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Certificate of Advanced Study in Higher Education Leadership

The 12 credit Certificate of Advanced Study in Higher Education Leadership is directed to enhancing leadership abilities in higher education settings. This program is designed to serve students who hold a master’s degree and the necessary higher education prerequisites, as well as those who may seek to pursue SUNY Empire's Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Change. It marks the completion of advanced Higher Education Leadership courses and recognizes skills and knowledge in the field.

Program Design

Courses are taught online and students may begin the certificate program in the fall, spring, or summer terms.

Program Prerequisites

  • An applicant must hold a Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • Additionally, at minimum, applicants should complete coursework in content areas recommended by the Council for the Advancement of Higher Education Programs (CAHEP) for master’s degrees in higher education administration. The content areas include: (1) History and Philosophy of Higher Education, and (2) Economics and/or Finance of Higher Education.

Required Courses

EDLC 7000 Foundational Seminar: Critical Analysis and Communication, 3cr

Educational leaders must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively in writing and speech. This course focuses on writing critical reviews and argumentative essays on topics relevant to contemporary higher education. In this study, students will consider the changing environment of higher education nationally and locally. By comparing, contrasting and critiquing emerging issues that impact higher education, they will demonstrate competence in analytic writing and debate. Consideration is given to translating academic writing to more interactive, participatory social media forums. In order to demonstrate their-ability to communicate ideas effectively for different audiences, students will engage in practical workshops to strengthen their skills in becoming compelling public speakers in varied settings. Note: This course requires students to attend one virtual residency.

EDLC 7001 Principles of Higher Education Leadership, 3cr

This course is designed to examine leadership roles and leadership needs in 21st century higher education. Students will explore leadership principles, designs and styles alone and in relationship to academic planning, institutional advancement, professional development, and community outreach. Consideration will be given to differences in leadership approaches from transformative to transactional. Students will examine their own leadership styles and practice applying strategies to resolve various organizational challenges, particularly resistance to change.

EDLC 7015 Organizational Change Theory and Practice, 3cr

Institutions across all industries, particularly education, must find ways to be responsive to increasingly complex and changing environments. In this study, students compare different models and concepts of organizational change including evolutionary, teleological, life cycle, dialectical, social cognition and cultural in order to understand the process of change from different perspectives. Students will critically reflect on the distinctive characteristics of their own educational organizations and how these might impact initiatives for change process. They will use current research to inform their own practice and develop competencies to develop and implement appropriate models of change.

EDLC 7008 Ethical Leadership in the Academy, 3cr

This study explores the characteristics of ethical leaders in higher education and the frameworks that can guide action in case of breaches of ethical behavior. Students focus on strategies that leaders can use when faced with a variety of ethical dilemmas. Readings include case studies for discussing, debating and suggesting solutions for real-world dilemmas in higher and adult education. Attention is given to the ways in which leaders initiate appropriate strategies that support an ethical institutional culture. Students will reflect upon and reinforce their conceptual understanding of ethical leadership at individual, organizational and societal levels. Team activities will engage students in analyzing various statements of ethical standards, and each student will develop his/her own statement of professional ethics.

Admission and Advisement 

Admission to the program requires the applicant to submit an official transcript of his or her bachelors and master’s degree along with a complete application.  Visit the Academic Catalog for a full list of requirements for admission.  Advising will be provided by the certificate’s program coordinator, Dr. Lisa Unangst.

While the 12 credits are fully transferable into the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Change, acceptance to the doctoral program will require candidates to apply to the program and complete the full admission process. Completion of the graduate certificate does not guarantee admission to the doctoral degree program.

Apply online or request information for more details.

Tuition and Fees

Students completing this certificate pay the following tuition and fees:

Federal financial aid is not available unless concurrently matriculated in a doctoral degree program.