Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate

About the Online Certificate Program for Superintendent Endorsement at Loyola

As an Illinois superintendent of schools, you can make a positive impact on students, schools, and our larger communities. Become a scholar-practitioner who can lead our school districts through complex challenges and change through Loyola University Chicago's Online Superintendent Endorsement Certificate.

With Loyola's one-of-a-kind superintendent certificate, you will be empowered to be a responsive, adaptive leader who works to improve Chicago's educational community. You will learn as an apprentice of superintendents from the moment you enter the program, developing into a reflective, transformative leader who continuously works to make a difference in Chicago's diverse school districts.

Propel your career in service of your organization with Loyola's nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate education schools in Chicago (2025).

Program Structure

The superintendent certificate can be pursued part-time. This is an online program that culminates in Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) endorsement (Superintendent Certification Exam required). Courses feature both asynchronous and synchronous learning experiences, with live sessions meeting on evenings and weekends. Our curriculum is aligned with the NELP (2018), and ISBE Standards (2016). Students must successfully pass the required licensure examinations.

Why Choose Loyola for Your Superintendent Endorsement Certificate?

At Loyola, you will join a distinguished program that brings together practice, research, and scholarship. Our superintendent endorsement certificate prepares you to lead school districts in a way that promotes social justice, equitable practices, and continuous improvement.

Grounded in four core principles

Join a reputable program designed by practicing superintendents and school administrators in the Chicagoland area. Loyola's superintendent endorsement certificate program was developed in partnership with the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) and Advisory Board composed of active superintendents and alumni of Loyola University of Chicago.

Become a mission-driven leader in a mission-driven program. Loyola's superintendent endorsement certificate program is rooted in the following core principles that empower you to become an effective, socially just leader:

  1. A commitment to partnerships with districts and communities
  2. Scholarly inquiry to advance transformative district leadership practices
  3. Support of candidate development of a critical lens to dismantle and restyle organization to provide greater access to quality schooling for all students
  4. Cultivation of candidate commitment to improving and furthering district, school, familial, and community capacities.

Earn your superintendent endorsement for Illinois completely online, on your schedule. Our courses feature live sessions and asynchronous learning to help accommodate the schedules of working professionals like you and to ensure you master course content.

Get practical experience in educational leadership with two required internships. Through your district-level internship courses, you will gain real-world experience in administration, decision-making, community relations, data gathering, and more.

Get exposure to global leadership perspectives in a two-week summer course at Loyola University's campus in Rome. This course provides the opportunity to meet educational leaders from around the world while exploring a city rich in history and significance.

Study at a respected Jesuit, Catholic university committed to excellence in teaching and learning. As a Jesuit, Catholic institution, Loyola is uniquely positioned to foster social change and justice in educational communities throughout Chicago and Illinois.

Educational Leadership Department

The Department of Educational Leadership equips administrators and supervisors to become transformative leaders in education. Our mission is to tackle pressing social justice and equity challenges within school systems. We take pride in our alumni, many of whom hold prominent positions within the Illinois Board of Education and across school districts throughout the state. Learn more about the department and discover stories featuring current students and graduates from the School of Education.  

Department Website

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 Certificate program.

Faculty

Curriculum and Program Outcomes

While courses for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate 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 Certificate learning outcomes, showcasing the commitment to specific skills and growth graduates can expect to achieve following completion of the program.

2024-2025 Catalog
Browse Academic Catalog

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.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

Tuition and Costs

The estimated tuition and fees for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate totals $33825.00, or 33 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

Loyola University Chicago is committed to making your graduate and professional studies a reality. Our Cost and 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. You may also visit the School of Education Scholarships page for detailed information about eligible scholarships.

If you are a current Loyola undergraduate or recent alum, you may be eligible for a Returning Rambler discount. Learn more and see if you qualify on our Returning Rambler Scholarship page.

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 Appointment

The 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 Events

Upcoming Events

Jan
21
04:30PM - 06:00PM

Discover how Loyola University Chicago’s Educational Leadership...

Register Now
Feb
10
04:30PM - 06:00PM

Discover how Loyola University Chicago’s Educational Leadership...

Register Now

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.

School of Education
To explore the School of Education digitally, follow us on social or read up on our recent news below.
News and Stories

Application Process

Application Deadlines

The available start terms and corresponding application deadlines for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate are listed below. Please keep in mind that both the application and the required materials must be submitted by the specified deadline.

Spring & Summer: Rolling admission

The start term for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate program depends on having a full cohort. If the minimum enrollment is not met, the program's start date may be postponed. We encourage you to apply early to secure your spot.

Application Requirements

Application requirements for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 1 Letter of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Licensure

  • Resume/CV

  • Statement of Purpose

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.

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.

International Applicant Requirements
Start Your Application

Applying online to the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement Certificate program is a swift, uncomplicated, and cost-free process. After submission, you can proceed to send and upload any additional requirements.

APPLY TODAY
Request Information
Loading...