Graduate Certificate in Educational Leadership

Program Philosophy

The graduate certificate in educational leadership is a 12-credit program built upon the premise that if genuine and positive change is to occur in the field of education, then personnel at all levels must assume leadership roles. Leadership is not confined to a single office within the district or school, but is the responsibility of all school personnel who must work together. Courses in the certificate program explore such topics as educational accountability, leadership in urban school settings, diversity, classroom management and communication in organizations.

The certificate is presented jointly by the graduate faculties in special education and organizational leadership. Credits earned in completing the certificate may be applied toward either the master of science degree in organizational leadership or the master of science degree in special education.

Students who wish to continue on to the master of science degree must take the Millers Analogies Test or the Graduate Record Exam and submit three letters of recommendation. No additional fee is required.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the graduate certificate application along with an official undergraduate transcript, a one-page essay outlining their career goals and a $35 application fee* to the admissions coordinator, Office of Adult and Graduate Programs, Mercyhurst College . Applications are accepted throughout the year for a fall (September), winter (November), or spring (March) start.

*You can also choose to apply online for free.

Eligibility

The certificate is designed specifically for individuals who are working in the education field. Applicants must have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution with a major or minor in education or a related field, and achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. Applicants with an undergraduate grade point average below 3.0 must submit scores from the Graduate Record Exam or the Miller Analogies Test (MAT). Applicants must complete the graduate certificate application form, submit an official undergraduate transcript, and attach a 350-word essay that describes how the certificate relates to his/her professional interests or plans. There is a $35 application fee.*

*You can also choose to apply online for free.

Certificate Requirements

Students are required to complete three core courses and one elective course for a total of 12 academic credits.

Core Courses (9 credits required)

EDSP 635 Educational Leadership in Urban Settings
OL 500 Leadership Theory and Practice
OL 505 Organizational Ethics

Electives (3 credits)

EDSP 501 Classroom Management and Analysis
EDSP 506 Administration/ Supervision of Special Education
EDSP 514 Language in Contact
EDSP 601 Curriculum Organization
EDSP 620 Theories of Learning and Development
EDSP 621 Seminar in Diversity
OL 507 Human Resources Management
OL 530 Organizational Communication for Leaders
OL 532 Law for Leaders
OL 602 Global and Cultural Perspectives
OL 603 Marketing for Leaders
OL 605 Entrepreneurial Leadership
OL 610 Organizing Communities and Public Policy
OL 611 Women and Leadership
OL 612 Leadership and Literature

Contact

Candace Schiffer, Assistant Director Adult & Graduate Programs
Phone : 814-824-3384
Email: cschiffer@mercyhurst.edu

Sarah Murphy, Graduate Admissions Counselor
Phone: 814-824-2297
Email: smccoy@mercyhurst.edu