The superintendency/district leadership graduate certificate program provides an opportunity for potential candidates who currently hold a Kansas professional building leadership license to participate in advanced graduate training that leads to positions as a superintendent, assistant superintendent or special education director, as well as other district-level positions required by school districts. The program is completed entirely online.

This program is not cohort-based and provides great flexibility in time and with instructional options. It can be completed in one year or over a longer period. Although most candidates begin their program in June, candidates may begin their classes at any time throughout the year (June, August, October, January, March). However, Graduate School admissions deadlines must still be met.

Admission

• Application to the Graduate School¹. Graduate School admissions deadlines must be met.
• Two recommendations from supervisors and/or professional peers of which at least one must be from a supervisor that attests to the applicant's potential as a district-level leader.
• Evidence of a professional license in school building leadership.
• A 500-word statement that discusses the applicant's leadership experience (formal/informal; professional/nonprofessional). The applicant must be specific as to their leadership experience detailing the goals and outcomes of the applicant's leadership experience. The statement of purpose will be analyzed for evidence of leadership ability and writing skill.

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Program Requirements

Background Check

Upon admission and prior to their first semester, all applicants admitted to this program must clear a criminal background check. There are two reasons for this requirement. First, it is part of the university’s due diligence before placing students in field settings. Second, the check may alert applicants or students to issues that may subsequently affect their ability to work in their chosen field. In instances when a person’s criminal history raises reasonable concerns that should be cleared to engage in the field experiences and/or subsequently obtain licensure/endorsement, WSU may take a range of actions, including rescission of admission or dismissal from the program, depending on the nature of the concern.

For information regarding this requirement, visit: Advanced Programs¹.

Curriculum

The district program requires 15–18 credit hours².

Course Sequence

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Applicants who have prior coursework/experience may have their coursework/experience evaluated and may have their internship or other course requirements waived, resulting in a program of 15–18 credit hours.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the prescribed coursework of five seminars and an internship working with a practicing professional, candidates must take and submit a passing score on the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA). The SSA is based on standards adopted by the Kansas State Department of Education which include knowledge, performance and dispositions necessary for a district-level school leadership position.

Once a candidate successfully completes all coursework and program requirements, the licensure office at Wichita State will assist the candidate with their request for licensure. Past coursework/experiences can possibly reduce the number of courses required to complete the program.

In addition to these requirements, students must meet the Graduate School’s requirements in order to earn this certificate.