School Business Leadership

Advance school business operations in your district. Enroll in our online Master of Science in Education with a major in School Business Leadership.

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Program Snapshot

Program Type	Format	Credit Hours
Master's Degree	Online	30

Why Study School Business Leadership at Wilkes?

Wilkes University partnered with the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials (PASBO) to offer this unique master’s program. The 30-credit program was developed to address the key issues school business leaders face in today’s education environment.

While the program is designed for practicing school business personnel, it can also prepare those who are seeking positions in the field. Anyone with a bachelor's degree regardless of the field is eligible for this program.

What Will You Learn as a School Business Student?

You’ll learn to be a well-rounded school business professional with a solid grounding in public relations and communications, facility management, financial operations, and human resources.
You’ll explore how to implement successful systems across your school or district, including best practices in materials management, information technology, transportation, and food service.
You’ll develop your skills as a leader.

Thank you for your interest in Wilkes University's Graduate Education programs! To learn more about our program please complete the form. If you have questions, or wish to discuss your education goals, please contact:

Erin Heffron
erin.heffron@wilkes.edu
570-408-4311

Program Highlights

Unlike traditional business programs, this one of a kind degree prepares candidates for the unique operations of the school business office. Topics addressed include governmental accounting and finance, school operations, food service, student transportation and others to prepare practicing and future school business leaders for success in the field.

Learn from Working Professionals

All of our program instructors are also practitioners who can offer real world experiences and actionable insights you can begin applying in your current position.

Partners for Success

Wilkes currently partners with multiple school business associations nationwide to ensure that our program fits your needs.

Convenient Online Courses

This program is offered completely online, allowing you to learn from anywhere and participate at a time of the day that suits you best, while still experiencing a high level of interaction with instructors and peers. Courses are structured into week-long units with readings, class discussions and various assignments – all with established due dates.

Gain the Tools You Need on Your Time

Wilkes' unique School Business Leadership program will let you develop your leadership skills at your own pace. Our online program can be completed in as little as two years and lets you learn at your own pace.

I think all new school business leaders should go through it, as well as anyone hoping to move up into leadership positions. I was fairly new to school business and this gave me an opportunity to learn all of the areas of school business from a broader perspective…
Anita Danielson - Assistant to the Executive Director, Seneca Highlands Intermediate Unit 9

The things I learned were directly relevant to what I do every day, and it helped me to build a network of people who do what I do.
Michelle Smithmyer - Business Manager, Claysburg-Kimmel School District

This degree has helped me understand multiple areas of school operations and given me the ability to work more effectively with those departments. It has also provided me with the opportunity to move into other leadership roles within the educational setting.
Susan Robertson - Business Administrator, Punxsutawney Area School District

Tuition & Aid

Tuition for graduate programs in education for the 2025-26 academic year is $588 per credit, or $1,764 per course. Deferment is available for employers who reimburse tuition and financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of our School Business Leadership program are well-prepared to achieve success as business leaders within school districts.

Job Titles: Director of Business & Finance, School Business Manager, Assistant to the Superintendent, Director of Information Technology, Business Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Superintendent, Business Administrator, Assistant to the Executive Director, Board Secretary

Pennsylvania residents can take our courses as part of a newly created Certificate of Enhanced Qualifications (CEQ) program offered through PASBO.

A CEQ can be awarded by PASBO in areas of enhanced qualifications by combining Wilkes School Business Leadership courses with the PASBO Elements workshops. Participants interested in PASBO’s CEQ program should refer to the program guidelines, which can be found at pasbo.org/ceq external website.

If you do not possess a bachelor’s degree that qualifies you to enroll in courses for graduate credit, you can enroll for continuing education credit. If you already possess a master’s degree and are interested in the content of the courses you may also choose to enroll for CPE credit.

Only graduate credit, not continuing education credit, may be counted toward the master’s degree.