Superintendents create and develop learning spaces that foster student achievement, ensure academic standards meet students’ needs, work with the business manager and school board to be fiscally responsible stewards of the school district funds, and recommend all personnel hired in the school district to the Board of Education. .

Experiential learning in courses, group work, and a 400-hour internship define the learning experience for graduate students enrolled in the School Superintendent Certification Program. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are interwoven into the courses and internship. This program develops emerging school district leaders who are prepared for the future as it develops. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is used a learning tool to foster deep learning and innovate strategies for dealing with Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous challenges facing school leaders of today and tomorrow. Graduates of this program have become successful superintendents, assistant superintendents, Intermediate Unit Directors, Directors of Curriculum & Instruction, and Directors of public and private organizations.

Requirements for superintendents can vary from state to state. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and many other states, individuals interested in becoming a superintendent will need to pass an exam issued by the state’s department of education to obtain school superintendent certification.

The role of a school district superintendent is constantly evolving from overseeing academics to managing finances. Drexel’s online Superintendent Certificate Program prepares students to be adaptive leaders who can lead urban, rural, and suburban school communities in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) environments.

Drexel offers two pathways to for students to complete the coursework and field experiences required for School Superintendent certification:

1. As a stand-alone post-master’s certificate program
2. As a concentration within Drexel’s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management graduate degree program

School Superintendent Certification Program Learning Outcomes

Students seeking to obtain a superintendent certification from Drexel University will complete coursework and state-required field experience hours during their time in the program. Courses focus on both theoretical and practical insights into the evolving responsibilities associated with leading school systems. Drexel’s Field Placement Office works with students to complete a one-year internship in central office positions and departments, depending on their career preferences.

To be eligible for admission into the post-master’s School Superintendent certification program, students must:

• Have a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from regionally accredited institutions with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• A state-issued school principal certificate

Required Documents

• A completed application
• Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended
• Resume/CV
• Essay that describes in detail a problem or challenge you have faced as a leader in your school setting and the steps or strategies you used to address the problem. Please also share what you have learned from addressing the challenge, and what you might do differently in the future.
• Two letters of recommendation (professional or academic)
  • One letter should be from a Superintendent (or another senior leader) from a district or school where you have worked and should speak to your experiences in leadership roles as well as any skills that would have a strong bearing on your success as a Superintendent.
• Additional requirements for International Students

The post-master’s School Superintendent certificate consists of 16 credits and can be completed in one year. Course descriptions can be found in the Drexel University Course Catalog.

If you are interested in obtaining School Superintendent certification through Drexel’s EdD in Educational Leadership and Management program, please visit the EdD admissions page.

Upon completion of your coursework, Drexel University will formally recommend the student for the Superintendent Letter of Eligibility required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

The Superintendent Certificate program is offered 100% online. You can get started by filling out the Drexel Online application. Students interested in the program can also contact Michael Kozak, EdD, at Michael.G.Kozak@drexel.edu.

Students interested in obtaining certification through the EdD program pathway should visit the EdD program page for instructions on how to apply.