School District Leadership

Effective immediately, those applying to the Teaching or Educational Leadership programs at the master's or advanced certificate level are now required to submit standardized GRE or equivalent exam scores with their applications.

Browse the Admissions section for more about the application and financial aid processes.

Certification Prerequisites

• 60 credits of graduate coursework by the time of completion, which must include a master's degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 (B or better)
• Paid, full-time, three or more (3+) years of experience as a school administrator, pupil personnel professional, or classroom teacher by the time of completion
• Two references (if currently working in a pre-K-12 setting, one reference should be from your current school principal)
• Proof of immunization against measles, meningitis, mumps, and rubella
• A satisfactory command of oral and written English

• Academic Transcripts: All transcripts from previously attended post-secondary institutions MUST be submitted in English, or be accompanied by a certified English translation. Transcripts and credentials conversion information is available on the GSAS International Students page.
• Letters of Recommendation: When communicating with your recommendation letter writers, please provide them with at least one month’s advance notice to submit their recommendations. You will enter each recommendation provider’s name and email address directly into the online application. They will be notified electronically of your request. Please note: you may submit your application even if the submission of your recommendation letters is still in progress.
   
• Statement of Purpose/Intent: Can be submitted directly in the online application. Requirements for the statement may vary by program. Please see individual program requirements.
   
• Resume/CV: Can be submitted directly in the online application
   
• Official Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores): Due to the impact of COVID-19 on standardized testing, submission of GRE scores is optional/not required for select GSAS programs for the 2022-2023 application. However, some programs are still requiring the GRE. Please see the admissions information/requirements page on the individual program pages to determine if the GRE is optional/not required, required, or not accepted at all for your chosen program. Students who do not submit GRE scores will not be at any disadvantage in the process.

Fordham GSE's Division of Educational Leadership, Administration, and Policy (ELAP) offers coursework, supervised field experience, and other services to support candidates who are seeking SDL certification.

Thank you for your interest in Fordham University's graduate programs. Please note that in addition to the application found here, each program has its own admission requirements. Please check the webpage of the program to which you are applying, or consult with the program director, to be sure you are including the proper documentation with your application.

Once you begin your application, you may save it and return to it at a later time.