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Program Overview

The need to restructure administration preparation programs has led Miami’s Department of Educational Leadership to reorient its leadership program around problems of practice. The program recognizes that school administration must change to reflect the more collaborative organizational structure of schools. In a participatory structure, problems are solved in teams where members collaborate and share their experiences and specialized knowledge. Successful teamwork demands a particular set of skills, which need to be learned and practiced. Academic study must include an emphasis on the “craftlike” nature of administration by recognizing the clinical dimension of professional practice and by examining theory as it occurs in administrative practice.

Curriculum

Academic study must include an emphasis on the “craftlike” nature of administration by recognizing the clinical dimension of professional practice and by examining theory as it occurs in administrative practice.

Course Requirements

What Our Alumni Say

Tyler Alexander

Principal, Kettering Fairmont High School

"The Superintendent Licensure Program at Miami University is a great option for working educational leaders.  You will be able to network with administrators from all over southwest Ohio and learn from current and former superintendents.  Even if you are not planning to be a superintendent soon, being a part of this program will give you ideas and practices to take back to your building immediately."

David Hile

Superintendent, Licking Valley Local Schools

"The Miami Ed.D program lived up to its description and stated goals in every way. The courses were relevant, rigorous, and fun. The professors are experts in their fields, interesting, supportive, and a pleasure to work with. They want you to learn, grow, and succeed. The cohort consisted of exceptional professional educators from whom I learned a great deal, and with whom I built strong collegial relationships and friendships. For these reasons, working toward my doctorate at Miami wasn’t an onerous chore, it was a labor of love."

Charles J. Ogdan

Principal, Loveland Middle School

"The experience in Miami University's Superintendent Licensure program was one of relationships and professionalism. The professors and content provided me with the necessary tools and mindset to dig deeper into the day-to-day experiences I had as an educational leader. I was able to evaluate decisions above me, at the building, and within the teacher ranks with an increased sense of clarity and understanding. I highly recommend this program as you leave with not only a higher sense of purpose but a solid network of administrators of which to continue your career."

Contact Us

For additional information, please contact the program coordinator, Dr. Lucian Szlizewski via email at szlizela@MiamiOH.edu

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Admission Requirements

Candidates must apply and be accepted by both the Graduate School and the Department of Educational Leadership.

Other minimum entrance requirements:

  • Completion of a graduate degree
  • Possession of a professional principal license

Apply Today

Steps to Apply

  1. Submit an electronic Graduate School application along with a $20 non-refundable application fee. Be sure to select that you are applying as a Non-degree/Non-certificate seeking applicant. Next, when asked if you will be taking courses for Licensure or Endorsement, select "Superintendent-License" from the list.
  2. Submit two references from colleagues, teachers, or peers who can attest to your professional work, potential for successful graduate study, and potential for making a positive contribution as a leader in an educational context. 
  3. What is needed to Apply for your Superintendent License?
    • ODE Language: The superintendent license shall be issued to an individual who holds a principal or administrative specialist license and shall be valid for supervising programs for prekindergarten through grade twelve; or for administrative duties in a school system.
    • The following requirement shall be met prior to issuance of the superintendent license: Three years of successful experience in a position as a principal or administrative specialist while holding the respective license.
    • See: Ohio Revised Code, OAC 3301-24-05 and ODE
    • Apply for an Administrator License 
  4. The deadline for applications is on a rolling basis.

License Requirements

You will need to complete the 4 courses for the Superintendent License:

  • EDL 710S - Internship
  • EDL 729 - Board-Superintendent-Staff Relationships
  • EDL 727 - School Business Affairs and Physical Resources
  • EDL 782 - Social Justice and Transformation

3 or more years of experience under an Administrator Specialist License under which you completed administrative duties directly related to the Administrator Specialist License you have.

OR 3 or more years of experience under a Principal License under which you completed Principal duties directly related to the Principal License you have.

At the end of the 4 courses have your Human Resources or Superintendent send a Letter to szlizela@miamioh.edu stipulating that you have the 3 or more years of experience, under the Administrator Specialist or Principal License.

Also send to szlizela@miamioh.edu, prior to applying for the Superintendent License, a copy of your Administrator Specialist License or your Principal License.

Superintendent License Request

Additional Opportunities

TEAM Scholarship

The Teacher Education Access at Miami (TEAM) Scholarship provides a discount on graduate tuition and fees for Ohio PreK-12 Educators.

Contact Us

Department of Educational Leadership
304 McGuffey Hall
Oxford, OH 45056