Achieve big-picture goals for the school district while managing administrators and programs as a superintendent of schools. The University of Central Missouri’s Educational Leadership - Superintendent EdS program prepares you to lead a school district and communicate effectively with key constituents while promoting academic success.
UCM is a regional leader in education, with a long history of producing educators who are equipped with the most recent knowledge, skills and tools to lead effectively — that’s why so many local schools partner with us. As a UCM student, you can be confident that our Superintendent degree in Educational Leadership will help you meet all the state-required coursework and develop the competencies you need to advance to the highest levels of school leadership.
Flexible degree options for school leaders
We know you’re busy and need the flexibility to take classes that fit into your schedule as a teacher and school leader. We designed our two-year Educational Leadership degree for Superintendents with educators in mind: Classes are offered on campus in Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit, with some being also available online.
What you will study
Expert UCM faculty designed our Educational Leadership - Superintendent degree for educators who already have an advanced degree in leadership and are seeking the knowledge and certification they need to pursue a career as a district superintendent or work in a district central office. UCM’s Educational Leadership program curriculum covers all facets of leadership, including administration and supervision, curriculum assessment, data analysis, finance and law.
In addition to the core educational leadership curriculum, you’ll complete coursework focused specifically on the competencies that superintendents need, including:
School Personnel Administration
School District Administration
Advanced School Finance
School Facilities
Politics and School Leadership
At the end of the graduate program, you’ll apply what you’ve learned during a year-long practicum in school administration at the district level, giving you first-hand experience for what it takes to be a successful superintendent of schools. Your coursework and practicum will challenge you to apply your learning in a real-world environment, ensuring that you’re prepared to solve whatever challenges you’ll face in the future.
Unique learning opportunities in educational leadership
At the University of Central Missouri, we focus on providing a variety of ways for you to engage with faculty, local school leaders and fellow classmates through applied learning experiences. You’ll have plenty of chances to put your knowledge into action, giving you a better understanding of the challenges that a superintendent of schools faces and preparing you to lead a school district.
What can you do with an Educational Leadership degree for Superintendents from UCM?
Our Superintendent degree prepares you for state certification, equipping you with the knowledge and credentials you need to pursue advanced leadership positions within your school district or elsewhere. Be prepared to excel in challenging leadership roles such as principal or a range of central office positions, including superintendent.
If you plan to pursue a doctoral degree before becoming a superintendent of schools, your UCM degree will prepare you to excel in a doctorate program and a meaningful career as a superintendent or other school leader.
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
1 March 2025
Start date
May 2025
University of Central Missouri
Ward Edwards Building,
108 W. South St.,
WARRENSBURG,
Missouri,
64093, United States
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please
1 March 2025
Start date
May 2025
UCM Lee's Summit Campus
1101 NW Innovation Parkway,
LEE'S SUMMIT,
Missouri,
64086, United States
Students must have an awarded bachelor's degree from either a U.S. regionally accredited 4-year institution or an international institution that upon transcript evaluation is equivalent to a 4-year regionally accredited institution. Any graduate level course work taken else where must be a 3.0 cumulative GPA or above to be admissible to UCM Graduate Studies.
Accepted English Proficiency Exams:
TOEFL exam score of 79 IBT
IELTS exam score of 6.0
Duolingo composite exam score of 120
UCM Proficiency Test of 79
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
UCM ensures that it provides outstanding facilities and support so that all students can achieve their maximum potential.