Study Format
- Hybrid (Face-to-face in your district, online)
Program Length
- 61-67 Credit Hours
Concordia-Chicago’s highly rated superintendent doctoral program has attracted hundreds of students to the University’s campus in River Forest. To meet the need of students—all working professionals—Concordia-Chicago makes this program available for cohort-based delivery in Chicago and suburban school districts near where the students live and work. By meeting in convenient, nearby locations, participating students reduce travel time while building a network with other educational leaders in their locale.
Coursework for the program is delivered in a hybrid format: a combination of face-to-face and online. In accordance with Illinois state requirements, all seven superintendent courses are taught face-to-face. Classes meet one weekday evening for eight weeks and are limited to 15 students. Small class sizes foster lasting relationships among colleagues and professors from a variety of professional and personal backgrounds. The academically rigorous program is a unique blend of sound theory and current practice. The instructional pacing allows for deep, meaningful learning.
By choosing to attain superintendent licensure and either a PhD or EdD in Leadership with a specialization in educational leadership, educational administrators simultaneously enhance their leadership skills to excel in their current positions and open the door to career advancement.
The strength of the program is measured by the success of its graduates:
- 100% of students completing the Concordia-Chicago superintendent program have passed the Illinois Licensure exams on their first attempt.
- More than 90% of students who enter a Concordia-Chicago superintendent doctoral cohort complete their dissertation and earn their terminal degree.
- 95% of respondents have reported that the program enhanced their performance as an educational leader
- 70% of respondents have reported that program completion led to career advancement within the educational field.
- More than 95% of students give faculty members and coursework top ratings on anonymous end of course evaluations.
Founded in 1864 as Addison Lutheran Teachers Seminary, Concordia-Chicago has earned its position at the forefront of educational leadership. The University’s educational leadership programs exist to equip leaders within public and nonpublic schools to positively impact educational delivery in their districts and prepare students to become effective citizens in a global society. The educational leadership faculty is composed of reflective, experienced professionals who are committed to providing relevant and current program content for aspiring superintendents. Among the distinguished professors who teach courses in the program, many possess hands-on superintendent experience.
About the Superintendent Doctoral Cohort Program
In partnership with the hosting school district, cohort members receive a 20% tuition discount when registering for this Concordia-Chicago program.
Concordia-Chicago’s superintendent doctoral program equips school administrators to:
- Promote the success of all students through developing and implementing a shared vision of learning which supports the learning process.
- Develop advanced skills in management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment in schools and the district.
- Collaborate with staff, boards of education, students, families and community members in response to diverse educational and community interests and needs, as well as mobilize community resources.
- Demonstrate integrity, fairness and ethical behavior to support and advance the development of a moral educational community.
- Understand and respond to the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural contexts.
- Seven face-to-face courses (21 hours) are required for all students in the Educational Leadership doctoral specialization
- Ten additional courses (61 hours) are required for an EdD
- Twelve additional courses (67 hours) are required for a PhD
- Both the EdD and PhD require a dissertation
- For superintendent licensure, the state of Illinois requires a three-semester internship in the student’s own district
- Evidence of a regionally accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree, with a minimum graduate cumulative GPA of 3.00.
- Completed online application including an objective statement of the applicant’s goals in pursuing the superintendent’s endorsement.
- Official transcripts from each college or university from which a degree was earned. International transcripts must be evaluated by a Concordia approved international credentialing service, such as WES (World Education Services) or ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators).
- Hold a valid and current Illinois professional educator license (PEL) endorsed in general administrative, principal, chief school business official or director of special education.
- Two letters of recommendation from individuals able to comment on the applicant’s academic potential, personal character and competence and effectiveness in professional work.
- Copy of professional resume.
- Information sessions are scheduled at the request of groups of educators who wish to learn about the benefits and requirements for forming a cohort in a location convenient to where those educators work and live.
- These information sessions offer potential applicants an opportunity to meet Dr. Paul Sims, Educational Leadership department chair, and other educational leadership faculty, learn about the program’s features and benefits, and participate in a follow-up Q&A session.
- To schedule an information session in your district, please contact Dr .Paul Sims using the contact information block below.
