University of Kentucky®
Graduate Certificate in
Executive Educational Leadership (Superintendent Certification)
APPLY NOW
PROGRAM DETAILS
FORMAT
TOTAL CREDITS 12
CREDENTIALS Certificate
COST PER CREDIT
$639.50
REQUEST PROGRAM INFO
- UK Online
- All Programs
- Graduate Certificates
- Executive Educational Leadership (Superintendent Certification)
About this Program
This program prepares experienced education professionals for executive leadership in school districts and district-level systems, including preparation for the role of superintendent. The program focuses on the responsibilities of district leadership, including governance and board relations, district policy and planning, system-wide instructional leadership, fiscal and human resource management, and ethical leadership in complex school organizations.
The certificate includes coursework that meets Kentucky’s academic requirements for superintendent certification, allowing eligible candidates to complete the required superintendent preparation through a graduate certificate. The program is also designed for professionals who seek advanced preparation for district and central office leadership roles without pursuing certification, emphasizing system-level decision-making and leadership across school district operations.
The program combines research-informed instruction with authentic district leadership practice through a distinctive co-teaching model, superintendent mentoring, work-embedded field experiences, and performance-based assessment, preparing leaders for the complex realities of school system leadership. The certificate is intentionally structured as a focused sequence of four courses delivered across two consecutive terms (spring and summer), allowing students to complete the program in approximately eight months while maintaining rigorous, applied preparation for school system leadership.
Why UK Online
Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success.
Designed For
This certificate is ideal for experienced education professionals interested in leading and supporting school districts and school systems. It is designed for individuals seeking preparation for superintendent certification in Kentucky, as well as those who want to strengthen their capacity for executive, system-level leadership in district and central office roles.
Request Information
Learn more about the Executive Educational Leadership (Superintendent Certification) online program.
- ✔ Financial Aid Resources
- ✔ Application Deadline Reminders
- ✔ Application Assistance Resources
- ✔ Connections to Program Representatives
Earn your degree on your schedule. Online makes it possible.
Fill out this form to be sent information on the Graduate Certificate in Executive Educational Leadership (Superintendent Certification) program, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!
What You’ll Learn
Across four graduate-level courses, you will develop the knowledge and skills required to lead school districts and school systems at the executive level. Students will learn how to:
- Analyze the role of the school district superintendent, including the core responsibilities of the position, the leadership skills required for success, and the challenges shaping district leadership today.
- Manage district-level operations, including financial management, human resources, federal programs, and auxiliary services that support effective system-wide functioning.
- Apply strategic management and change leadership practices to guide districts through reform, innovation, and improvement in local, state, and national contexts.
- Lead system-wide initiatives using research-informed change models, with attention to governance, policy alignment, and instructional coherence across schools.
- Apply learning through field-based, work-embedded assignments completed in collaboration with a superintendent mentor.
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
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Executive Educational Leadership.
These criteria reflect University of Kentucky Graduate School requirements and, for applicants pursuing superintendent certification, the eligibility expectations outlined in 16 KAR 3:090.
Applicants must have:
• A completed master’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Two letters of recommendation, including at least one from a supervisor or education agency representative who can attest to the applicant’s suitability for district-level leadership
(Only email addresses are required. Recommenders will be contacted through the application system to upload their reference.)
• A minimum of three (3) years of P–12 teaching experience
• A minimum of two (2) years of full-time administrative experience in one or more of the following roles:
school principal, assistant 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
For applicants seeking Kentucky superintendent certification, other relevant administrative experience may be considered in accordance with Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) approval processes, as permitted under 16 KAR 3:090.
International applicants whose native language is not English must meet University of Kentucky Graduate School English proficiency requirements. See Graduate School admissions for specifics.
Application Requirements
On the UK Graduate School application, please select:
Certificate: Graduate Certificate
Program: Executive Educational Leadership
Applicants must submit the following materials:
Professional Resume or Curriculum Vitae
The resume should include name and contact information, postsecondary education (degrees earned, institutions, and dates), teaching and administrative experience, professional certifications, and relevant leadership roles. The resume will be used to verify teaching and administrative experience.
Personal Statement
Submit a 1–2 page, double-spaced personal statement (Times New Roman 12-point or Arial 11-point) addressing the following:
• Your interest in district-level leadership
• Your professional goals and how this certificate aligns with those goals
• Your interest in superintendent preparation, if applicable
Official Transcripts
Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended are required. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted for initial application review.
Additional Materials for Applicants Seeking Kentucky Superintendent Certification
Applicants who intend to pursue Kentucky superintendent certification must meet additional eligibility and documentation requirements established by the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) in 16 KAR 3:090.
Additional documentation will be collected after application submission and prior to program admission or early in the program, as part of the program’s certification verification process. These materials are submitted outside of the graduate application system.
Required documentation may include, as applicable:
• Verification of administrative experience beyond that documented in the resume
• Evidence of prior advanced leadership certification, as required by state regulation
• Documentation demonstrating readiness for superintendent preparation, consistent with EPSB requirements
Applicants pursuing superintendent certification will receive detailed guidance on required materials, timelines, and verification processes following application review.
Program Contact
Deadlines
Summer 2026
Fall 2026
Spring 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
About
What instructional model does this program use?
The Graduate Certificate in Executive Educational Leadership uses an applied, practice-based instructional model designed for experienced district-level leaders. Courses are taught through a co-teaching approach that pairs a University of Kentucky faculty member with a practicing or former superintendent, integrating research-informed leadership preparation with authentic district experience. Learning is grounded in field-based, work-embedded assignments that allow students to apply concepts directly to real leadership challenges in school districts and school systems. The program emphasizes performance-based assessment, mentoring, and system-level problem solving rather than coursework alone.
Admissions
What is the admission criteria?
Admission Criteria is located on each Program Page under the section titled "How to Apply".
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, state of residence does not affect tuition rate. Tuition 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
