Doctoral
Part-Time Only
Summer I
Online
About the Superintendent Endorsement EdD Loyola
Are you wondering how to become a superintendent so you can make a greater impact as a change agent in education? If you are ready to take on a district leadership role, the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online at Loyola University Chicago can help put you on that path.
Through this superintendent preparation program, you will be equipped to become an Illinois superintendent of schools who can successfully and ethically lead in both urban and suburban school districts.
Program Structure
The 72-credit-hour Loyola Superintendent Endorsement EdD can be pursued part time. Courses are offered online with a mix of synchronous and asynchronous offerings. You will also be required to complete a two-week study abroad course in Rome, Italy.
By taking two courses per semester, you will be able to complete your coursework for the superintendent preparation program in less than three years, including summer enrollment. The length of time it will take you to complete the capstone project varies. You have a maximum of seven years to finish your EdD degree.
Why Choose Loyola for Your Superintendent Endorsement EdD?
The superintendent preparation program has three distinct phases: professional inquiry and equity studies, continuous improvement studies (system, community, and self and reflective practice), and a doctoral scholarly problem of practice capstone.
- Supportive and experienced faculty
- Yearlong internship
- Focused education
- A path to Illinois licensure
- Career-changing study abroad course
- Commitment to social justice
You will learn from licensed, experienced educators who will accompany you every step of your Loyola journey. They will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and professional values you need to lead school communities as a superintendent.
You will gain invaluable hands-on experience and apply your learning to the real world through a yearlong internship under the guidance of a mentor superintendent and a Loyola faculty member.
You will focus on four core principles: partnering with districts and communities; conducting scholarly inquiry to transform district leadership practices; ensuring greater access to quality schooling for all students; and enhancing district, school, familial, and community capacities.
If you have an Illinois PEL with Principal Endorsement or a Director of Special Education Endorsement and at least two years of administrative and leadership experience, you can complete Loyola's superintendent preparation and meet the academic aspects of licensure requirements for the superintendent endorsement in the State of Illinois. You also need to successfully pass the required licensure examinations and the IL Principal Evaluators Training to be eligible for the superintendent endorsement.
Through an immersive, two-week study abroad course in Rome, Italy, you will connect with globally minded educators from across the world and expand your perspective about what it means to be a school district leader.
Preparing to become a Illinois superintendent of schools through a Jesuit, Catholic university means you will be receiving your EdD from an institution that is committed to not only academic excellence but to social justice and service to others.
Meet the Faculty
Loyola is proud to have talented and nationally-recognized scholar-teachers as part of our diverse community of exceptional faculty, students and staff. Loyola faculty are known for their commitment to teaching, the dissemination of knowledge through innovative and interdisciplinary scholarly research, and a commitment to social justice and cura personalis, or care for the whole person. Visit the School of Education faculty and staff directory to learn more about the teachers and mentors involved with the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online program.
FacultySuperintendent Endorsement: Career Connections
If you are exploring how to become a superintendent, Loyola's Doctor of Education program is designed specifically for you. It will prepare you to serve in the superintendent role or in the central office of a school district.
Specific job options include:
- Superintendent
- Assistant superintendent
- Business manager
Because Loyola is a member of the Jesuit network of 27 colleges and universities nationwide, our graduates can access career advising services, resume and interviewing assistance, career fairs and events, and employment listings in our Career Services center, as well as at career centers at other U.S. Jesuit colleges and universities.
Job Outlook
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook is a good place to start exploring the job outlook and pay potential for specific careers and fields that interest you.
Curriculum and Program Outcomes
While courses for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online program may vary from semester to semester, Loyola’s extensive Academic Catalog will always house the official listing of courses, programs of study, academic policies, degree requirements, and specialization or concentration options.
Additionally, this resource will provide Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.
2023-2024 Catalog
Browse Academic CatalogSuperintendent Endorsement EdD Results and Skills
In your EdD degree, you will acquire a broad range of skills through your coursework, real-world internship experience, and more. Specifically, you will be able to:
- Facilitate data-driven decision making
- Lead, design, and implement a district mission, vision, and process
- Promote the success, health, and welfare of your students, families, and staff
- Use data and technology to make continuous improvements
- Address social justice and equity issues in school systems
Costs, Scholarships, and Aid
Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost & Financial Aid page can help better inform you about the costs and potential funding opportunities through scholarships, loans, and aid for graduate and professional education.
Tuition and Costs
The estimated tuition and fees for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online totals $73800.00, or 72 (please note that students may transfer in 24 credit hours from a master's degree) credit hours at a cost of $1,025.00 per credit hour. Please note that tuition and fees for all of Loyola's academic programs are subject to change.
For more detailed information about tuition and fees, and a breakdown of how these costs are calculated on a yearly basis, please visit Tuition and Fees from the Office of the Bursar.
School of Education Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.
More information about financial aid opportunities can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
Appointments and Events
Whether you’re just beginning your search, in the midst of the application process, or eager to explore our graduate and professional programs, our admissions staff is here to assist you every step of the way.
Schedule an AppointmentThe School of Education offers graduate open houses, information sessions, individual appointments, open Zoom and text sessions, and a multitude of other ways to get to know us better.
View all EventsUpcoming Events
Visit and Connect With Us
With our visit opportunities, you can tour our beautiful Chicago campuses and learn more about Loyola's ties to one of the most prestigious cities in the world.
Application Process
Application Deadlines
The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.
Summer I: November 15
Application Requirements
Application requirements for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online include:
Official Transcripts
1 Letter of Recommendation
3.0 Minimum GPA
Resume/CV
Statement of Purpose
Work Experience
Statement of Purpose Details
Your statement should be 1-3 pages and describe your academic and research interests, professional goals, and life experiences that have influenced your view of social justice. This should include any research and professional experiences as well as how you have demonstrated transformational leadership throughout your P-12 experience.
Official Documents
Official transcripts are those that are sent directly by the college/university to Loyola University Chicago. Transcripts sent by the student to Loyola are considered unofficial documents, and while they may be utilized for initial review of your application, official transcripts are still required. Official documents should be sent by the institution to gradapp@luc.edu.
International Applicant Requirements
An official English language proficiency exam is required for international applicants whose native language is not English. If you have non-U.S. educational credentials, you are required to submit an official transcript evaluation. The transcript evaluation cannot be waived.
Please visit our International Applicant Requirements page for specific information regarding the application process for international students.
Start Your Application
Applying online to the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.
APPLY TODAY