Education Specialist in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Superintendent Online
Move from building leadership to district leadership. This EdS Superintendent degree helps experienced administrators build the governance, finance and executive leadership skills needed to pursue superintendent roles.
Enrollment for our accelerated online MSEd programs is open. Get started today!
Program Overview
Prepare to lead school systems with an Education Specialist Superintendent Degree
$16,470.30
Total Tuition
as few as 12 - 24 months
Program Duration
33
Credit Hours
School districts need leaders who can guide strategy, manage resources and build trust across entire communities. The Education Specialist with a Specialization in Superintendent from SIUE prepares experienced administrators to step into higher levels of leadership.
Online coursework focuses on district governance, finance, personnel leadership and community engagement so you can confidently lead at the system level. You will learn from faculty that include practicing superintendents while completing a year-long, job-embedded internship within a school district.
Leadership opportunities don’t always follow a set timeline. Roles can open quickly, and districts need qualified candidates ready to step in. Superintendent licensure prepares you to act when the opportunity is there.
Professional mentorship, statewide partnerships and leadership networking opportunities help expand your visibility as you move toward district-level leadership.
In this Education Specialist online program, you will learn to:
- Lead district governance and collaborate effectively with boards of education to guide policy and strategic direction
- Analyze school district finances, budgets and operational systems to support responsible resource management
- Manage personnel administration, labor relations and leadership evaluation across multiple schools
- Build strong school-community partnerships and communicate effectively with families, stakeholders and public leaders
- Apply district leadership skills through a supervised internship and an applied field study addressing real system challenges
- Lead district governance and collaborate effectively with boards of education to guide policy and strategic direction
- Analyze school district finances, budgets and operational systems to support responsible resource management
- Manage personnel administration, labor relations and leadership evaluation across multiple schools
- Build strong school-community partnerships and communicate effectively with families, stakeholders and public leaders
- Apply district leadership skills through a supervised internship and an applied field study addressing real system challenges
Career opportunities:
- Superintendent of Schools
- Assistant Superintendent
- Associate Superintendent
- Chief Academic Officer (District Level)
- Chief Education Officer
- Chief Operations Officer (Education Systems)
- Chief Business Officer or Chief Financial Officer (School District)
- Superintendent of Schools
- Assistant Superintendent
- Associate Superintendent
- Chief Academic Officer (District Level)
- Chief Education Officer
- Chief Operations Officer (Education Systems)
- Chief Business Officer or Chief Financial Officer (School District)
All P-12 teacher educator and administrator preparation programs are accredited through the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) from October 2023 - December 2029.
Tuition
Understand tuition for your degree program
Tuition for the EdS in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Superintendent online degree program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included.
$499.10
Per Credit Hour
$1,497.30
Per 3 Credit-Hour Course
$16,470.30*
Total Tuition
If you are applying for financial aid, please use Federal School Code 001759. For more information, please contact our financial aid office by calling 618-650-3880 or emailing [email protected].
*Tuition includes all fees and is subject to change without notice. The University reserves the right to increase tuition and fees at any time.
Calendar
Plan your schedule with flexible pacing for working administrators
The EdS in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Superintendent program is delivered in an online format ideal for working educators, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that best fits your goals.
Upcoming Start Dates
8/12/26
Next Application Deadline
8/29/26
Start Classes
| Term | Start Date | Application/Financial Aid Deadline | Document & Financial Aid Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall I | 8/29/26 | 8/12/26 | 8/19/26 | 8/25/26 | 8/27/26 | 10/16/26 |
| Fall II | 10/24/26 | 10/7/26 | 10/14/26 | 10/20/26 | 10/22/26 | 12/18/26 |
Admissions
Review admission requirements for the EdS Superintendent degree
Admission to the EdS in Educational Administration with a Specialization in Superintendent online program is based on a variety of factors. You must submit a graduate school application, all post-secondary academic transcripts and a $40 application fee.
- Master of Science in Education degree with a cumulative 3.25 GPA in graduate studies work
- Transcripts from all previous colleges/universities attended
- All applicants must show they have at least two years of full-time administrative or supervisory experience on the following Illinois credential: General Administrative, Principal, Director of Special Education, or Chief Business Official
- Qualifying for licensure at program completion requires 4 years of experience as a teacher or school support personnel on a valid state license or completion of an Illinois 80-08 form.
- No GRE score required for admission
- All applicants with foreign academic credentials whose first language is not English must demonstrate adequate English language proficiency in advance of admission
- Proof of English Proficiency: requirements are minimum Level 4 (equivalent to TOEFL iBT 79), IELTS (6.5) or equivalent
Students meeting the admission requirements will be given provisional admission allowing them to enroll in EDAD 500: Organization and Administration of Schools. During EDAD 500, students complete the candidate selection process. This process includes:
- Completion of a leadership portfolio summarizing leadership experience and potential for instructional leadership
- Identification of a qualified mentor for internship experiences
- Participation in a selection interview
- An assessment of written communication skills based on a response to a case study
Upon successful completion of EDAD 500 and selection as a candidate, students receive full admittance to the program.
All required documents (e.g., official transcripts) should be sent to the following address:
SIUE Office of Graduate and International Admissions
Campus Box 1047
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1047
Electronic official transcripts should be submitted to [email protected].
Have a question? Call us at  877-244-4661.
Courses
Build district leadership skills through applied online coursework
The EdS with a Specialization in Superintendent online curriculum is comprised of 33 credit hours.
The EdS with a Specialization in Superintendent online curriculum is comprised of 33 credit hours.
Students will take the full calendar year filed-based internship in 6 consecutive 2 credit hour increments.
See our other online education programs.
