Education Specialist in District Leadership (Education Administration)

Hours: 30 Online

About

The Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program is a comprehensive educational specialist solution designed to equip aspiring superintendents with the advanced skills and knowledge required for leadership positions in school districts. Our program focuses on developing leadership skills in educational administration to ensure equitable learning opportunities for all students.

By completing our Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program, you will meet the licensure requirements needed to gain the necessary degree to be a superintendent of a school district. Furthermore, our collaborative agreement with Kansas State University allows you to transfer 18 credit hours into their doctoral programs, providing a seamless path for those seeking a terminal degree.

Why pursue an Education Specialist in District Leadership (Education Administration) at Fort Hays State University?

Are you aspiring to make a significant impact as a superintendent in a school district? The Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program at Fort Hays State University offers you a unique and accredited path to achieving your goals.

What sets our program apart is its flexibility and accessibility. We understand that aspiring superintendents often have demanding schedules, so our courses are available online. This means you can pursue your professional development and Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) while maintaining your current responsibilities.

Who is this program for?

Join our program and take the first step towards becoming an educational leader who can drive change, enhance student outcomes, and make a lasting impact in your school district. Here are some groups that may want to pursue this degree:

Individuals who aim to become educational leaders at the district level, steering school districts toward success.
Principals, assistant principals, or other school administrators seeking to transition to district-level leadership positions.
Individuals interested in meeting state licensure requirements to become superintendents and lead school districts effectively.
Graduates interested in meeting state licensure requirements to become superintendents and lead school districts effectively.

Learning Outcomes

Our Education Specialist in District Leadership (Education Administration) program is designed to provide you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in the school administrator sector. Upon successfully completing the program, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue your career as a superintendent of a school district, guiding it to success and ensuring the best outcomes for students and staff.

Visionary Leadership

Candidates will guide a shared commitment to the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of high expectations for learning that all stakeholders support. In our program, you'll learn to not only develop a compelling educational vision but also effectively communicate and implement it.

Effective Management

You'll be well-prepared to engage with teachers, students, parents, and community members to address their diverse interests and needs. Additionally, you'll learn how to leverage external resources and partnerships to enhance the educational experience within your district.

Cultivating School Culture

As a future superintendent, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to champion a school culture that promotes student learning and staff professional growth. This involves fostering an environment encouraging innovation and continuous improvement, benefiting students and educators.

Educational Research

Our program fosters you to engage in academic research, allowing you to design, conduct, and justify research projects that contribute to the professional knowledge base in education. Students will design, conduct, and justify research in an educational context to contribute to the professional knowledge base and advance educational practice.

Real-World Applications

Our Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in this critical administrative role. It focuses on educational leadership and is designed to prepare you for the challenges and responsibilities of leading a school district effectively. You'll gain real-world experience and enhance your ability to steer school operations effectively.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

At FHSU, we align with state licensure requirements for school district leadership, preparing you to step into the role of a superintendent with confidence. One of the ways we ensure that our curriculum stays current and relevant is by regularly updating our coursework based on national and state standards.

Practical Activities

The program consists of practical courses like EDL 979, which provides students with interactive, real-world experience in district leadership. Alongside this, APS 933, Foundations of Research, equips participants with the essential skills for conducting informed research.

What You’ll Learn:

Become a capable and visionary school leader
Enhance your communication and leadership abilities
Learn effective strategies for educational policy-making
Gain expertise in budgeting
Qualify to serve as a superintendent

How You’ll Learn:

Online courses for flexible learning
Complete your degree at your own pace
Collaborative opportunity with Kansas State University
Accredited program, meeting licensure requirements
Fast-track your education administration career in 1-2 years

Courses

The core curriculum of this program includes a range of courses. If you wish to pursue a doctoral degree in the future, we have a collaborative agreement with Kansas State University that allows you to transfer 18 credit hours into their program.

The courses, totaling 30 credit hours, cover critical areas such as financial management, district facilities, and the latest trends in education administration. You'll learn how to create environments that foster teacher development and maximize student achievement, essential skills for any future superintendent.

EDL 955: District Facilities

This course equips future district administrators with essential skills for planning and operating educational facilities, covering bond elections, transportation, technology infrastructure, maintenance, safety, and staff management.

EDL 954: District Finance

This course focuses on developing skills for managing the fiscal responsibilities of a school superintendent in public education. It covers state and local financial responsibilities, revenue sources, and other aspects related to financing public school education at the district level.

EDL 901: District Technology Operations and Management

This course prepares students for district-level roles in preK-12 schools, focusing on the Future Ready Technology Leaders Framework and ISTE Standards, with an emphasis on equity advocacy, visionary planning, and connected learning.

Discover the full Education Specialist in District Leadership (Education Administration) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

For students aspiring to make a profound impact on the education landscape, this program equips them with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate diverse career prospects upon graduation.

Superintendent

As the driving force behind school districts, superintendents steer educational institutions toward the best student outcomes. They are responsible for creating an environment where teachers can learn and thrive, in addition to overseeing budgeting and policy making.

Assistant/Associate Superintendent

These positions support the Superintendent's leadership responsibilities and often focus on specific areas, such as curriculum development or school operations.

Special Education Leadership Positions

Whether overseeing special education programs, ensuring compliance with regulations, or advocating for students with special needs, the Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) supplies you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

District-Level Special Education Leadership

Prospective students seeking special education leadership positions in Kansas must obtain the Superintendent's endorsement. This opens doors to roles where you can influence and shape special education policies and practices at the district level.

Admission Requirements

As school superintendents play a pivotal role in ensuring the best outcomes for students, the admission requirements for this program are designed to train capable and visionary leaders. Applicants from states outside of Kansas should also verify licensure requirements within their respective states, while those seeking District Level Special Education leadership positions must obtain the superintendent's endorsement.

Master's Degree

To be considered for the Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program, applicants must hold a master's degree. This foundational educational level prepares you for the advanced coursework and leadership responsibilities that come with being a superintendent of a school district.

Minimum 3.25 Cumulative GPA in Graduate Coursework

Success in educational leadership programs demands a strong academic background. Applicants should have maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 in their previous graduate coursework to demonstrate their commitment to distinction in educational administration.

Building Administration License

In addition to a master's degree, prospective students are required to possess a Building Administration License. This license signifies your readiness to take on administrative roles within school districts, a crucial aspect of the superintendent's position.

General FHSU Graduate School Requirements

Meeting the general admission requirements of Fort Hays State University's Graduate School is essential. It ensures that you fulfill the program-specific prerequisites and meet the university's academic standards, making you eligible for enrollment in the Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration).

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,047.58* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($338.62/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

If you're interested in the Education Specialist in District Leadership (Education Administration) program at Fort Hays State University, you may also want to explore these related programs to further your educational and leadership goals.

FAQ

What is a district superintendent?

A district superintendent is the top executive and educational leader overseeing and managing an entire school district. This role involves providing leadership, vision, and direction to ensure the effective operation and improvement of all schools within the community.

How to become a superintendent of a school district?

To become a superintendent of a school district, you can pursue a Specialist in Education (Ed.S) in District Leadership (Education Administration). This program helps you satisfy state licensure requirements for school district leadership, which is typically a prerequisite for the role of superintendent.

What is the job of a superintendent of a school district?

Superintendents are responsible for creating environments where teachers can learn and thrive, managing budgets, and making policy decisions that impact the district's educational programs and operations.

What does a school district superintendent do?

A school district superintendent is responsible for various tasks. A school district superintendent holds a multifaceted role that encompasses providing leadership and direction to the district, ensuring the success and well-being of students, fostering teacher development, and more.

How fast can I get the program done?

The Ed.S in District Leadership (Education Administration) program at Fort Hays State University typically offers flexible scheduling, and students can often complete the program within 1-2 years. Courses are offered in 4, 8, and 16-week formats, providing options for different learning preferences and schedules.

Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs

FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.

AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.

Accreditations

District Leadership

Endorsement
Education Specialist

Online

Request Information

Are you a current student at FHSU?*

First name*

Last name*

Email*

Phone number

I would like more information about