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MSU's superintendent certification program is a post-master's, non-degree program that requires 12 hours of credit.

Coursework provides a combination of clinical field work and class experience that places a focus on leveraging school-level and district-level systems to enhance student learning. Course topics include:

  • Communication and support services
  • Curriculum planning, delivery and assessment
  • Fiscal affairs and implications
  • Instructional leadership
  • Personnel management (developing evaluations, mentoring and leveraging technological resources)

Program Requirements

Admission Requirements

  1. An earned a master's degree from an accredited institution.
  2. A professional certificate (teaching).
  3. At least two years experience as a principal, supervisor of instruction, guidance counselor, DPP, DoSE, school business administrator, vocational school coordinator, or coordinator/administrator/supervisor of district-wide services.
  4. A written letter of recommendation from a supervisor or an education agency representative attesting to the applicant's suitability for school leader.
  5. An admissions portfolio which documents that the applicant demonstrates the following:
    1. the ability to improve student achievement;
    2. knowledge of school laws related to school finance, school operations, and personnel matters;
    3. the ability to implement curriculum, instruction, and assessment;
    4. a commitment to ongoing professional growth;
    5. effective communication skills; and
    6. the ability to build relationships, foster teamwork, and develop networks.
  6. Students may only be unconditionally admitted.

Program Completion

  1. Successful completion of all coursework with no grade lower than a "B" in any course.
  2. Successful completion of a capstone portfolio.
  3. Completion of the Levels I and II preparation and certification for the position of school principal, or supervisor of instruction; or for a candidate who completed preparation for principal prior to 1988, completion of the assessments for administration; and,
  4. Completion of at least three (3)  years of full-time teaching experience, including at least 140 days per year.
  5. Apply for completion at the beginning of the term in which all requirements will  be completed. 
  6. Must be unconditionally admitted.

Required Courses

EDIL 639    Intentional Planning for Student Learning   

3
EDIL 641 School Superintendent

3
EDIL 649 School District Management

3
EDIL 659 Systems for Change

3
  Total Credit Hours: 12

Career Opportunities

MSU's Career Services offers career planning, interview and resume preparation assistance.