School District Leader Certification

Available with online coursework, Manhattanville’s SDL certification programs emphasize district-wide organizational strategy, resource management, data-informed decision-making, and effective communication across diverse student communities. Depending on each applicant’s background experience and education, one of two pathways may be best suited:

Certificate of Advanced Study - SDL Certification - 11 credits - One year

The SDL certification program curriculum is aligned with New York State leadership standards, ensuring graduates are fully prepared to meet SDL requirements, pass exams, and take on district-wide leadership roles.

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All SDL certification programs include district-level internships. Hands-on learning opportunities include 300 hours in a public or non-public school district administrative environment. Throughout the internship, students will be supported by an experienced administrator and a university supervisor, ensuring that they apply leadership competencies in real-world settings.

For full-time administrators or educators, internships may be able to be completed within a current job or school district by coordinating with your superintendent. Email OneStop@mville.edu to see if your employer is part of our Professional Development School network, which includes tuition benefits.

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Advanced Certificate Goals and Requirements

The 11-credit Advanced Certificate program in School District Leadership at Manhattanville is tailored to candidates with a master’s degree and current SBL or SAS certification. It provides educational leaders with advanced training and practical experience to achieve district-level certification in New York.

• Complete in less than one year (depending on individual transcript review).
• A passing score on the New York State SDL Content Specialty Test is required.
• Results in NYS School District Leader certification.
• One district internship is required.

Access the flexibility to continue professional responsibilities while completing required course work internships.

View complete requirements for the Advanced Certificate in SDL Certification program.

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Professional Diploma Goals and Requirements

For applicants with some classroom experience or pupil personnel services experience and a master’s degree, the 36-credit Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership program leads to dual School Building and District Leader certification. Become positioned for leadership opportunities at both administrative levels through learning essential topics like organizational strategy, finance, human resources, and instructions supervision.

• Complete in less than two years (depending on individual transcript review).
• A passing score on the New York State SDL test is required.
• Results in dual School Building Leader (SBL) and SDL certification.
• Requires three internships in community, school building, and district settings.

Gain practical experience and the leadership training necessary to excel in various roles, from school principal to district administrator. Keep your existing teaching post while completing necessary internships.

View complete requirements for the Professional Diploma in Educational Leadership SBL/SDL certification program.

 

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Among our other master’s and certificate programs in educational leadership, the Doctor of Education (EdD) degree program is a dynamic frontier for improving education outcomes at individual schools, local and regional levels, and national and policy-creation levels.

Manhattanville’s unique Bridge pathway allows students to complete SDL certification requirements and pursue the EdD degree simultaneously.

Email Dr. Robert Feirsen at Robert.Feirsen@mville.edu if interested in the Bridge program for SDL certification with an EdD.

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Review our faculty directory to find full-time and assistant professors at the School of Education.

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Prerequisites and Application Components

You can apply to SDL certification programs anytime with rolling admissions, whether you plan to pursue them in person in Purchase, New York, or fully online — we review applications on a rolling basis. Find priority Spring and Fall deadlines.

For both SDL certification program pathways, requirements include:

• Master’s degree
• Completed applicationTwo letters of recommendation, one from a current school leader
• Three years of teaching or pupil personnel services experience by the end of the program
• Interview
• Writing Assessment

If applying for the Advanced Certificate leading to SBL and SDL dual certification, well-matched candidates will also have:

• 60 graduate credit hours by the end of the 11-credit Certificate
• Minimum three years of teaching experience by the end of the Certificate

Explore Graduate Education Admissions, including online and international admissions information.

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