Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency

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Overview

The Department of Educational Psychology, Foundations and Leadership Studies, in conjunction with Continuing and Distance Education, offers an Advanced Studies Certificate Program leading to Superintendent Certification.

Applications are currently being accepted for the Spring 2021 cohort.

Apply by November 13, 2020 for full consideration.
View/download a flyer with additional information

Program features

Two-year program designed for individuals seeking endorsement in the state of Iowa as a superintendent or AEA administrator
Performance-based program that it minimizes student class time and maximizes on-site skill development while working with a lead mentor and mentors with special expertise
Students gain hands-on experience through an internship where work products and skills are developed

In order to be admitted to the Superintendent program, an application must have (or will have upon completion of the program) five years of educational experience (three of which have been as a building principal or other PK-12 district wide or AEA administrative experience). In addition, applicants must at least be serving in their first year as an administrator.

Program highlights

Program requirements and outcomes based on the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP)
Program completion in 2 years — 33 units of graduate credit via 8 courses and extensive internship experiences
Program delivered online via eLearning and interactive video conferencing
Cohort delivery model — study with the same group of adult learners for the duration of the program
Expand your possibilities! By enrolling in this program, you may also be able to apply for UNI’s Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) Program and have up to 15 units of credit apply to the doctoral degree.

Convenient course delivery

Courses in this program are offered Wednesday nights during the fall and spring semesters via interactive video conferencing. Summer sessions include a short on-campus experience. Courses are supported online using eLearning, a Blackboard learning management system requiring Internet access and a web browser. While most students encounter very few technical difficulties, our team of support specialists is available to assist you as needed. For your convenience, you will have electronic access to the UNI Rod Library.

Read detailed program information from the UNI Educational Leadership Department to learn more.

Connect with the UNI Educational Leadership Department

UNI Educational Leadership homepage

@UNIEdLead

UNI Educational Leadership

Program Schedule

Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency - Spring 2021 Cohort

Tentative course schedule
Click on a course title to view the course description (if available).

Spring 2021

EDLEAD

7319

Power, Politics, and Ethics in School District Leadership

Identifies critical roles of teacher leaders and network of individuals/agencies/organizations that impact education system. Develops understanding of how to identify community's power structure and use power/political skills in ethical ways to improve student achievement. Prerequisite(s): Consent of program coordinator.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7389

Seminar in Educational Leadership: Superintendency

Offered on special topics as determined and scheduled by the department. May be repeated. Limited to post-master's students.

2 unit(s)

Summer 2021

EDLEAD

7391

Internship in Educational Leadership

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): consent of advisor.

1-9 unit(s)

-- 1 unit(s); May term; Work toward development of Internship Plan

EDLEAD

7315

Leading Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Focus on what boards of education need to know and be able to do; and the leadership role of the board/superintendent team for improving student achievement by sharing culture and conditions within the school district that contribute to productive change. Prerequisite(s): students must be enrolled in the superintendency preparation program cohort or doctoral program in educational leadership or have permission of instructor.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7389

Seminar in Educational Leadership

Offered on special topics as determined and scheduled by the department. May be repeated. Limited to post-master's students.

1 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7391

Internship in Educational Leadership

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): consent of advisor.

1-9 unit(s)

-- 2 unit(s)

Fall 2021

EDLEAD

7340

Funding the Educational Program for Improved Student Achievement

Focus on how public schools in U.S. are funded, with special attention to funding public schools in Iowa. Major emphasis on funding and allocation of resources for the improvement of student achievement.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7391

Internship in Educational Leadership

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): consent of advisor.

1-9 unit(s)

-- 2 unit(s)

Spring 2022

EDLEAD

7311

Educational Leadership and Systems Change

Examination of knowledge base for both change and leadership. Emphasis on understanding how change factors and leadership styles interact to influence receptiveness to and acceptance of change. Prerequisite(s): doctoral status or consent of college. (Same as POSTSEC 7311 (170:311))

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7391

Internship in Educational Leadership

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): consent of advisor.

1-9 unit(s)

-- 2 unit(s)

Summer 2022

EDLEAD

7318

Evaluation of Administrators

Provides superintendents and other educational leaders with knowledge and skills necessary in the supervision and evaluation process in K-12 schools. The Iowa Professional Development Model serves as a foundation for this course. Prerequisite(s): students must be enrolled in the superintendency preparation program cohort or the doctoral program. The instructor may grant special permission to graduate students outside educational leadership.

2 unit(s)

May term

EDLEAD

7389

Seminar in Educational Leadership

Offered on special topics as determined and scheduled by the department. May be repeated. Limited to post-master's students.

1 unit(s)

--1 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7310

Human Resource Administration

Teacher selection and placement, promotion, tenure, collective bargaining and retirement; administration of pupil personnel facilitating services.

3 unit(s)

Fall 2022

EDLEAD

7346

School Business Management

Develops the rationale for the function of school business administration. Assists school administrators in managing business affairs and auxiliary services of the school district. Prerequisite(s): EDLEAD 7340 (270:340); master's degree in Educational Leadership or the Principalship certification.

3 unit(s)

EDLEAD

7391

Internship in Educational Leadership

Advanced supervised experience to further develop skills. May be repeated. Offered on credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite(s): consent of advisor.

1-9 unit(s)

-- 2 unit(s)

FAQs

General information

What are the costs?

All students pay the same tuition rate, regardless of location, making it an affordable option for all students.

Tuition for the 2020-21 academic year is $509 per unit of graduate credit or $320 per unit of undergraduate credit. An additional technology fee per course may apply. Tuition and fees are expected to rise each May, typically announced by the Iowa Board of Regents in March.

Do I qualify for financial aid?

Distance education students may qualify for financial aid with the following eligibility requirements:

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Be admitted to UNI and enrolled in a degree-seeking or Advanced Studies Certificate program
Be enrolled for a minimum number of credits per semester or summer session
Be in compliance with satisfactory academic progress standards

Specific questions about financial aid should be directed to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at 319-273-2700 or fin-aid@uni.edu

Why choose the University of Northern Iowa?

Since its establishment in 1876 as the Iowa State Normal School, the University of Northern Iowa has maintained its affirmed commitment to the support of excellence in teacher education. That commitment remains strong as the university continues to prepare students to become teachers, as well as provide opportunities for career advancement in the field of education. In addition to a commitment to teaching, our faculty members are engaged in research, writing and professional development. View UNI's national rankings and honors.

I'm not sure about distance learning. How can I make sure it’s right for me?

Research findings demonstrate that students of all types of learning styles can succeed in a distance environment. View our tips for being a successful distance learner.

What kind of support services can I expect to receive?

The University of Northern Iowa is committed to providing comprehensive support services for distance education students. The Office of Continuing and Distance Education serves as your primary point of contact in accessing distance education support services, including enrollment services, technical support for online course tools and more. You are also given access to the UNI Rod Library’s print and electronic collections for your convenience. View a complete list of services and support resources.

Please contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at 319-273-7206, 800-648-3864 or distance@uni.edu with any questions. If we don’t have the answer, we will do our best to find it.

Will academic advising assistance be provided?

You will work with the program coordinator when communicating about the program of study. Once participating in the program, you will be assigned a faculty advisor who will work with you one-on-one regarding your progress in the program.

Program specific information

How are the courses delivered?

For information about course delivery, please see the "Overview" tab above.

Additional FAQs

How do I get started?

See the "Next Steps" tab above for information. If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator(s) and/or enrollment contact below or contact the Office of Continuing and Distance Education at ContinuingEd@uni.edu.

What happens if I miss a course in the sequence?

While it is often possible to make up courses that are missed, our commitment is to deliver the courses as outlined in the cohort schedule. This is not designed as a program in which students come and go. Rather, the cohort model requires that students take the prescribed sequence in unison. Should you need to miss a course, you should consult with your program advisor for options.

What are the GPA guidelines?

Undergraduate GPA	Admission consideration
3.0 and above	May be considered for full admission
2.75-2.99	May be considered for provisional admission
Less than 2.75	May be denied admission

Is the GRE or any other examination required?

There are no entrance exam requirements for this program.

How will I enroll in the courses?

When you have completed the steps to admission and have been accepted into the program, we will send you details and information about how to enroll in the first course. After you participate in the first term of courses in the cohort sequence, the Office of Continuing and Distance Education will notify you with enrollment details for the next term of courses as they become available. You are required to enroll in your courses each semester.

Can I take the courses out of sequence or start at a later date?

The program is planned so that students move through the sequence of courses as a cohort group. The first course forms a foundation for the program and includes an introduction unit describing the program goals, sequence of courses, standards, rubrics and academic expectations. For that reason, it is important that you enroll and complete the courses in the same sequence. Program faculty expect that students have a growing knowledge of concepts built upon a prescribed sequence of courses. In addition, program faculty work to build an online community as students move through the course sequence together.

Can transfer credits from another college/university apply toward program requirements?

In general, students complete the full set of courses outlined in the program. It is possible to transfer a limited number of graduate credits. However, this credit must meet the following criteria:

Course must be a regular graduate course with a graduate course number (not professional development or college credit through an Educational Agency or conference).
Course must be taken by the student in graduate status, and the official transcript must show a grade of B- or better earned.
Course must be applicable as a graduate requirement at the institution where it is taken.
Course must be taught by regular graduate faculty.
Course must meet the UNI seven-year recency requirement.
Academic departments will determine whether or not they wish to accept transfer credit even if it meets the above requirements. These criteria were established to prevent credits not intended for use toward graduate degrees (i.e., Area Education Agency/professional development credits) from being used to meet UNI degree program requirements.

Please check with the program coordinator about specific situations.

What are the benefits of pursuing the Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency?

The University of Northern Iowa's Superintendency Advanced Studies Certificate program is a performance-based program unique in that it minimizes student class time and maximizes on-site skill development while working with a lead mentor and mentors with special expertise. While this program requires a considerable amount of time in internship experience, the feedback from graduates becoming superintendents is the UNI program prepared them well for the superintendency. We recognize that multiple career and personal obligations, as well as travel limitations, may make it difficult to complete a program entirely through on-campus study. The UNI program is offered via interactive video conferencing technologies and online programming. Some summer seminars do include on-campus attendance. The majority of the hours required in this program will also apply towards a doctoral program. Most importantly - upon completion - students are prepared to take on central office responsibilities, AEA administrative responsibilities and school superintendent responsibilities.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Upon receipt of a completed application portfolio, the applicant's portfolio will be reviewed.

a. In order to be admitted to the Superintendent Program, applicant must have (or will have upon completion of the program) five years of educational experience (three of which have been as a building principal or other PK-12 district wide or AEA administrative experience).

b. An admission status recommendation will be determined by the Educational Leadership faculty.

c. The Educational Leadership faculty recommends admission to the Department Head for concurrence and approval.

d. Admission decisions will be made each year by mid-December.

Next Steps

Step one: Express your interest

Complete the online interest form on the right to proceed with your application for admission to the Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency cohort. The next cohort is scheduled to begin Spring 2021.

Step two: Apply for admission

We are currently accepting applications for the Spring 2021 cohort. Apply by November 13, 2020 for full consideration.

Former UNI students: The online application requires logging in with your CatID credentials. If you have forgotten your username or passphrase, contact us at CESP-Consult@uni.edu or 800-772-1746 and let us know that you are interested in applying for the Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency program.

Need help with your UNI application?

Contact us at 800-648-3864 or Distance@uni.edu for assistance. Additional resources are also available from the UNI Graduate College.

Complete the online Application for Graduate Study (click to open application in a new window)
Please note that you are applying for admission as a Graduate for Spring 2021.
The program for which you are applying is Superintendency ASC.
Entrance exams are not required.
Note that if you have received a degree from UNI, you do not have to pay the non-refundable $60 application fee or request you UNI transcripts.
International students: Please contact the Office of International Admissions at international.admissions@uni.edu or 319-273-2195 for specific instructions.

Additional application materials:

An applicant statement, including a brief statement of personal motivation to seek an administrative leadership position or advanced professional development in the area of educational leadership.
A two-page academic written essay focusing on the topic "Leading Learning, Service, and Change in a PK-12 School District" (typed, double-spaced, one inch margins, 12 point type)
A resume providing educational background, leadership/teaching/work experiences, professional development activities/professional memberships, and related activities, such as community involvement, other work with students/adults, etc.
Two Recommendations for Admission (at least one from an administrator who is knowledgeable about your performance and leadership potential).
Transcripts

Required application materials can be attached (in .pdf format) to the application at the time of or after submission or sent directly to the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
University of Northern Iowa
002 Gilchrist Hall
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0018
admissionsprocessing@uni.edu

What to expect

When your application for graduate study is complete, you will receive confirmation from UNI Admissions staff that they have received and forwarded your application and department materials to the Department of Educational Leadership & Postsecondary Education for review.

The department will review your application materials and contact you about your admission status (admission decisions will be made each year by mid-December). Following admission to the program, you will receive information about how to enroll in the first set of courses.

Delivery of the program is contingent on a sufficient number of students being accepted into the program.

Program Coordinator(s):

Denise Schares

Educational Psychology, Foundations, and Leadership Studies

(319) 273-2771

Denise.Schares@uni.edu

Enrollment Contact:

Janelle Finke

Continuing and Distance Education

(319) 273-7740

Janelle.Finke@uni.edu

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Continuing Education and Special Programs

Tabs

Program features

Program highlights

Convenient course delivery

Connect with the UNI Educational Leadership Department

Advanced Studies Certificate in Superintendency - Spring 2021 Cohort

General information

Program specific information

Additional FAQs

Step one: Express your interest

Step two: Apply for admission

Need help with your UNI application?

Additional application materials:

What to expect

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