Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership

The Certificate of Advance Study (C.A.S.) in Educational Leadership is designed for practicing educators including teachers, principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents who are interested in pursuing advanced academic work in educational reform and leadership. The C.A.S. is a post-master's program that requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework including a joint seminar and capstone experience. Students engage in careful reading of research and scholarship, oral and written presentations, and action research.

Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated:
* Self-assessment and reflective practice tools, skills, and habits of mind.
* Research design and methodological decision-making skills.
* Advanced oral and written communication skills.
* Knowledge of current scholarship in educational reform and leadership.
* Capacity for connecting theory and practice in posing and solving educational problems.

The program is flexible so that the research interests and professional experiences of students can be accommodated. There are few required courses so that students may design their own concentration. This allows them to take graduate coursework in any existing graduate program within the School of Education and Human Development, USM's Muskie School of Public Service, School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences or from other institutions with approval of the faculty advisor. If desired, Maine certification as a principal, assistant principal, or curriculum coordinator may also be earned while completing the C.A.S. program. Students who earn the Certificate of Advanced Study are awarded a USM certificate of program completion, which can be cited on resumes and vitae.

Admissions Information for C.A.S. Educational Leadership

Gainful Employment Program Disclosure

For more information about this program, contact:

Program Coordinator:
Thomas Edwards
Assistant Professor, Educational Leadership
(207) 780-5090