Cannon-Clary College of Education
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    Ed.S. in Educational Leadership

Expand your leadership!

Prepare for district-level administration through one of Harding's leadership programs: the Educational Specialist (Superintendent) degree or superintendent endorsement. Either program will grant superintendent licensure following the successful completion of the School Superintendent Assessment (SSA) and a year of principal experience. Let Harding University assist you in taking the next step in your career!*

*This program is for those who have or will seek Arkansas licensure.

Degree

Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership (Superintendent)

Endorsement**

Superintendent Endorsement

**See the Endorsements Section for more information.

Admission Requirements

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

  • Complete the online application
  • Request official transcripts* be sent directly from previous institutions to admissions@harding.edu.
  • Request professional or academic recommendations from two individuals who can
    • address your potential for success in the selected graduate program and
    • address your professional and academic background.
  • Request support from your superintendent, specifically include the following:
    • Support for your participation in the program 
    • A statement of support allowing you to participate in field experiences
  • Upload a copy of your Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) immunization record.
  • Upload a resume.
  • Upload a copy of your current educator license including a Standard Principal License (or show completed program requirements to receive a Standard Principal License via your transcript.) Note: To be eligible for a Superintendent License at the end of the program, the applicant must have a Standard Principal License and a minimum of one year of experience as an administrator.
  • Upload documentation of your last three years of licensed teaching experience (i.e. a copy of your signed teaching contract or a letter on official letterhead with the signature of your principal or Human Resources Office). 

*Note: Harding alumni and current students do not need to request Harding transcripts as they are on file.

ADDITIONAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

  • If your GPA is less than 3.00 on academic work from a previous degree, an official GRE score should be sent to Harding University. Provisional admittance for GPAs between 2.5 and 2.99 will be considered.
  • An admission/advising interview will be conducted with the program director via phone, Zoom conferencing or face-to-face.
  • Provide documentation of Science of Reading Awareness (Phase 1) in the Prescribed Pathway Credentials. Those who have not completed this at admission must provide documentation of completion prior to finishing their program at Harding University. 

Please direct questions to:

Harding University 
Educational Leadership Office
Phone: 501-279-4117
Fax: 501-279-4435
Email: edleadership@harding.edu

Graduation Requirements

1. Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.00 GPA in all graduate work with no grade lower than C.

2. Complete an internship in district administration.

3. Complete a specialist project.

4. Compile and present a professional portfolio over Arkansas and national accreditation  standards. Upon completion of your portfolio defense, you will be required to take an Exit Survey.

5. Pass written comprehensive exams.

6. Complete the Petition for Graduation the semester before you expect to graduate.

7. Complete on Online Graduation Application.

Curriculum Plan

Academic Catalog and Course Schedule

For current course schedules, please visit the Graduate Programs.

For additional information about this program, you may want to consult the Catalog.

Want more information about our programs?

Request Information

Or contact us directly:

Educational Leadership Office

American Studies, Suite 100

501-279-4117

Fax: 501-279-4435

edleadership@harding.edu

Contact Us

Graduate Studies in Education is part of the College of Education

501-279-4315

graded@harding.edu

Fax: 501-279-4083

Mailing address:
Harding University
Graduate Studies in Education
HU 12261
Searcy, AR 72149-5615