100% ONLINE

Become a Leader in the Classroom, School, or District Level

Advance your career with fully online, NYS-certified programs designed for aspiring teacher leaders, principals, and superintendents. Flexible formats let you learn on your schedule.

100% ONLINE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS IN EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Flexible Online Pathways to School Leadership

Prepare for the next step in your education career with SUNY Plattsburgh’s fully online Educational Leadership programs. Whether you're looking to lead in your classroom, advance to a building-level role, or shape district-wide initiatives, our NYS-registered certificate programs are designed to fit your schedule and support your goals.

  • 100% online and asynchronous
  • Field-based internships near your home
  • NYS certification for SBL and SDL roles
  • Flexible start dates for most programs

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Questions About the Education Leadership Program?

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a Graduate Admissions Advisor to explore your options.

Choose Your Path to Educational Leadership

All three programs are fully online and asynchronous, with flexible full- or part-time options, local internships, and multiple start terms—while the SDL program runs only in summer and can be completed in one term.

  • Teacher Leadership (12 credits): Build leadership skills to make a greater impact in your classroom and school community.
  • School Building Leader (30 credits): Prepare for NYS certification to become a principal or assistant principal through flexible, online coursework and local internships.
  • School District Leader (8 credits): Advance to district-level roles like superintendent with a fully online program designed for those who already hold SBL certification.

Choose from three pathways: Teacher Leader, School Building Leader, or School District Leader

Programs are NYS-registered and AAQEP-accredited, preparing you for certification

Earn credentials for principal, assistant principal, or superintendent roles

What Will I Learn?

SUNY Plattsburgh’s Educational Leadership programs are built to advance your career while fitting your schedule. Each program offers practical benefits and respected credentials:

  • Continue working full-time with 100% online, asynchronous classes from a program that’s NYS-registered and AAQEP-accredited
  • SBL certificate prepares you for roles like principal or assistant principal
  • SDL certificate qualifies you for district-level roles like superintendent and can be completed in one summer with just 8 credits if you already hold SBL certification
  • Gain eligibility for salary advancement while learning from experienced school leaders who mentor you throughout the program

“After doing some research and talking with fellow colleagues and peers, the SUNY Plattsburgh program seemed to fit my needs as something that I could do and still balance a work and home life.”

- Ben Grieco, '23 School Building Leader/School District Leader Certificates, Queensbury School District

Educational Leadership Programs

Learn about the educational leadership programs at SUNY Plattsburgh

Student Profile

Most students in the Educational Leadership programs are full-time P–12 educators preparing for administrative roles.

  • SBL & TL students are experienced professionals—teachers, counselors, and staff—looking to become building-level leaders like principals.
  • SDL students already hold SBL certification and are often current principals aiming for district-level roles such as superintendent.
  • Students range in age from mid-20s to early 50s, with average ages of 40 (SBL/TL) and 42 (SDL).
  • All are U.S. citizens and NYS residents, with strong representation from the Capital District, North Country, and NYC regions.
  • In fall 2024, 131 students enrolled in the SBL and TL programs and 41 in the SDL program.

Graduate Admissions Office, 606 Kehoe Administration Building, 101 Broad Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

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