Portal for the decision. If you are offered admission, you will be prompted to respond
before you can be matriculated.
NEED HELP?
Check out our frequently asked questions, email the Educational Leadership program, or give us a call at 631-632-7759.
Information Sessions
Meet the program director and find out about our programs at one of our information sessions.
Costs and Funding
Stony Brook's tuition rate is among the most affordable of all top-tier universities in the nation.
Mandatory Professional Licensure Disclosure
Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified.
The Educational Leadership program at Stony Brook University is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State Administrator and Superintendent Extension.