Quinnipiac University

Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership Admissions

We make our admission process as straightforward and personalized as possible. If you have any questions or need guidance, our counselors and advisers in the School of Education are available to assist you at every stage of your application process.

Application Timeline

You may begin the program in either the spring or summer sessions. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Admission to this program is competitive, and we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

  • June 20: Application deadline for summer semester
  • December 15: Application deadline for spring semester

Admission Requirements

Those interested in the Sixth-Year Diploma in Educational Leadership must:

  • hold a master’s degree in a related field of study
  • have earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
  • have at least 4 years of full-time teaching experience in a PK-12 setting
  • have completed at least 36 hours (3 credits) of a special-education course

Required Documentation

  • Application: Complete the information required on the application form.
  • Fee: You will be asked to include a non-refundable application fee of $45 by credit or debit card when submitting your application. Do not send cash or check.
  • Official Transcripts: It is your responsibility to request official transcripts from ALL undergraduate, graduate and professional schools attended (including part-time and summer study). If you received transfer credit from another institution, it is still necessary to have an official transcript sent from the original university. These transcripts must be provided to Quinnipiac University in a sealed envelope or sent electronically to graduate@quinnipiac.edu.
  • Letters of Recommendation: You must have two professional references from supervisors submitted on your behalf. You will be required to enter your recommenders' contact information on the application.
  • Essay: Please submit a 2-3 page, double-spaced essay on the following issue:
    Since the 1980s, the public school student population has become much more diverse in terms of cultural backgrounds and languages spoken. Interestingly, however, the typical Connecticut teacher is still Caucasian, middle class and speaks only English. In New Haven, for example, about 90 percent of the students now belong to a minority group but almost three-fourths of the teachers are white. Many experts note that unless teachers engage in serious self-reflection about their teaching methods and belief systems, they will find it difficult to meet the needs of the increasingly diverse groups of students sitting in their classroom. This likely will lead to a widening of the achievement gaps that already exist between groups of students based on ethnical and socioeconomic status.
    Your Task: Share thoughts and perspectives on the issue described, relating your opinions and beliefs to your personal and professional experiences. In your essay, indicate what you believe teachers need to know and do to respond to an increasingly diverse student population and what you would do as a school leader to help teachers meet the needs of these students.
  • Resume: Please include an up-to-date resume.
  • Teaching Certificate: Please upload a copy of your teaching certificate.
  • Interview: Once all admission materials have been received, eligible applicants will be invited for a formal interview.

Applications are reviewed once all of the required materials have been received. It is your responsibility to ensure that missing documents are received prior to the stated admissions deadline. 

Additional Resources

Get to Know Us

Contact Graduate Admissions before coming to our campuses in North Haven or Hamden for information on what to see and do, details about directions and parking, and to set up an opportunity to speak with one of our admissions representatives.

Quinnipiac University supports equality of educational and employment opportunity. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of race, color, disability, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic or national origin.