Program Overview

The Educational Leadership Certificate Program offers a post-Master’s Education Specialist certificate through the UNM College of Education. This program is designed for active, high-achieving educators to develop a deeper understanding of leadership for learning, community, and personal transformation. 

NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Education does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Prior to applying for admission, contact your state board of education to assure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please contact the College of Education for more details.

Learning Goals

The certificate program is designed to prepare individuals to assume leadership positions in educational organizations. The curriculum relies heavily on concepts drawn from the social sciences for insight into leadership behavior, including:

  • Strategic and political leadership
  • Organizational leadership
  • Leadership for learning and professional development
  • Data-informed leadership
  • Leadership in a diverse society

Admissions

Program Admission Requirements

  • MA in Educational Leadership or complementary field
  • 3.0 minimum GPA in undergraduate work
  • Official transcripts from every higher education institution previously attended
  • Required documentation, including a letter of intent, professional biographical form, original writing sample, and three letters of recommendation

NOTE: Obtaining this degree from the UNM College of Education does not guarantee approval for licensure by the State Public Education Department, as additional requirements exist for students seeking New Mexico Administrative Licensure. The University of New Mexico cannot confirm whether this program leads to licensure or advanced certification in your home state. Prior to applying for admission, contact your state board of education to assure that, upon completion of the program, you are qualified to obtain a license or other form of certification. Please contact the College of Education for more details.

Degree Requirements

Students will complete 24 credit hours in the Educational Leadership field, with 6 credit hours of either practicum or administrative internship. Additionally, students must maintain a 3.3 cumulative GPA during the course of the program to obtain the certificate.

Students in this program work with an assigned advisor to design and follow a 24-credit-hour program of studies from existing Educational Leadership courses.

Possible courses include:

Education Required Courses (24 credit hours)
Course NumberCourse NameCredit Hours
LEAD 505Visionary Leadership for Learning3
LEAD 510School-Community Relations3
LEAD 517Communication for Education Leaders3
LEAD 521 School Finance and Resource Allocation3
LEAD 550Culturally Responsive Leadership for Equity and Social Justice3

At a Glance

Certificate Requirements: 24 Credit Hours

College/School: College of Education and Human Sciences

Tuition: Regular tuition and fees apply

*To qualify for admission to the certificate program, students must meet certain admissions requirements (see Certificate Requirements tab for more information)

Contact

Website: College of Education & Human Sciences
Phone: (505) 277-4533
Email: teelp@unm.edu