Superintendent Administrator Credential

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Program Link:
https://ceshs.wsu.edu/degrees/educational-leadership/
Program Handbook:
https://vancouver.wsu.edu/academic-programs/superintendent-certificate/
Student Learning Outcomes:
https://vancouver.wsu.edu/academic-programs/superintendent-certificate/
Graduate Students in Program:
30
Priority Deadlines:

  • Fall (see dates listed below by term)
  • Spring (see dates listed below by term)

Campus:

  • Pullman
  • Spokane
  • Tri-Cities
  • Vancouver

International Student English Proficiency Exams

International students may need to surpass the Graduate School’s minimum English language proficiency exam scores for this program. If the graduate program has unique score requirements, they will be detailed below. Otherwise, please refer to the Graduate School’s minimum score guidelines.

Degree Description:

WSU offers three different administrator credential programs that lead to Washington state certification. Each program is designated as a ‘state-wide’ program, meaning that students live and work throughout the state of Washington. Students apply and enroll via the WSU campus that is closest to where they live. Each program is designed on a cohort model with students from participating campuses taking classes together via Zoom and/or via monthly in-person seminars (superintendent). This program is designed for domestic applicants. An overview of the Superintendent Credential is below, followed by detailed application requirements further down. If you are seeking Principal or Program Administrator Credential options, please refer to the specific factsheet for detailed information.

Applicants are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline for first consideration though will be considered on a space available basis through the closing date listed below. There are no assistantships for any certificate programs. ​

Overview of Superintendent Certificate: This program is designed for those interested in district wide leadership as a Superintendent. Applicants are required to have a teaching, ESA, principal, or program administrator certificate. Applicants typically have multiple years of experience working in leadership positions at the building or district level. A minimum of six semester credits of graduate level educational leadership coursework prior to admission is also required. Courses are taught in-person (required) via a monthly weekend seminar that rotates among various locations around the state. This is a two-year program.

ALL programs above require:

  • a master’s degree prior to admission or concurrent admission/enrollment in WSU’s Master of Education (Ed.M.) in Educational Leadership.
  • current employment in a school district (building or district office) or Educational Service District in the state of Washington, as well as school district support for an administrative internship.
  • All certification programs above require an administrative internship. Please contact your Campus Coordinator to receive the required Internship Agreement form, and to ensure you have the correct application materials and instructions:

NOTE: Degree and certification programs in Educational Leadership do not accept State of Washington tuition waivers. This includes the following graduate programs: Ed.M., M.A., Ed.D., and Ph.D., as well as these certification programs: principal, program administrator, and superintendent.

Admission Requirements:

Apply to the WSU Graduate School through GradCAS. Once in GradCAS search for Washington State University Administrator’s Credential – Superintendent and the campus you will be enrolling.

SUPERINTENDENT CERTIFICATE: 

NOTE: This program is offered via the WSU Spokane and WSU Vancouver campuses, and normally begins either Fall (late August start) or Spring (early January start).  Please check with the program coordinator early to discuss requirements, additional required forms, deadlines, and space availability.

Applicants should apply via the WSU campus (Spokane or Vancouver) that is closest to where they live.

Priority application deadline and closure date:

  • Fall: priority = June 1 | closes = July 15
  • Spring: priority = October 1 | closes = November 15

Applications are considered on a space available basis through the closing date above. If necessary, contact your local Campus Coordinator for a possible extension.

Application materials:

  • Current resume 
  • Complete educational history and transcripts from any colleges/universities that meet these criteria:
    • where any degrees have been granted or are expected.
    • that show any graded bachelor’s work and/or graduate-level work (including doctoral) taken after the bachelor’s degree.
    • Transcripts are NOT required for coursework taken at WSU.
    • Unofficial copies may be uploaded with your Graduate School application for application review. If admitted, you will be required to submit official copies to the WSU Graduate School.
  • Letters of recommendation
    • This program requires letters of recommendation from current or retired school administrators. Please use the following professionals as your references:
    • One from your district Superintendent and/or Assistant Superintendent. NOTE: If you are currently working in the role of Superintendent, please try to obtain a recommendation letter from another current or former Superintendent.
    • One from your immediate or past supervisor (typically a building principal, assistant principal, or district office administrator)
    • The third letter should be from any of the above or a co-worker who is familiar with your leadership work.
  • Written statement. Written responses to the prompts below should be 500 – 1,000 words each, double spaced and written in New Times Roman, 12pt font. The heading for each statement should include your name and “Statement 1” or “Statement 2” as appropriate.
    • Statement 1: Briefly introduce yourself and tell us how your professional and educational experiences have prepared you for this educational leadership program (500-1,000 words).
    • Statement 2: Respond to ONE of the following questions (500-1,000 words):
      • What are your core educational values and beliefs? How will they support your success in the program?
  • What are qualities and characteristics that you consider to be hallmarks of exemplary leadership? Discuss how you have embodied or practiced one or more of these in your own educational career.
  • Copies of all educational certificates

REMINDER: All certification programs above require an administrative internship. Please contact your Campus Coordinator to receive the required Internship Agreement form, and to ensure you have the correct application materials and instructions.

Contact Information: