Sep 25, 2014 10:43 AM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Klingenstein Center for Independent School Leadership -- the nation's preeminent organization of its kind, based at Teachers College, Columbia University -- collaborated with Columbia Business School and INSEAD to launch MA/MBA dual-degree programs.

The accelerated programs, which were created to prepare school leaders in education and business management, provide a master of arts in private school leadership from Teachers College and a master of business administration from either Columbia Business School or INSEAD.

The programs are delivered in a concentrated format that allows graduates to enter the job market a year earlier than if they pursued these degrees individually.

"Twenty-first century schools require leaders with knowledge of education and strong business acumen to successfully sustain and grow their schools," Klingenstein Director Pearl Rock Kane said in a statement. "The dual-degree programs prepare capable, highly motivated students in education as well as in business, leadership, management and social entrepreneurship."

The master's degree program, offered through the Klingenstein Center, is built around the pillars of instructional leadership, collaboration, social justice, reflective practice, and ethical principles. The coursework focuses on imparting the knowledge, skills, and values essential for exemplary leadership. Students also undertake fieldwork to learn about leadership firsthand and to apply what they learn at the university to the real world of schooling.

The MBA portion of the dual degree is offered through Columbia Business School in NYC or INSEAD, an international business school with campuses in France and Singapore. The programs provide a critical advantage in preparing educators to start and lead schools throughout the nation and the world.

Applicants must apply separately to the Klingenstein Center and either Columbia Business School or INSEAD. Those who apply to Teachers College must have at least three years of teaching experience and an outstanding track record of accomplishment as an educator.

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