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Educational Leadership (Superintendent)

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College of Education Graduate Graduate Studies in Education
Degree Level
Graduate
College
Education
Format
Hybrid
Credit Hours
30 hours
Average Time to Degree
2 years

Education Specialist in Educational Leadership at Harding

Prepare for district-level administration through this Ed.S. degree or the superintendent endorsement. Either program will prepare candidates for superintendent licensure, which can be granted by the state following successful completion of the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) and one year of principal experience. This program is for those who have or will seek Arkansas licensure.

 

Learn more about Graduate Studies in Education

Why earn your Education Specialist in Educational Leadership from Harding?

Flexible Programs

Harding University is committed to educating, preparing and supporting teachers across the U.S. and worldwide. We offer degree programs through our campuses in Searcy and Northwest Arkansas as well as online and hybrid courses (combination of on-ground and online classes). Whether you want to strengthen your professional skills in the classroom by specializing in a particular content area or pursuing a leadership role, Harding Graduate Studies in Education offers a variety of degrees and endorsement programs to suit your educational goals.

Finley STEM Center

The goal of the Lewis "Tony" Finley STEM Center for Math and Science Education is to meet the needs of P-12 math and science teachers by offering materials that support mathematics and science education standards.

A wide range of math and science materials are available for checkout and classroom use. The Lewis "Tony" Finley STEM Center for Math & Science Education serves teachers by providing access to resources and materials and can offer professional development on those materials.

A Christian Perspective

Touching hearts and challenging minds through Christ by preparing professionals for Christian service to children, families and communities.

More Information

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the online application. 
  • Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu.
  • Request professional or academic recommendations from two individuals who can
    • address your potential for success in the selected graduate program and
    • address your professional and academic background.
  • Request support from your superintendent and specifically include the following:
    • Support for your participation in the program 
    • A statement of support allowing you to participate in field experiences
  • Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
  • Upload a resume.
  • Upload a copy of your current educator license including a Standard Principal License (or show 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.
  • Upload documentation of your last three years of licensed teaching experience (i.e. a copy of your signed teaching contract or a letter on official letterhead with the signature of your principal or Human Resources Office). 

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

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • If your GPA is less than 3.00 on academic work from a previous degree, an official GRE score should be sent to Harding University. Provisional admittance for GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered.
  • An admission/advising interview will be conducted with the program director via phone, Zoom conferencing or face-to-face.
  • Provide documentation of Science of Reading Awareness (Phase 1) in the Prescribed Pathway Credentials. Those who have not completed this at admission must provide documentation of completion prior to finishing their program at Harding University.

 

For additional program information, please scroll toward the bottom of this page for a link to view the catalog and its curriculum plan.

For current course schedules, visit the Graduate Studies in Education home page.

 

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA in all graduate work with no grade lower than a C.

2. Complete an internship in district administration.

3. Complete a specialist project.

4. Compile and present a professional portfolio over Arkansas and national accreditation standards. Upon completion of your portfolio defense, you will be required to take an Exit Survey.

5. Pass written comprehensive exams.

6. Complete the Petition for Graduation the semester before you expect to graduate.

7. Complete on Online Graduation Application.

Request Information

Or contact us directly:

Educational Leadership Office
501-279-4117
edleadership@harding.edu

The Cannon-Clary College of Education is committed to its mission of touching hearts, challenging minds and preparing professionals for Christian service. Our priority is helping students achieve career goals — and even more — their life goals through teaching, leading and creating the foundation needed to make a difference in people's lives.
Raymond "Donny" Lee, Ed.D.

Dean and Professor

Cannon-Clary College of Education

View the Catalog

View Catalog

Contact Information


Graduate Studies in Education
501-279-4315
graded@harding.edu

Mailing address:
Harding University
Graduate Studies in Education
HU 12261
Searcy, AR 72149-5615

Related Programs


Superintendent Endorsement

If you are not interested in obtaining an educational specialist degree, this state-approved program is also available. Admission requirements for the endorsement program are identical to those for the Ed.S. The program requires 24 hours of coursework.