University of Southern Maine

The Certificate of Advance Study (C.A.S.) in Educational Leadership is designed for practicing educators including teachers, principals, curriculum directors, and superintendents who are interested in pursuing advanced academic work in educational reform and leadership. The C.A.S. is a post-master's program that requires 30 credit hours of graduate coursework including a joint seminar and capstone experience. Students engage in careful reading of research and scholarship, oral and written presentations, and action research.

Upon completion of the program, students will have demonstrated:
* Self-assessment and reflective practice tools, skills, and habits of mind.
* Research design and methodological decision-making skills.
* Advanced oral and written communication skills.
* Knowledge of current scholarship in educational reform and leadership.
* Capacity for connecting theory and practice in posing and solving educational problems.

The program is flexible so that the research interests and professional experiences of students can be accommodated. There are few required courses so that students may design their own concentration. This allows them to take graduate coursework in any existing graduate program within the College of Education and Human Development, USM's Muskie School of Public Service, School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences or from other institutions with approval of the faculty advisor. If desired, Maine certification as a principal, assistant principal, or curriculum coordinator may also be earned while completing the C.A.S. program. Students who earn the Certificate of Advanced Study are awarded a USM certificate of program completion, which can be cited on resumes and vitae.

Program Requirements (30 credits)

Self-Designed Concentration (24-27 credits)
Graduate work may be taken in any existing graduate program within the College of Education and Human Development or USM's Muskie School of Public Service, School Business, College of Arts and Sciences, or from other institutions, with the approval by the faculty advisor.

Capstone Project (3-6 credits)
Two capstone project options are available:
EDU 685/686/687 Internship in Principalship, Special Education Administration, or Superintendency
EDU 665 C.A.S. Directed Study