CAGS in Education, Online CAGS

Virtual Information Sessions

Please join NEC’s graduate Education faculty for an upcoming virtual information session. You will learn about the online graduate programs in Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS), Master of Education (MEd), and Professional Educator Preparation (Teacher Licensure). The sessions will cover details about each education program, curriculum, licensure tracks, and how New England College meets the requirements for certified New Hampshire educators, principals, and superintendents.

Click on a date below to register for the Zoom session.
Monday, April 1, at 12:00 p.m. EST
Wednesday, May 1, at 5:00 p.m. EST
Monday, June 3, at 5:00 p.m. EST

CAGS in Education Program Overview

New England College offers a post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (CAGS) in Education program for those who want to advance their careers through improved knowledge, increased skills and confidence, and higher-level professional credentials.

CAGS Concentrations

The CAGS in Education program features specific tracks to allow individuals to home in on specific aspects of education. The concentrations are as follows:

• Educational Leadership
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Data Analytics
• School Principal Licensure
• School Superintendent Licensure
• Special Education
• STEM

CAGS in Education Program Highlights

Why Earn Your CAGS ?

By pursuing a CAGS degree, educators gain the tools to step into new roles and leadership opportunities that’ll make a difference in their classrooms, schools, and communities and reshape their careers.

NEC’s award-winning faculty and nationally recognized educational leaders focus on research-driven curricula and engaging personalized instruction.

Online CAGS Program Learning Outcomes

NEC’s CAGS in Education program guides enrollees through the key elements of educational leadership by breaking down key concepts associated with attaining success at a high level. These concepts help students develop a holistic approach to education that highlights the merits of personal development and professional commitment.

1. Learner and Learning

Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning and teaching enhancement as a means of becoming agents of change who can effectively identify and meet the needs of diverse learners and communities.

2. Content Knowledge

Analyze, reflect, and use research to improve one’s own practice for continuous engagement and improvement in pedagogy and content area knowledge and standards.

3. Collaboration

Engage in professional learning communities to demonstrate an ability to work and effectively communicate with students, school professionals, and community members to understand, negotiate, and influence complex systems.

4. Professional Responsibility

Establish high standards for professional and ethical practice to demonstrate a commitment to problem-solving; decision-making; and compliance with school, district, state, and federal regulations.

InTASC Standards

Upon completion of the online CAGS program, students will meet the following InTASC standards:

Standard No. 1: Learner Development

The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

Standard No. 2: Learning Differences

The teacher uses an understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

Standard No. 3: Learning Environments

The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Standard No. 4: Content Knowledge

The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline they teach and creates learning experiences that make these aspects of the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to ensure mastery of the content.

Standard No. 5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem-solving related to authentic local and global issues.

Standard No. 6: Assessment

The teacher understands and uses multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, monitor learner progress, and guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision-making.

Standard No. 7: Planning for Instruction

The teacher plans instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

Standard No. 8: Instructional Strategies

The teacher understands and uses various instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop a deep understanding of content areas and their connections and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

Standard No. 9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice

The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate their practice, particularly the effects of their choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

Standard No. 10: Leadership and Collaboration

The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning; collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth; and advance the profession.

What Can You Do with a CAGS in Education?

Earning a CAGS education certificate can help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully pursue a role in educational leadership. These roles can make it possible for individuals to help a school build the strategies they need to provide optimized learning experiences for all students.

Recognition & Rankings

NEC Ranked Top Online College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as one of the best Online Colleges in New Hampshire, as acknowledged by Forbes Advisor, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top Online Degree Program

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading online college in NH, as acknowledged by Intelligent.com, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

NEC Ranked Top College in New Hampshire

New England College in New Hampshire has earned recognition as a leading college in NH, as acknowledged by EduRank, a credible source for evaluating higher education programs.

Application Requirements

Sample Course Requirements

CAGS Educational Leadership Core Requirements

(22 credits)
ED 5820: Progressive Trends in Education (credits: 3)
ED 6415: Leading Systems Change and School Reform (credits: 4)
ED 7003: Education Leadership and Critical Issues (credits: 4)
ED 7004: School Law: ME, NH, and Federal (credits: 3)
ED 6550: Research and Data-Based Decision-Making (credits: 4)
ED 7950: Capstone Leadership Project Credits (credits: 4)

Educational Leadership Concentration

Select 12 credits from the following:
ED 7020: Exploring Assessment and Accountability: Controversies and Solutions (credits: 4)
ED 7021: Teacher Evaluation and Instructional Leadership (credits: 3)
MG 5120: Organizational Leadership and Change (credits: 4)
MG 5410: Organizational Communication, Negotiation & Conflict Resolution (credits: 4)
MG 6110: Project Management (credits: 4)
MG 6520: Grant Writing and Contract Management (credits: 4)

CAGS Concentrations

In addition to the educational leadership concentration, NEC’s CAGS allows individuals to explore other concentrations focusing on other key aspects of education.

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Data Analytics
• School Principal Licensure
• School Superintendent Licensure
• Special Education
• STEM

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to complete the online CAGS program?

NEC’s online CAGS program can be completed in less than two years.

How is the CAGS Education program structured?

NEC’s CAGS education program consists of 34 credits. This is broken down into 22 credits associated with the CAGS educational leadership core requirements and 12 credits from the program’s educational leadership concentration.

What are the benefits of an online CAGS?

By obtaining a CAGS, individuals can hone the knowledge and skills needed to fully prepare for a leadership role in education. This can give them the unique opportunity to build, develop, and execute educational strategies that can have a profound impact on student lives.

How do I enroll in the CAGS in Education program?

Individuals can enroll in NEC’s CAGS in Education program by applying directly online. NEC doesn’t charge an application fee and doesn’t require standardized test scores.