District Administrator Licensure (formerly Superintendent)

Become a District Administrator in an online program

Gain leadership, communication, and other key skills needed to be an effective District Administrator for a school district. The Wisconsin Department of Instruction (DPI) changed the Superintendent licensure to District Administrator to align better with this leadership position in education. This program can be completed in as little as 12 months with accelerated online courses and minimal in-person requirements.

Credits21

Cost Per Credit^$925

100% Online

This program is offered fully online to fit your busy lifestyle!

Program Webinar

Get program details and hear from current & retired superintendents!

Questions? We’re here to help

Our team is available to help you as you consider the next step in your education.

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Program Overview

Concordia's 21-credit online District Administrator licensure is designed for those who already have a master’s degree in education and hold (or are eligible for) a Wisconsin Principal (#5051) license. The program is designed to be completed in two years, but you can finish it in as little as 12-18 months by doubling up on courses. Our two online modalities are designed to provide you with the flexibility you need to navigate your work-life balance:

Online (Self-paced)

100% online
No required class dates
Works independently

Virtual

100% online
Class dates are via Zoom
Do independent and group work

Courses are online and eight weeks in length. However, there are two courses that require face-to-face interactions and these are scheduled on Saturday's. This face-to-face instruction will take place at the beginning and the end of these respective courses. This means you will have four different Saturday sessions to attend to complete your district administrator licensure. Courses are taught by experienced instructors who hold a Ph.D. or a Doctorate in the field of education.

What to Expect

Our online program will help you meet Wisconsin Administrator Standards for the role of a district administrator while also preparing you to identify the social, political, and economic forces influencing school districts and communities. You will develop skillful and wise discernment to navigate your duties as a school district administrator such as the delegation of authority, curriculum evolution, data analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder and community relationships.

Students who desire licensure in a state other than Wisconsin must contact their state department of education for details about whether or not Concordia's coursework will meet state requirements. Students from outside of Wisconsin may be able to take this program without teacher licensing.

Ready to earn your doctorate?

You can apply 15 credits from Concordia's District Administrator program toward your EdD degree. Our interdisciplinary Doctor of Leadership in Innovation and Continuous Improvement (LICI), provides the opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career opportunities in education.

In addition you can apply 3 credits from this District Administrator licensure toward your PhD degree. It is also part of our LICI program with a strong emphasis on performing and analyzing research.

Licensure / Certifications

WI #5003 District Administrator

Graduate Application Steps

Entrance requirements

An awarded bachelor's and master's degree from an accredited higher-education institution
Hold (or be eligible for) a Wisconsin Principal licensure (#5051)
This graduate program has a minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.00. (Students below a 3.00 may still be reviewed for consideration.)

Admissions process for graduate school

Application form available at
- Select the Non-Degree option
One page essay which should include the following:
- Reason for obtaining a graduate degree
- What are your career goals
- Why are you choosing to pursue your degree at Concordia University
Current résumé of your education and employment experience
Two letters of recommendation using this Recommendation Form
Official transcripts from all institutions of higher education

When your application is complete, the file is forwarded to the Admission Committee for review.

Accepted into the program

An official acceptance letter will be emailed to you that will include your Student ID number
An email from your Admissions Counselor will be sent to you with Next-Step details
Password information will be sent separately from the Information Technology office which will provide you access to Blackboard, your Concordia email account, and your student portal
Academic Advising Appointment: Once admitted, you may schedule to meet with your Academic & Career Advisor who will review your degree plan, discuss orientation steps, the �鶹ӳ��ý student portal, and assist with registering for classes

Please note:

Graduate entrance exams such as the GRE, are not required
If you have completed graduate level classes in the last seven years and wish to have them evaluated for possible transfer, please contact your admissions counselor for more information
Uncommon Scholarships: If you meet qualifications, please complete an application Uncommon Scholarship

Graduate Admission Office at graduate.admission@cuw.edu or 262-243-4300.

Informational Webinar

Dr. Christine Scudella, the program director, discusses this licensure program along with a panel of former and current district administrators (superintendents). Get information on admissions too!

Academic Community Partnership

�鶹ӳ��ý’s School of Education has a reputation for helping the public, private, charter, and other school systems meet the needs of their students in the most comprehensive way possible. We simply believe in providing opportunities to increase teacher capacity, improve leadership development, and impact student success.

Benefits of the Academic Community Partnership include:

Partner with a local university that has an excellent academic and ethical reputation
We come to you – meet with our team to customize a program or professional development that fits your district's unique needs
Meet educational objectives and enhance faculty expertise with highly respected, fully accredited programs in a wide range of graduate degrees, licensure programs, and technology options
Face-to-face cohorts or a variety of online programs are available to meet busy schedules. We provide expert instructors and consultants and draw on research-based practices through our rigorous accredited programs
Professional development connected to university credit
Receive $450 per eligible graduate course or $150 per eligible adult accelerated course

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