Skip to main content
Female teacher interacting with K-12 students in a classroom.

K-12 Educational Leadership School Building or District Leader Certification

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Generous Scholarships Available

Fully Online Option

Internship Experiences

Program Overview

Now more than ever, schools need capable, visionary administrators to lead increasingly diverse schools in our ever-changing world. As a school or district leader, you’ll not only be able to impact the students you currently serve, but entire schools and districts as well.

Warner will prepare you to become an equity focused agent of change and make a lasting impact on future generations. We can offer the shortest path to New York certifications and are the most affordable in the region thanks to our designated leader scholarships.

Key Program Features

  • Minimum required coursework: Seven leadership courses (one less if pursuing only school building or school district leader certification).
  • Fully online option: The program can be taken fully online at a distance, or by taking a combination of online and in-person courses that meet visa requirements for international students. View expectations and FAQ for online options
  • Hybrid-online options: Four of these courses can be taken hybrid-online over two summers, requiring only a total of 12 trips to campus.
  • Comprehensive course selection for School District Leader: If needed, there are many options (including online courses) to help you meet the state requirement of 60 graduate credits to apply.   
  • Combined internship: 600-hour administrative internship includes experiences at both building and district levels; can be completed within one’s own district.

Prerequisite (as required by NYS)

  • A minimum of three years of teaching or other pupil-services experience in a K-12 school setting.

Scholarships, Tuition, & Financial Aid

Designated leader scholarships covering up to 65% of tuition costs

Partnerships and Career Pathways

Questions?

Program Options

Certificate of Advanced Study

Shortest path to certification, requiring as little as 27 credits for both school building and school district leaders.

Get a Certificate with a Master’s

Ideal if you are interested in a master’s credential or eligibility for student loans; requires a minimum of 36 credits (some transferable from previous graduate programs).

Get a jump start

Teachers seeking professional teaching certification can use electives from their certification program to take several of the required leadership courses.

Customize Your Degree

Our degrees are designed to meet your interests and career aspirations. Whether you want to add an advanced certificate or specialize in a distinct area of emphasis, we can help craft the best option for you.

We welcome applications on a rolling basis. The next priority application deadline is April 1, 2025.

Career Opportunities

  • Graduates from our K-12 school leadership programs are eligible for most administrative positions in K-12 schools.
  • In New York State, School Building Leader certification is required to be appointed to any administrative position at the building level, such as assistant principal, or principal, to name a few.
  • School District Leader certification is required for administrative positions at the district level, such as such as coordinator or director in any specific area, assistant superintendent for instruction, or superintendent.
  • New York State administrative certifications are recognized in most other states.
Teacher leader stands in front of a room

Program Director

Patricia Vaughan-Brogan

Director, K-12 School Leadership Preparation Program

Contact Admissions

Request Information

Receive a $70 application fee waiver when you complete the form below.

Loading...

Take a Course Before You Apply

Take a course before you apply to one of our programs for a discounted price. Inquire with admissions to learn about credits that also apply toward degree requirements.

Related Certificates and Degrees

Start Your Application