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:
Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
LEAD 505 | Visionary Leadership for Learning | 3 |
LEAD 510 | School-Community Relations | 3 |
LEAD 517 | Communication for Education Leaders | 3 |
LEAD 521 | School Finance and Resource Allocation | 3 |
LEAD 550 | Culturally Responsive Leadership for Equity and Social Justice | 3 |