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You see yourself as a leader in K–12 education, overseeing district-level operations, having a bigger impact on the central administration and success of school systems. You have experience as a principal or school leader and now want to supervise others in elementary and secondary education as a superintendent or central office administrator. You’re motivated to be a change-maker in a rewarding career, work closely with school board members and make decisions for communities and future generations.
Go beyond your current role by joining this online educational specialist in K–12 educational leadership and administration, superintendent certification program to launch your career at the district level. Through this program, you’ll explore all the roles of a superintendent, gain an understanding of the seven standards of excellence and learn to navigate the demands of various constituents.
Quick facts
Official name
Educational specialist in education administration with an emphasis in executive superintendencyCampus
Program type
Educational specialistAcademic home
College of Education | Department of Educator Preparation and LeadershipDelivery mode
Blended, some campus visits requiredAccreditation
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, Association for Advancing Quality in Educator PreparationCredit hours
30Estimated cost
$19,830.00*This cost is for illustrative purposes only. Your hours and costs will differ, depending on your transfer hours, your course choices and your academic progress. See more about tuition and financial aid.
Career prospects
Potential career paths include:
- Executive superintendent
- Assistant superintendent
- Central office administrator
Program structure
Delivery of this program is blended: some campus visits are required. All course work is online. Internships are held in-person to complete teacher certification to meet Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education requirements.
Courses are semester-based. Students typically take three classes each semester and finish in a little over one year.
Course work includes
- School personnel and administration
- Theories of educational administration
- Superintendent and legal leadership
- Policy making
- Finance
- Internship
Delivery
Blended, some campus visits requiredCalendar system
Semester-basedTypical program length
14 monthsTypical course load
3 courses per semesterAccreditation
The University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. UMSL is also accredited by the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation.
Faculty spotlight
Dr. Sharonica L. Hardin-Bartley has served as superintendent of the school District of University City since July 2016. She was previously the assistant superintendent for human resources and leadership development for the Ritenour. She is a graduate of Lafayette High School and has an undergraduate degree in elementary education and special education from Harris-Stowe State University. She earned a master's in education administration from Saint Louis University and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Prior to Ritenour, Dr. Hardin-Bartley had a 15-year career in St. Louis Public Schools (SLPS) where she served as chief human resources officer from 2007 to 2012. Previously, as a principal on special assignment, she helped SLPS strengthen its partnership with the St. Louis Science Center and improve the District’s focus on science and math instruction. She was the founding principal of Adams Elementary School, one of SLPS’ newly reopened schools.
Dr. Tim Pecoraro was named superintendent of Pattonville School District in 2018. He has served on several statewide committees related to assessment and MSIP. He is currently on the executive board of the Missouri Assessment Partnership (MOAP). In 2001, he was named principal of Briar Crest Elementary School. He was named assistant superintendent for teaching and learning in 2007. Prior to coming to Pattonville, Pecoraro served as assistant principal at John Weldon Elementary School in St. Charles County. He was also a fifth grade teacher at John Weldon. Pecoraro holds a bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and a master’s in education administration from Lindenwood University. He completed his doctorate in 2007 from Saint Louis University.