Advanced Graduate Studies in District Leadership New England campus experience
Experienced professors
Career-relevant curriculum
Academic and career support
Program Overview Why get an advanced graduate studies certificate on campus?
Take the next step toward becoming a superintendent with Southern New Hampshire University’s on-campus Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in District Leadership. Designed specifically with educational administrators in mind, this program is approved by the New Hampshire Department of Education for Superintendent Licensure, and leads directly to a recommendation for superintendent licensure to the New Hampshire Bureau of Credentialing.
This certificate is delivered in partnership with the NH School Administrators Association’s Granite State Leadership Academy (GSLA), giving you access to uniquely hands-on learning experiences. As a student and aspiring superintendent candidate, you'll develop the knowledge and tools you need to effectively lead learning organizations.
Skills you'll learn:
- Developing strategic, systemic processes for school improvement
- Empowering instructional leadership teams
- Building collaborative cultures and decision-making structures in schools
- Coaching teachers to use student data and developmental theory
- Fostering effective communication with colleagues and families
- Creating an ethical culture of high achievement
Courses & Curriculum Become a superintendent with on-campus CAGS classes
This multi-year program focuses on developing reflective leaders who are deeply committed to student success. In your classes, you'll explore topics like organizational systems, collective bargaining, district finance, professional cultures, academic program improvement, district management, community collaboration and more.
Within the cohort delivery model, candidates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds engage in rich discussion and application of the topics studied in each course. You'll have traditional 3-credit courses and unique 12-credit courses that span two terms, incorporating the learning from both the GSLA fellowship and SNHU coursework. You'll end your certificate program with a 20-week practicum, where you'll be supported by a field mentor as you engage directly with district leadership responsibilities.
Learn from instructors with industry experience
Our faculty members bring with them decades of knowledge and experience, which informs the development of SNHU’s courses and curriculum. They look forward to supporting your journey both in the classroom and as you work toward a career in your field.
Audrey Rogers
Position
Associate Dean, Graduate Education Programs
Joined SNHU
2007
Education
- EdD in Leadership and Learning from Rivier College
- MA in History from the University of New Hampshire
- MEd in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Massachusetts Lowell
- BA in History from Tufts University
Dr. Audrey Rogers is the associate dean for graduate education programs and a professor of education at Southern New Hampshire University. She holds New Hampshire licensure as a social studies educator (grades 5-12) and digital learning specialist (K-12). She's past president and a current member of the NH IHE (Institutions of Higher Education) Network, a consortium of all NH educator preparation programs. Her recent research focused on competency-based education and assessment literacy in preservice educators.
To learn more about SNHU faculty, visit our campus faculty page.
Campus major courses
You’ll take major courses that provide you with a solid foundation in your area of study – in some cases featuring experiential or project-based learning opportunities, labs, simulations and internships. These courses will allow you to learn a wide variety of topics and help prepare you for a role in your desired field.
Courses may include:
Visit the course catalog to view the full Advanced Graduate Studies in District Leadership curriculum.
Licensure & Disclosure Information
This program is approved by the New Hampshire State Department of Education for Superintendent Licensure. The completion of this program leads to a recommendation for licensure by Southern New Hampshire University for Superintendent Licensure to the state’s Bureau of Credentialing. Southern New Hampshire University cannot guarantee licensure, certification, endorsement or salary benefits.
Admission Requirements
As part of our program experience, specific prerequisites must be met prior to acceptance into the program. Applicants must meet the criteria below:
- Conferred undergraduate degree from an accredited institution
- Conferred completion of a graduate degree in education with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Have completed at least 3 years of experience as an “Educational Administrator” in the K-12 setting
- Must currently hold an approved Educational Administrator license through the New Hampshire Department of Education
- Must be accepted into the New Hampshire School Administrators Association’s GSLA Fellowship
Licensure-Only Pathway
Southern New Hampshire University also offers a licensure-only pathway for individuals who may not be interested in a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, but would like to enroll in additional courses to earn a recommendation for superintendent licensure.
As part of our licensure-only pathway, specific prerequisites must be met prior to acceptance into the experience. Applicants must meet the criteria below:
- Conferred completion of a graduate degree in education leadership with a GPA of 2.75 or higher
- Must currently hold an approved Educational Administrator license through the New Hampshire Department of Education
Prior to acceptance into this pathway, a prospective student’s application is reviewed on an individual basis to determine additional requirements (specific academic requirements, years of experience, etc.) needed to be recommended for licensure.
Can’t wait? You don’t have to!
Whether you’re looking to continue to enhance your education or further your career, certificates can help expand your future opportunities.
Career Outlook What can I do with an advanced graduate study certificate in district leadership?
If you're an educational administrator with a goal of becoming a superintendent for your district, this certificate program is the perfect next step. This certification will help you hone skills like strategic thinking, collaborative decision-making and coaching – each of which could serve you well in a leadership role like district superintendent.
Note: Certificates could help you advance your career and may help you gain the skills employers are looking for, but cannot guarantee job placement.
Campus Student Experience So, what's it like taking classes on campus?
This graduate certificate program is unique in its cohort delivery model, allowing you to study alongside the same classmates from start to finish. The on-campus experience places you alongside fellow candidates from diverse personal and professional backgrounds, giving you an opportunity to engage in rich, in-person discussion and application as you learn together. And with a 20-week practicum at the end of your program, you'll feel prepared for your next career move.
Student support
At SNHU, you'll never have to worry about feeling alone. Here, you’ll have help from your advisors, access to tutoring and office hours, career coaching, and mental health services so you can do your best and feel your best.
Additionally, our Office of Diversity Programs, International Student Services and Campus Accessibility Center make campus an inclusive place for everyone. Visit our Student Services page to learn more about our support offerings.
Small class sizes
With small class sizes, you’ll learn in an environment where professors with real world experience know you by name.
Here, you’re not getting lost in giant lecture halls, but instead, actively participating in thoughtful dialogue where you’re always encouraged to collaborate with your peers and ask questions when they arise.
State-of-the-art facilities
Our 300-acre campus has everything you need. From technology-advanced classroom settings to your dorms complete with fitness centers and hangout spots, our goal is to give you the best college experience possible.
Whether you’re learning in a classroom, in a lab, on the field, or in your field, you’ll have what you need to be successful from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your textbooks.
School of Arts, Sciences and Education Learn about the School of Arts, Sciences and Education
From understanding why people behave the way they do, to studying and tackling today's environmental issues, the School of Arts, Sciences and Education serves as an academic hub for creativity, collaboration and learning. Here, you'll have the chance to gain real-world experience through internships, student teaching, lab work and community-based projects. From studying cells under a microscope or analyzing crime scenes to leading a student-teaching session in an elementary classroom, you’ll learn how the world works so you can help make it a better place.
Student teaching opportunities
Inkwell game design studio
State-of-the-art labs
How SNHU makes college affordable
At Southern New Hampshire University, we're on a mission to make high-quality education more accessible with more affordable tuition. With 70+ career-focused majors, state-of-the-art facilities, D2 sports and over 70 student clubs and organizations, you can get the campus experience you've always dreamed of at a more affordable price.
This certificate is not eligible for federal financial aid. Students seeking alternatives to federal financial aid can explore tuition assistance, grants and scholarships, as well as private loans. To learn more about private loans, visit our Student Loans page.
Accreditations
SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.
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