Superintendent
Endorsement
Applying to our P–12 School Leadership programs?
You could qualify for a 15% tuition discount through the Big Red Leader Tuition Remission program
Set a Course for District-Level Leadership
Are you a practicing, building-level school leader seeking to expand your influence and deepen your impact at the district level? Are you drawn to address complex challenges and opportunities of district-level school leadership?
Nebraska offers a streamlined, straightforward path for those seeking only the superintendent endorsement. These courses feature the same rigorous, accessible learning experiences through distance education technology, face-to-face relationships, award-winning faculty, and hands-on learning experiences, but without the research requirements associated with pursuit of the doctor of education (EdD) degree.
Students completing the program leave prepared to lead district-level learning communities of all shapes and sizes, ready to optimize resources, support high quality teaching and learning and every student. Program courses lead to a Nebraska Certificate of Specialization in Educational Administration with the endorsement of superintendency.
#LEADBIGRED
*EDAD tuition is classified under the University's base tuition rate*
2-3 years
Program Length
*27-36
Credits
*Total hours are determined after a transcript review, see below
Hybrid
Format
Not Required
GRE/Entrance Exam
Faculty Advisors
Learning the research interests and expertise areas of potential faculty advisors, particularly at the doctoral level, is an important consideration for prospective students. We encourage prospective applicants to learn about faculty advisors via the links below and through the “Meet our Team” link on the “About EDAD” tab.” Based on capacity, the following faculty members serve as advisors in this program:
The Nebraska Difference
That is why we have built a program focused on standards, supported by research, and founded on relationships. Our program is aligned with the Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (PSEL) as well as the Nebraska Teacher and Principal Performance Standards (NTPPS). But we didn’t stop there. Our faculty have used research and practical experience to identify three core competencies we seek to develop in future school leaders. We call it The Nebraska Difference.
Visionary Thinkers understand there is more to school leadership than crossing off tasks on a checklist. We understand theory and research in education and articulate the reasons behind the actions they take and decisions they make.
Reflective Learners know that if schools are to be focused on learning, it starts with leadership. Reflective Learners apply research and theory and model continuous growth, learning, and improvement in themselves and others.
Servant Leaders know that, above all else, leadership is empowering and supporting others for success. Servant Leaders empower, support, and help sustain the success of others with an eye toward the future.
Our Unique Program
Award-Winning Faculty
- Students learn from faculty who conduct and share leading research on authentic school leadership challenges. These scholars are devoted their careers to teaching, researching, discovering, and sharing what works in school leadership.
- Students also learn from faculty with decades of real world experience as school leaders. These leaders have walked the walk of school leadership as principals, superintendents, and more.
Accessible Courses
- Students form meaningful relationships with classmates, faculty, and others through a unique combination of face-to-face and online courses.
Extra Opportunities
Individual Attention
- Students complete an authentic internship experience in their districts with support from a field-based mentor and faculty member. Students learn from leading Nebraska superintendents in two dynamic, hands-on summer seminars, held at the Nebraska Council of School Administrators offices in Lincoln
Critical Friends
- Students learn from expert school leaders with well-established expertise on particular topics.
Program Courses
- With an already completed master’s degree in educational administration most students in the superintendent endorsement program
Launching Your Journey
Program Curriculum
The program typically appeals to principals seeking to serve in district-level P-12 administration and students in the P-12 school leadership EdD program. Sixty-six total credit hours are required for the certification. The Superintendent Endorsement program is typically 27 minimum to 33 maximum credit hours of coursework. It depends on the MA program the student completed and their course of study will be determined following a transcript review. Principals who hold a master’s degree are often able to transfer a number of hours to complete the certificate.
The most common course of study is designed to meet the requirements for a Nebraska Professional Administrative and Supervisory Certificate, with the certificate endorsement of superintendency. To satisfy requirements for any other administrative endorsements that the student may want to obtain, such as secondary principal, middle-level principal, or elementary principal, additional courses may be required.
Required courses for the Superintendent Endorsement, which are offered in online, face-to-face, and hybrid formats, are listed. The courses (or their equivalencies) that are typically included in a student’s Master’s degree are also listed and can often be transferred into the superintendent endorsement program.
**Your program may vary according to previous courses completed, age, etc. Our team can work with you to determine your individual path to the superintendent endorsement. Please talk to an advisor to determine what your course of study will be.
Nebraska Superintendent Endorsement (not Certification) Program
| Degree/Program | Credits |
|---|---|
| MEd Credit Hours (typical) | 36 |
| Nebraska Superintendent Endorsement Program | 27-33 |
| TOTAL Credit Hours for Superintendent Endorsement | 63-69 |
Additional Nebraska Department of Education Endorsement Requirement
The Nebraska Department of Education will require passing the PRAXIS School Leadership 6021 School Superintendent Assessment.
Graduate Admission Requirements
- Application for Admission with $50 non-refundable application fee.
- Transcripts from previous institutions. Unofficial transcripts are permitted during admission; official transcripts are required prior to enrollment.
- If the student’s native language is not English, verification of English proficiency is required.
- If International: upload copies of all college- or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.
- **Official documents are required from all students who are admitted and enroll. Photocopies of certified records are not acceptable. International students enrolled in other U.S. institutions may have certified copies of all foreign records sent directly to the Office of Graduate Studies by their current school’s registrar office.
- If applicant is not a US citizen and expects an F or J visa: financial information.
- Applicants must also fulfill any additional requirements the department specifies at the time of application.
Major Admission Requirements
- Personal Statement:
- Nebraska's EDAD P-12 leadership program is built around the educational leader as a Visionary Thinker, Reflective Learner, and Servant Leader. Describe how you have exemplified these actions in your current or previous leadership roles.
- Explain your professional experiences and motivations for doctoral studies, specifically Nebraska's EdD program, which is focused on the educational leader as a Visionary Thinker, Reflective Learner, and Servant Leader.
- Describe a local problem, challenge, or opportunity that is unique to your context that might be addressed as part of your Program of Studies and dissertation. Share how Nebraska's EdD program would help you address this local challenge, problem, or opportunity.
- Writing Sample: Provide three writing samples that demonstrate your scholarly writing ability, for example, a term paper, thesis, or published article.
- Resume
- Two recommendation letters
