Offered by Department of Educational Administration:

School Superintendent Information

The Specialist Degree in Educational Administration is fully accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and meets the requirements for the Nebraska Professional Administrative and Supervisory Certificate to qualify for administrative positions in all public and parochial schools in Nebraska. The Specialist Degree Program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney emphasizes preparation of administrators with specific emphasis upon the superintendency.

The prospective student must comply with the requirements for admission to the Office of Graduate Studies and satisfy the requirements for admission to the Specialist Degree program as prescribed by the Educational Administration Department.

Admission

In addition to the general requirements of the Office of Graduate Studies, the criteria for admission to this degree program consist of the following:

1. A Master's Degree in an education related field from an accredited institution. Courses required for the M.A. Ed. Degree with a major in Educational Administration are prerequisites and may become part of the Specialist Program in addition to the required 33 hours;
2. Submit an essay on why you wish to pursue a career in school administration. (Contact EDAD Department for appropriate format.);
3. A satisfactory undergraduate and graduate scholastic record;
4. Submit written recommendations from two school administrators and one other individual who can comment on your potential to do graduate study and for educational leadership. (Contact the EDAD department for appropriate forms.);
5. A review of departmental application form.
6. Members of the Educational Administration Department will evaluate each applicant following the completion of 12 semester hours of coursework. At this point the department will make a decision relating to Approval of the Candidacy Application.

In order to be eligible for an endorsement as superintendent in the State of Nebraska, one must have earned a Master's degree as principal, or have completed an endorsement program as principal in an accredited Nebraska college or university.

• Out-of-state students who apply for the Educational Specialist degree and complete the degree program will need to check with their respective state certification officers.
• Out-of-state students who apply for the Educational Specialist degree and complete the degree program will not be recommended for endorsement as superintendent unless deemed otherwise by the Nebraska Department of Education.

Degree Program

The program of studies which leads to the Specialist Degree with a major in Educational Administration is dependent upon the applicant's experience and prior coursework. The degree is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 69 semester hours of credit beyond the baccalaureate degree. An internship, an integral component of the program, is completed with experienced school administrators serving as mentors.

Time Limitation

The coursework for the Specialist degree must be completed within a period of 10 years.

Comprehensive Examination

An oral comprehensive examination for the degree is administered prior to or during the session in which the student is expected to receive the degree. Departmental procedures require that all EDAD coursework, except arranged courses, be completed or in progress before comprehensive examinations may be taken.