This program was updated effective Fall 2026. The new program requirements are reflected below. Students admitted Summer 2026 and prior will follow the prior degree requirements outlined in 2026 archived School District Business Leadership AGC Degree Program page. Students who have been admitted to the previous program requirements must complete it by September 1, 2030. Information regarding the change can be found on this website.
The School District Business Leader (SDBL) is an on-line program that prepares students to assume school business and school financial district wide leadership roles including Business Administrator, Director of Finance or Business, or Assistant Superintendent for Finance or Business. This program provides students with the required advanced graduate degree to meet New York State administrative certification for School District Business Leader (SDBL). The program which adheres to the Professional Standards for Education Leaders (PSEL) prepares students with a broad perspective on school leadership and improving student outcomes using resources efficiently and effectively.
Admission to the School District Business Leadership program is limited to candidates who have 3 years of experience in business or a NYS SBL, SDL, Professional Administrator or Superintendent Extension certificate, and possess a master's degree in business, finance, or education related field.
Program of Study (30 credits; up to 15 credits can be waived based on prior coursework and/or NYS leadership certification)
- Epl 602 Economics of Education (3)
- Epl 607 Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining (3)
- Epl 673 Advanced Human Resources Policies in Education (3)
- Epl 730 Advanced School Business Leadership (3)
- Epl 770 Law and School District Leadership (3)
- Epl 780 Advanced Seminar in Educational Leadership (3)
- Epl 896 School Leadership Internship I (2)
- Epl 897 School Leadership Internship II (2)
- Epl 898 School Leadership Internship III (2)
- Electives as Approved by Advisor (6)
Up to 15 graduate credits can be waived in this program depending on prior coursework and experience. The department will determine eligible course waivers based on credential review on an individual basis. The following graduate courses are eligible for waivers:
- Epl 770 Law and School District Leadership (3)
- Epl 896 School Leadership Internship I (2)
- Epl 897 School Leadership Internship II (2)
- Epl 898 School Leadership Internship III (2)
- Electives as Approved by Advisor (6)
Additional Program/NYSED Requirements:
- Child Abuse Identification and Reporting Training (Students must complete 2nd update Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect Training)
- DASA Training
- School Violence Prevention and Intervention (SAVE) Training
Please note: This program is licensure qualifying. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions. If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.
As an approved teacher preparation program with the New York State Education Department, there may be additional certification requirements applicable. These requirements may include, but are not limited to additional workshops. Certification procedures and requirements are outlined on the School of Education’s Teacher Certification website .
Federal Licensure/Certification Disclosure
Effective July 1, 2024, federal regulation requires institutions of higher education to make a determination whether a Title IV eligible academic program that leads to professional licensure or certification meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the U.S. State where the institution is located and the U.S. States where “distance education” students are located at the time of initial enrollment in the program, as well as U.S. States where the program is advertised as meeting such requirements, and if applicable, the U.S. State where students attest they intend to be licensed/certified.
The School District Business Leadership AGC program at the University at Albany is registered by the New York State Education Department and thus meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification for New York State. Through a good faith effort, and for the purpose of complying with the federal regulation, we have determined that the School District Business Leadership AGC program at the University at Albany meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the additional following U.S. States: none.
It is important to note that the University at Albany is not the licensure/certification authority in other U.S. States and cannot assess whether an individual candidate will be issued a license/certificate in other U.S. States and instead it is incumbent on each individual candidate to contact the licensure/certification authority in the applicable U.S. State for any further guidance on the requirements for licensure/certification requirements and application processes.