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School District Business Leader Admissions

Admissions Requirements

Standard Program: For business professionals who do not have a School District or School Business certification.

  • Personal statement.
  • Transcripts with an earned degree in one  of the following master’s degrees: MBA, MS in Management, MS in Finance or Accounting or a graduate degree in Human Resource Management (This is not an exhaustive list.  Other degrees related to management, leadership, law or public policy may be considered).
  • Two letters of recommendation:One from the CEO, COO, or CFO (or his or her designee) and one from corporate or other supervisory personnel or administrators who have a thorough knowledge of whether you have the temperament and disposition to become an effective leader. One of these letters must indicate that you have had three (3) years of full-time administrative, supervisory and business-related experience.
  • Optional interview. In those cases where the departmental admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be necessary.

Accelerated Program: For educators who have SDL or SDA permanent or professional certification.

  • Personal statement.
  • Official transcript for your Master's degree as well as the degree/certificate which led to the applicant's SDA or SDL certification. Minimum GPA 3.0.
  • Proof of NYS Certification as SDA or SDL.
  • Two letters of recommendation from School or District Leadership who have a thorough knowledge of whether you have the temperament and disposition to become an effective business leader.
  • Optional interview. In those cases where the departmental admissions committee deems it desirable, personal interviews with departmental representatives may be necessary.
Next Application Deadline
December 1

FOR SPRING 2025

Apply Now

Deadlines

This program admits students three terms per year.  Application packages received after the deadline will be considered for the following term.

FALL: August 1  |  SPRING: December 1  |  SUMMER: May 1

 

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

APPLICATION PORTAL

Use our Application Portal to create an account and submit the following:

  • Your biographical and demographical  information
  • Educational history
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal statement   
  • $100 nonrefundable application fee

 

START YOUR APPLICATION

 

TRANSCRIPTS

Visit the website of the institution that granted your master's degree and request to have your official transcript sent to the School of Professional Development electronically (PDF format).  Enter the following email address when prompted on your institution's order form. spd_transcripts@stonybrook.edu 

Do not send transcripts to the Graduate School or Undergraduate Admissions. 

We cannot accept transcripts from applicants directly.

In rare cases and only with approval, should official transcripts be sent by mail to:

School of Professional Development- Educational Leadership
S-114 Social & Behavioral Sciences
Stony Brook University
Stony Brook, NY 11794 - 4310 (must include the last four digits)

NEXT STEPS

The School of Professional Development (SPD) must be in receipt of completed applications by the published deadline for the requested term of admission to be reviewed by the SDBL Admissions Committee.

You  may expect to hear from SPD via email regarding an admissions decision within two business weeks after receipt of the completed application.

The email will direct you to the Application Portal for the decision. 

If you are offered admission,  you will be prompted to respond before you can be matriculated.

Need Help?

Check out our  frequently asked questions, email the Educational Leadership program or call us at 631-632-7759.