Two students in front of a chalkboard in a classroom.

School District Superintendent

Develops innovative scholar-practitioners and transformational leaders who use evidence-based research and critical thinking to solve complex problems of practice. 

Lead Your School District to Success

As you pursue an advanced degree with the school district superintendent specialization, you will gain the knowledge and skills specific to being a successful and responsible individual in the field. At USD you will become a leader and an effective school administrator who cultivates change for the future. Our program provides you with a purposeful balance of academic preparation and field-based practical experience so you can pursue your passion of becoming a school district superintendent. 

Become a leading authority in education who supplies teachers, students and staff with an optimal learning environment.


Degrees & Offerings

Educational Administration and Leadership: School District Superintendent (Ed.S.)

Specialist
  Online

The specialist (Ed.S.) degree with specialization in school district superintendent specialization is designed as a post-master’s degree for practicing teachers and/or administrators in the field. The coursework is conveniently offered online while the practical field-based internship is completed under the supervision of experienced school administrators.

Learn more about the educational administration and leadership program

View Admissions Requirements

Program Details

Graduate

College

Department

Contact

Graduate Admissions

Departments & Facilities

Explore the departments, facilities and centers that contribute to your education in educational leadership.
Educational leadership students paying attention in a classroom.

Educational Leadership

Preparing education leaders to be effective educational administrators.

A man looking over a woman's shoulder at her computer.

Practical Internship Experiences

This program includes an administrative internship designed to prepare you for assuming the role of a school administrator through practical field-based experience. It will enable you to develop and put into practice real-world experiences that focus on a career as a superintendent.

A woman teaching a class of children.

Discounted Tuition for South Dakota Teachers and Vocational Instructors

If you live in South Dakota, be sure and take advantage of the 50% reduced tuition program for currently contracted elementary/secondary teachers and vocational instructors.

 

Learn More

Surprisingly Affordable

Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program. 

Graduate Tuition & Costs

Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.

Financial Aid

Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.

Graduate Assistantships

USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.

 


Alum success story

Success story mark Tricknor smiling.
I’ve finally reached the professional goal that I’ve been pursuing for many years. I’ve finally become a superintendent. It was when I discovered the online coursework available for my specialist degree and some of my doctoral courses that I realized it was possible to pursue an advanced degree in spite of an extremely demanding career.

Mary Ticknor, Ed.S.

Superintendent of Schools 
Lisle, Illinois

Take the Next Step