Marquette University

Programme overview

This graduate certificate prepares experienced, licensed school leaders for the superintendency and for submission of administrative licensure applications to the state of Wisconsin. The curriculum maps to Wisconsin administrative content standards and emphasizes organizational leadership, district–community relationships, and institutional change. Courses are offered fully asynchronously online to accommodate working educators; certificates at completion are granted by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

What you'll study

The program requires 21 credit hours. Required courses and credit values are:

• The Superintendency — 3 credits
• Advanced School Personnel Leadership — 3 credits
• The Politics of School District Governance and Community Relations — 3 credits
• Advanced Theory and Practice in Educational Finance — 3 credits
• Advanced Program Planning and Evaluation in Educational Settings — 3 credits
• Learning and Curriculum Theories — 3 credits
• Practicum in the Superintendency — 3 credits

Course delivery: summer terms use 6-week sessions and fall/spring terms use 8-week sessions, enabling students to take up to two courses per term. The program accepts transfer credit for directly comparable coursework.

Entry requirements

To be eligible for admission and for state licensure applicants must hold a Wisconsin teaching license, have three years of teaching experience, possess an earned master’s degree, and hold a principal license when submitting administrative license applications to the state. Admission to Marquette Graduate School also requires a bachelor’s and master’s from a regionally accredited institution (or equivalent), a minimum GPA of 3.00, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, a resume, and submission of transcripts. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency (TOEFL or equivalent). Applicants for licensure must undergo a state criminal background check.

Career prospects

The certificate is intended to lead to preparation for the role of school superintendent and to meeting Wisconsin requirements to apply for superintendent licensure. Graduates pursue district-level leadership and roles that require superintendent credentials.

Scholarships & funding angle

Merit-based graduate assistantships and fellowships may be available; private scholarships are another possibility. U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be eligible for need-based federal student loans. Prospective students should consult program admissions and financial aid offices for current funding options.