Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD 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.

Earn your EdD with Loyola's nationally esteemed School of Education, ranked in the top 3 graduate education schools in Chicago (2025), and gain the competitive skills to start making an impact in any school district on your schedule.

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

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.

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 EdD Online program.

Faculty

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.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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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

The start term for the Educational Leadership: Superintendent Endorsement EdD Online 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 EdD Online include:

  • Official transcripts from all institutions attended

  • 1 Letter of Recommendation

  • 3.0 Minimum GPA

  • Licensure

  • 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.

International Applicant Requirements
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.

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