St. Bonaventure University

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MSEd In Educational Leadership


This 30-credit hour degree is designed for elementary and secondary teachers or counselors seeking positions as school building administrators at some time in their careers (additional courses are required for district level certification).

The future of educational leadership


Transformational change in a school begins with one person. Through St. Bonaventure’s Educational Leadership (EDL) program, that one person is you.    

At St. Bonaventure, we understand that our world needs school and district leaders who are trained in critical reflection and are dedicated to improving opportunities for all students. Our program is more than a certificate or advanced degree – we empower future leaders through critical inquiry, reflection and dynamic leadership strategies.  

We offer three school leadership programs to help you lead your school and inspire your students: 

  • M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership (30 credits)
  • Elevate your career with St. Bonaventure University's M.S.Ed. in Educational Leadership. This online program prepares educators to take on administrative roles in schools and districts. With a curriculum rooted in leadership principles, organizational management, and data-driven decision-making, this degree program equips you to inspire positive change in educational settings. Designed for working professionals, the program offers flexibility and support, allowing you to balance career advancement with personal commitments. Graduates emerge ready to lead with confidence, whether as school administrators, instructional coordinators, or policy advocates, shaping the future of education in diverse learning environments.

  • School Building Leader (SBL) Certificate (24 credits)
  • Take the next step in your educational career with the School Building Leader (SBL) Certificate from St. Bonaventure University. This online program focuses on the essential skills and knowledge needed to lead individual schools effectively. Covering topics like instructional leadership, school operations, and community engagement, this 24-credit certificate program is designed for aspiring principals and school administrators. With a streamlined and flexible format, the program allows you to advance your qualifications while maintaining your professional and personal commitments. Graduates are prepared to meet certification requirements and excel as visionary leaders in today’s educational landscape.

  • School District Leader (SDL) Certificate (12 credits)
  • Position yourself for district-level leadership roles with St. Bonaventure University's School District Leader (SDL) Certificate. This online program is tailored for experienced educators aiming to oversee and enhance entire school systems. In just 12 credits, you’ll explore critical areas such as strategic planning, resource allocation, and educational policy, preparing you to address complex challenges in education. The program’s flexible design fits seamlessly into your busy schedule, enabling you to earn a certificate while continuing your professional work. Graduates leave equipped to impact education on a broader scale, driving excellence and equity across districts.

Fully online format


Courses are fully online, with opportunities to connect with your professor and class members virtually.

  • News-Publications-Research- Banner

    St. Bonaventure’s Educational Leadership graduate programs now available fully online

    Jun 15, 2020

    St. Bonaventure University’s Educational Leadership graduate programs are now available fully online.

    The School of Education’s master’s degree program in Educational Leadership and certificate programs in School District Leader and School Building Leader can now be taken in either a hybrid format – some courses online, some in person – or completely online.

    “Seeking an advanced degree or certificate while working full time can be a challenge,” said Dr. Doug Stump, director of SBU’s Educational Leadership programs. “We know that what’s most important to our students is that they have access to the option that best meets their needs.”

    The ability to take a program totally online gives busy professionals two attractive options.

    “Many students elect the hybrid format because they enjoy the combination of online and in-person classes. For many others, though, in-person classes are not practical or might not be the best option,” Stump said.

    By offering a choice of hybrid or online, students can select the format that best meets their needs while still experiencing the high quality programs designed to prepare students for school building and district leadership, Stump said.

    Personalized attention has always been the hallmark of a St. Bonaventure education, and Stump said a fully online experience won’t change that.

    “Our faculty have years of experience teaching in both formats,” Stump said. “They understand how to make those meaningful connections in person and online.”

    For more information, visit www.sbu.edu/edleadership, or email Stump at dstump@sbu.edu.

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    About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. In 2019, St. Bonaventure was named the #1 regional university value in New York and #2 in the North by U.S. News and World Report.