Leadership Academy: Administrative Licensure & CAGS Pathway
Earn your administrative licensure through a hybrid program designed for working educators. Begin online in May 2027, complete an intensive summer residency, and advance toward leadership in just 14 months.
Lead Schools. Lead Systems. Lead the Future of Education.
Next Cohort: May 2027
Application Opens: October 2026
Residency: 15-day summer residency and two weekend residencies
Duration: 14 months
Format: Hybrid (Online + Residency)
Credits: 31 for Principal Licensure; 34 for Superintendent Licensure
Why Join the MCLA Leadership Academy?
You are ready to move from leading a classroom to leading a school system. The MCLA Leadership Academy prepares experienced educators to step into administrative roles through a rigorous, job-embedded program that balances theory, practice, and professional growth.
The Hybrid Advantage
Begin online in May to build a leadership foundation without disrupting the end of your school year. The 15-day summer residency creates space for deep networking and cohort connection when educators have more flexibility.
Job-Embedded Internship
Work toward your licensure while staying in your current role. During the fall and spring semesters, your school becomes your learning lab, allowing you to complete your 500-hour practicum and leadership projects in the environment where you already work.
Stackable Credentials
This program follows a laddered pathway. Complete the 31-credit Leadership Academy to meet Principal/Assistant Principal Licensure (SBL) requirements, then add a Superintendent Licensure (SDL) with 3 additional credits or earn a CAGS with 9 more credits.
Career Outlook & Program Outcomes
Where This Credential Takes You
This program prepares educators for both building and district-level leadership roles, including superintendents and principals in PK–12 education systems.
Career Opportunities
- Principal
- Assistant Principal
- Director of Curriculum and Instruction
- District-Level Coordinator or Supervisor
- Superintendent (with additional credentials)
Skills You'll Master
Your 2027-2028 Cohort Roadmap
The Launch (Late Spring 2027)
Format: Online, asynchronous (May 10 – June 30)
Focus: Equity audits, policy foundations, educator evaluation
The Residency (Summer 2027)
Format: 15-Day On-Campus Immersion (July 5 – 10 on-campus; July 12 – 21 online)
Focus: Leading schools in context; intensive cohort experience
The Internship (Fall '27 – Spring '28)
Format: Hybrid, site-based + two residency weekends (November & March)
Focus: Major administrative project spanning both semesters
Leadership conference (Summer 2028)
Format: 4-Day Residency (July 5 – July 8)
Focus: A culminating exerpience in the program with student presentations that is open to
educators and community to attend
Cost of Attendance
MCLA's Leadership Academy is an accredited degree program that provides exceptional value and empowers graduates to lead in a variety of settings. Offering one of the best tuition prices in the region, the degree comes with a sound return on investment guaranteed to be worth both your time and investment.
Spotlight Courses
Faculty & Advisors
Meet Your Mentors
Accreditations & Recognitions
DESE Approved
Approved educator preparation program leading to Initial Administrative Licensure
in Massachusetts.
NASDTEC
Massachusetts State approved program for Administrative Licensure and completers that
are endorsed under the terms pursuant to the National Association of State Directors
of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate Contract.
NECHE Accredited
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts is regionally accredited by the New England
Commission of Higher Education.
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
"MCLA provided the 'missing pieces' of my professional toolkit while never losing sight of the most important part: keeping social justice at the heart of every decision."
Admission Requirements
- Master's degree from an accredited institution
- At least three full years of employment in a supervisory, teaching, or administrative role in a public school, private school, higher education, or other educational setting.
- Personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- No GRE or GMAT required
FAQs
Yes. Students are required to attend a two-week on-campus residency in July, a weekend
residency in November and March, and a 4-day residency in July of the following year.
The internship is job-embedded. Candidates complete practicum hours and projects within
their current school or district role.
After completing the Leadership Academy, Massachusetts candidates may complete a district-level internship. Out-of-state candidates work with the Leadership Academy Director to discuss relevant options.
Interested in Learning More About MCLA's Leadership Academy?
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