The hybrid superintendent endorsement prepares individuals for licensure as a school superintendent, as well as other leadership positions.
The Superintendent Endorsement is a non-degree program. Candidates must already have an Iowa Administration License and at least 3 years of principal experience in order to obtain the superintendent endorsement.
Program Requirements
The Superintendent Endorsement is a non-degree program consisting of 30 semester hours of coursework.
The Superintendent Endorsement is a non-degree program consisting of 30 semester hours of coursework.
Core Requirements (18 s.h.)
- EPLS:6315 Orientation to the Superintendency (3 s.h.)
- EPLS:6321 Social Advocacy Summit (1 s.h.)
- EPLS:6329 Legislative Summit (1 s.h.)
- EPLS:6323 School Finance (2 s.h.)
- EPLS:6325 Organizational & Educational Leadership, (2 s.h)
- EPLS:6319 Human Resources Leadership, (2 s.h.)
- EPLS:6270 Policy and Politics of Leadership (3 s.h.)
- EPLS:6265 Standards-Based Education and Accountability (3 s.h.)
- EPLS:6317 Operational Leadership and Management (1 s.h.)
*Note: Currently the school finance course above is provided through the Iowa Superintendent’s Finance & Leadership Consortium, a partnership between the University of Northern Iowa & the Iowa Association of School Boards. Students will enroll and participate in the two 2-day sessions offered yearly by ISFLC.
During the first session, all students must take the introductory school finance course. During the second session, students may choose from a variety of school finance related offerings.
Students enroll in this program through University of Northern Iowa Continuing Education, and are expected to then transfer the hours to the University of Iowa so they may count toward the superintendent’s endorsement.
Clinicals (10 s.h.)
- EPLS:6417 Operational Leadership Clinical (1 s.h.)
- EPLS:6415 Orientation to the Superintendency Clinical (2 s.h.)
- EPLS:6419 Human Resources Leadership Clinical (2 s.h.) includes clinical work and Iowa Evaluator Approval Training II and III, through School Administrators of Iowa or local AEA)
- EPLS:6425 Organizational & Educational Leadership Clinical (1 s.h.)
- EPLS:6404 Central Administration Clinical (3 s.h.)
- EPLS:6405 Supt. Entry Plan (1 s.h.)
Electives (2-3 semester hours)
Electives should be chosen in close consultation with the student’s academic advisor.
Clinical Experiences
As part of the Superintendent Endorsement, you will spend at least 40 hours per semester In clinical experiences to further your leadership experience and help you achieve your career goals.
Admissions and Application
Application deadlines:
- Fall semester – July 1 (April 15 for international students)
- Spring semester – December 1 (October 1 for international students)
- Summer session – April 30 (March 1 for international students)
- A bachelor’s degree from a Regionally Accredited American College or University, or an equivalent degree from another country as determined by the Office of Admissions
- Undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.00 or better on a four-point scale
- English Proficiency Requirements (international applicants)
- Evidence of academic ability and professional promise
- Iowa Administration License
- At least 3 years as a K-12 building administrator
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
- Official TOEFL scores may be required for some non-native speakers of English
- Two to three page (double spaced) statement of purpose, addressing your educational philosophy, past leadership experience, and career aspirations with respect to K-12 leadership
- *Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can speak to your promise as a leader.* One letter must be from your current district superintendent One letter must be from your current building principal or equivalent. If you are not currently employed as an educator, you may request letters from previous administrators who know your promise as a leader. Please explain your specific situation in your Statement of Purpose.
Apply Now
Please review the required supplemental documents above before starting the general graduate application. To begin the application process, set up an account with an existing email address and password
Contact Us
Questions?
Application questions can be directed to: Anne Sparks, 319-335-2146, anne-sparks@uiowa.edu.
We look forward to receiving your application!