Academics
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study
Master of Education
in Educational Leadership
About
Make a difference. Take the lead in educational innovation.
No Child Left Behind. Outcome-based education. Teacher merit pay. America’s educational landscape is one of perpetual scrutiny and change. And factors like shifting legislation and evolving student requirements only underscore the growing importance of skillful school leadership. Today’s educators must go beyond simply keeping up with major issues to rolling up their sleeves and getting involved. Only then can they truly promote and affect positive change.
Are you ready to take a more active role in the pursuit of educational excellence? You can with a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) or Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership from Bridgewater State University. Both advanced degree programs can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to champion student achievement and educational enrichment.
Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership
The CAGS in Educational Leadership program is designed for educators holding a master's degree who are interested in promoting effective practice and managing change wisely in their educational communities and professional lives. A 39-credit curriculum balances content and pedagogical knowledge, focusing on building a basic understanding of the institutional, legal, fiscal and external political perspectives of education, as well as the technical and organizational systems that determine how those contexts affect teaching and learning. The program imparts the critical skills you need to lead educational initiatives, analyze and prioritize issues and build teams for continuous improvements in teaching and learning.
You will progress through the program with a cohort of 18 to 24 fellow professionals, affording countless opportunities to share and learn from each other's experiences. Graduates may continue their education through the doctoral reading program at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Doctoral candidates can negotiate the transfer of 12 CAGS credits toward the 48 credits required to complete the PhD program.
The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study and Master of Education in Educational Leadership programs are approved for certification by the Massachusetts Department of Education, with reciprocity in signatory states under the Interstate Certification Compact. Both meet NCATE accreditation.
Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership
The MEd in Educational Leadership is a professional degree program designed to prepare you as an educational leader. The 36-credit-hour curriculum emphasizes both theory and practice in the preparation of school administrators, supervisors, principals and superintendents. One of only 42 nationally accredited programs by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), this cohort-based program is comprised of a combination of coursework and practica that follows an integrated approach to understanding the forces of leadership necessary for effective schooling.
Throughout the program, you will be introduced to leadership theories and practices, focusing on the importance of team building, decision making, problem-solving and strategic planning. The program prepares you to support student learning and the continuous improvement of systems that make learning possible. Emphasis is placed on the relationships between curriculum and instructional development, supervision of instruction, professional development and organizational development. This program is available on the main campus, as well as at select off-campus locations and via online.
Bridgewater State University’s long history of close collaboration with regional school systems and its tradition of leadership in areas such as special education, literacy education, teacher mentoring and professional development contribute to the depth and strength of its educational leadership programs.
“Faculty members are committed to helping students achieve their goals. Bridgewater’s educational leadership program enrolls beginning teachers, career changers and aspiring school administrators. Students can work full-time and attend classes after 4 PM or online. Nine out of 10 faculty in the program have held positions in public schools. This is a major strength.”
Dr. Phyllis Gimbel
Assistant Professor, Secondary Education and Professional Programs
Educational Leadership Program
Program Highlights
Both the CAGS and MEd in Educational Leadership programs offer:
- Diverse faculty with extensive teaching and administrative experience, as well as ongoing participation in educational research, scholarly publication and professional organizations
- Accommodating schedules, including Friday evening and Saturday courses during the academic year, and two-week intensive courses during the summer
- Prepractica and practica opportunities, enabling close collaboration with students from other programs within the College of Education and Allied Studies
- Small classes facilitating a more personalized learning experience
- Benefits of a state institution that has been training teachers for more than 170 years
- Affordable tuition, whether you live in state or out of state
YOUR FUTURE. Now.
You’ve thought about it. You believe you can do it. And you’ve explored your options. Now you’re ready to advance your career – through the College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University. Take the first step. Apply now. And get ready to transform your life!
Bridgewater State University College of Graduate Studies
Since 1937, the College of Graduate Studies at Bridgewater State University has offered an array of graduate degree, licensure and certificate programs to meet the needs of Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. Led by scholars, researchers, teachers and practitioners from the graduate faculty, our offerings include a variety of nationally accredited master's degree programs in professional studies, education, arts and sciences and business. The College of Graduate Studies ensures high-quality, research-based, stimulating and intellectually challenging educational experiences to those who seek expertise and leadership in their professions and a commitment to lifelong learning and scholarship.
Bridgewater State University remains steadfast in its dual mission to educate citizens to be the best they can be and to use its intellectual, scientific and technological resources to advance the economic and cultural life of the region and beyond.