Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership

The School of Education offers a sixth-year diploma in educational leadership. Our accelerated program schedule is designed around your busy life as a full-time teacher.

The core courses meet in the late afternoon and evening and include online learning assignments. Other courses are scheduled during a condensed five-week summer session.

Candidates who complete the program are qualified to earn an advanced diploma as well as the Connecticut Intermediate Administration/Supervision (092) certificate. The program is open to certified teachers who possess a master's degree, have a minimum of four years of K-12 educational experience and meet other admission standards. The program is fully accredited by the Connecticut State Department of Education, which participates in the NASDTEC Interstate Contract.

Graduates of the sixth-year diploma program have excellent opportunities for employment in a variety of school leadership roles such as department chair, assistant principal, principal, curriculum coordinator and central office administrator below the rank of superintendent. They are able to bring their expertise into a full range of settings, including urban, suburban and rural schools.

Our students gain the knowledge and develop the skills to effectively manage the challenges faced by school leaders and engage the school community in strategic planning processes for continued improvement. Graduates of the program are well grounded in instructional leadership concepts and theories and understand how to apply those to enhance student learning.

To earn the sixth-year diploma in educational leadership, candidates must take six required courses, complete an internship and pass the Connecticut Administrator Test (CAT). After successfully completing the first 21 credits (EDLD 601, 603, 605 and 607) and passing the CAT, candidates are eligible for the Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) certificate from the Connecticut Department of Education. Upon completion of an additional three courses in educational program evaluation, school law and public school finance, candidates are eligible to receive the sixth-year diploma in educational leadership.

Successful candidates can expect to complete the requirements for the Intermediate Administration or Supervision (092) certificate within four semesters. Students can complete the requirements for the sixth-year diploma in educational leadership within six semesters.

The sixth-year diploma in educational leadership program is open to applicants who:

• Have a master's degree in education or a related field from an accredited college or university
• Maintained a graduate GPA of 3.0
• Have four years of full-time teaching experience in a PK-12 setting
• Have completed at least 36 hours, equivalent to 3 credits, of a special education course, although candidates may be admitted if they provide evidence of enrollment in such a course.
• Have satisfactory writing skills as evidenced by a written essay

Candidates should possess a record of excellent teaching as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. Recommendations of supervisors are important components of the application process. Candidates also are required to submit an application, essay and participate in a personal interview with a faculty member.

Interested individuals must successfully apply to the University's graduate admissions office before being considered for matriculation into the sixth-year diploma in educational leadership program. Admission is conducted on a rolling basis throughout the year for the fall, spring and summer semesters.

Admission to the graduate programs is competitive. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible to ensure consideration for the semester desired. Applications are not evaluated until all materials and fees are received by the University.

For more information on this program please fill out our Information Request Form