University of Kentucky®
External Certification in
Educational Leadership - Superintendent
APPLY NOW
PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 12
CREDENTIALS Certification
COST PER CREDIT
$607.00
- UK Online
- All Programs
- External Certifications
- Educational Leadership - Superintendent
About this Program
Prepare to lead and manage school districts, improve the learning environment, and develop Human Resources. This online program is best suited for those who aspire to lead districts as a chief executive officer and chief education officer. Courses for the Superintendent program may be applied towards our doctoral degree programs.
Our online Superintendent Certification Program begins in the Summer semester, and ends in May each year. However, students may also be admitted in the Fall and Spring and begin the program in any semester.
This online program offers maximum schedule flexibility with most coursework completed asynchronously, with a few synchronous meetings on select Saturdays throughout semester.
Designed For
This program is appropriate for experienced educators and school administrators aspiring to lead school districts as superintendents. It is suitable for individuals seeking to advance their careers in educational leadership, shape educational policies, and oversee the effective management of educational institutions within Kentucky.
Request Information
Learn more about the Educational Leadership - Superintendent online program.
Earn your degree on your schedule. Online makes it possible.
Fill out this form to be sent information on the External Certification in Educational Leadership - Superintendent program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Expand your knowledge and build connections
Designed for the working administrator, this one-year, 12-credit online program will prepare you for effective leadership and translate your educational vision into reality. Our graduates work as superintendents, assistant and associate superintendents, international school directors, and chief academic officers. As a student in this program, you will:
- Expand your knowledge of legal, financial management, human resources, and other issues involved in executive leadership.
- Participate in problem-solving sessions with our faculty and invited presenters.
- Build connections with our nationally known faculty experts, practicing experts in the field, and your colleagues in the program.
- Integrate your new knowledge into your current work environment.
Coursework in the program aligns with standards from the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) and will prepare you to seek licensure in Kentucky and other states. In addition, graduates of the program may apply coursework to doctoral degree programs in Educational Leadership Studies (Ed.D., Ph.D.).
Course Examples
- EDL 676 The School Superintendency
- EDL 677 School System Administration
- EDL 678 Strategic Management in Education
- EDL 682 Leading District Change and Innovation
GOT QUESTIONS?
Schedule time to meet with a representative from UK Online to discuss your online learning options.
How to Apply
Admissions Criteria
- At least two (2) years of full-time experience in a position of school principal, supervisor of instruction, guidance counselor, director of pupil personnel, director of special education, school business administrator, local district coordinator of vocational education, or a coordinator, administrator, or supervisor of district-wide services. Other administrative experience may be substituted for this requirement with the approval of the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) (show on resume)
- Three (3) years of teaching experience (show on resume)
- Completed a master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (provide unofficial transcript)
Application Requirements
- A current professional educator certificate
- A written statement of and evidence of leadership experiences at the school building or district level. Please use this template.
- Completed MOA Cooperating Superintendent Supervisor Practicum Form
- Professional resume
- Unofficial transcripts
- Four letters of recommendation including one from a supervisor/education agency representative attesting to your suitability for serving as a school leader. (Only email addresses required. Our system will email them to upload their reference.)
- Evidence of having completed the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) Test.
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT THE APPLICATION SYSTEM
When applying, be sure to select the following options to ensure you are applying to this program:
- Online (as the modality)
- Application Category = External Certification
- Applicant Program = Educational Leadership
Program Contact
Deadlines
Fall 2025
Spring 2025
Summer 2025
As the director/CEO of a large international school, I have found this program to be practical, beneficial, relative, manageable, and I believe I am now a better educator and leader.
Mark LentzWhy UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
No test scores required.
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Access supporting services and success coaches to help you succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
About
Do I have to be enrolled in the Educational Leadership EdD or PhD program to take this certification?
Courses for the Superintendent program may be applied towards our doctoral degree programs. Student who already hold a doctoral degree in educational leadership may enroll in just this certification program.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Please view the Admission Criteria section, located under "How to Apply" on this page.
Tuition
How much does the online program cost?
The tuition rate for this program is listed at the top of this page. If you still have questions, please reach out to the program representative.
I'm not in Kentucky. What's my tuition rate?
For our fully-online programs, it does not matter what state you live in. The rate is the same no matter where you live.
Online Learning
Can I meet with faculty even though the program is online?
Yes. Our faculty are happy to meet with our students by phone call, email, or an online meeting. You are also welcome to set up an in-person appointment if you ever find yourself in Lexington.
Are there any on-campus requirements?
No, there is no on-campus requirement.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Our team is here to help you with the next stage of your journey. Reach out to us today!
Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure
Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa.
WANT TO GET THE LATEST?
Sign up to get updates about this program, including info sessions and application deadlines.
Related Programs
