What our graduates say about the CAGS Program

Helen Packey, CAGS
Assistant Professor
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH

"I have truly enjoyed my CAGS experience. The flexibility and the opportunity to meet new people and to learn from them has been most rewarding. Sarasota has been a great experience so far. Everyone has been helpful, and the professors responsive and supportive, and I have learned a great deal. I might add that I have also worked very hard, maybe too hard in some cases, but I wouldn't change a thing! I can't wait to start the dissertation!"

Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Educational Leadership

Build the skills, methodologies and experiences necessary to excel as a leader through Plymouth State University's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Educational Leadership. Designed to address the needs of practicing leaders in education and related fields, the program is built on a foundation of educational theory, policy analysis, systems theory, collaborative leadership and strategic planning.

CAGS candidates become part of an exclusive cohort group, exploring contemporary issues in education for all students. This 33-to 60-credit program of study can be focused in:

• Arts, Leadership and Learning
• Administration and Curriculum/Assessment
• Counselor Education and School Psychology
• Neurodevelopmental Approach to Teaching
• Reading and Writing Specialist certification option
• Superintendent of Schools certification option
• Special Education Administration certification option
• School Principal certification option
• Self Designed

Program of Study

Required Courses

Core Courses
EP 7020 Collaborative Leadership - 3 credits
EP 7030 Transforming the Educational Agenda - 3 credits
EP 7040 Planning in Education and Human Services - 3 credits
EP 7050 Qualitative Methodology and Applied Research - 3 credits
EP 7060 Legal Issues in Policy Making - 3 credits
EP 7070 Contemporary Social Trends - 3 credits

Specialization Component
Strand area different from master's degree - 12 credits

Elective Component - 3–6 credits
Elective (to be approved by CAGS director)

Total for CAGS in Educational Leadership - 33 credits

Related Programs

• Doctor of Education (EdD) in Learning, Leadership, and Community
• Argosy University Doctoral partnership
• Franklin Pierce University Doctoral partnership

Contact Information

Please see the individual concentrations for specific coordinator information.