Educational Leadership (Superintendent) (ELSU), EdS

Educational Specialist Degrees

Admission Requirements

Admission to Harding University is determined on an individual basis with the following criteria considered: (1) academic preparation, (2) character, (3) educational interests and (4) academic potential. Effort is made to admit all students who qualify and who can benefit from the unique educational program and opportunities available at Harding irrespective of their religious faith, national origin, sex, race or color. When applying, candidates should be aware of the distinct purpose of Harding University and be willing to commit themselves to upholding institutional values.

Applicants for the superintendent degree program must:

1. Hold a master’s degree in a related field from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, attested by an official transcript.
2. Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on previous degree program or an approved GRE test score if GPA is below 3.0.
3. Abide by the university Code of Conduct.
4. Applicant must show proof of current educator licensure and principal licensure, and have at least three years of licensed educator experience, with some principal experience preferable.

Application Procedure

1. Complete the online application.

2. Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu.

   *Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

3. Submit the following:
   1. two recommendations from individuals who will address the applicant’s 1) potential for success in the selected graduate program, and 2) the applicant’s professional and academic background;
   2. a recommendation from the applicant’s superintendent that addresses 1) support for participation in the program, and 2) support allowing the applicant to participate in field experiences;
   3. documentation of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record;
   4. a professional resume;
   5. current educator license including a Standard Principal License (or you must show that you have completed program requirements to receive a Standard Principal License via your transcript.) Note: To be eligible for a Superintendent License at the end of the program, the applicant must have a Standard Principal License and a minimum of one year of experience as an administrator;
   6. documentation of the last three years of teaching experience (a copy of your signed teaching contract or a letter on official letterhead with the signature of your principal or Human Resources Office);
   7. documentation of Science of Reading Awareness (Phase 1) in the Prescribed Pathway Credentials listed here. Those who have not completed this credential at admission must provide documentation of completion prior to finishing their program at Harding University.
4. Applicants will also be required to complete an admission/advising interview with the program director.

Application Review and Selection of Candidates

The chair of Graduate Studies or the Educational Leadership Director of each specific program may request additional information from the applicant prior to final approval for admittance to the specialist program.

Prerequisites

Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a related field from an institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Other Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the program, candidates must consult with the Educational Leadership Director concerning the required course of study, register for classes online through campus Pipeline each semester, and complete financial registration with the Business Office online.

“Leveling courses,” if required, will not be included within the semester hour requirements for the specialist degree.

Educational Leadership requires successful completion of a mandatory internship.

Educational Leadership (Superintendent) program requires a portfolio.

All requirements of the Educational Leadership (Superintendent) program must be completed within six years from the time of acceptance into the program. Course work that is taken more than six years before graduation will not be acceptable.

Transfer Candidates

Up to 6 hours of credit for coursework from other institution accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation may be transferred if the institution is accredited by NCATE, TEAC, or a similar accrediting organization and the earned grade was a B or higher. For Educational Leadership (Superintendent), the institution must have a program of study that is reflective of both the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Arkansas Leadership Competencies and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Standards. All transfer hours are subject to the approval of the chair of graduate studies in education and must be completed before a candidate’s last semester.

International Candidates

Candidates who (1) speak English as a second language, and have (2) not previously completed an undergraduate degree from an institution within the United States accredited by an agency nationally recognized by the US Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation must meet a minimum score on a nationally recognized test of English language proficiency such as the TOEFL or IELTS.

The minimum scores acceptable for admission to the university are 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.0 on the IELTS. Scores must not be older than two years prior to the date of application to the university. Please note that individual programs may have more stringent minimum requirements.

Academic Standing Requirements

These requirements are common to all graduate programs in education and are listed in the Department of Graduate Studies in Education  within the Cannon-Clary College of Education .

Degree Requirements and Curriculum

Requests for degree may be submitted prior to a candidate’s final semester but must be submitted no later than the first week of the final semester. The graduation fee must be paid to the Business Office the last semester before graduation.

Degree requirements and curricula are listed below:

Educational Leadership (Superintendent)

To earn this degree, a candidate must successfully complete (1) the following 30 semester hours of coursework, (2) an internship, (3) a specialist project, (4) a professional portfolio, and (5) written comprehensive exams. These requirements must be completed within six years from the time of admission to the graduate program. Course work that is taken more than six years before graduation will not be acceptable. (Prerequisite: Current principal license or completion of coursework required for a principal’s license.)

Requirements

Core (27 hours)

• EDFD 6470 - Data-Informed Evaluation for School Improvement Credit Hours: 3
• EDFD 6520 - Research Methods Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7390 - Human Resources Administration in Education Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7690 - School Finance for the Superintendent Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7700 - School Plant and Facilities Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7730 - Superintendency and School Board Relations Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7740 - Advanced Leadership and Supervision Credit Hours: 3
• EDL 7750 - Superintendent Internship Credit Hours: 0, 2, 3
• EDL 7990 - Superintendent Project Credit Hours: 1

Electives (3 hours)

Must be approved by the program director. Any of these courses that were taken as part of another degree cannot be counted toward the superintendent’s program of study.

Total Hours: 30