Online Graduate Certificate in District Leadership
Prepare to lead at the district level.
The online graduate certificate in district leadership from the University of Kansas equips current school administrators with the knowledge and credentials to advance into district-level roles. Designed for working PK–12 professionals, the program blends live, online evening classes with flexible coursework that fits your schedule.
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About the Online Graduate Certificate in District Leadership
The District Leadership Graduate Certificate prepares building administrators for the next step in their careers: leadership at the district level. Students gain a deep understanding of educational policy, finance, ethics, and human resources while developing the skills to guide complex educational organizations.
The program includes 33 credit hours, which represents three-quarters of the coursework required for KU’s Ed.D. in Educational Administration. Students can complete the certificate in as little as two years.
Faculty are experienced practitioners and leading scholars in district and building leadership. Classes meet once a week via live Zoom, with additional asynchronous coursework that supports the schedules of full-time educators.
Educators looking to expand their leadership expertise may also consider KU’s online PK–12 Certificate in Educational Administration, which helps prepare current and aspiring school leaders to effectively manage educational programs.
Program Curriculum
Designed for working PK–12 professionals, the program prepares building administrators for the next step in their careers: leadership at the district level. Students gain a deep understanding of educational policy, finance, ethics, and human resources while developing the skills to guide complex educational organizations. The program includes 33 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as two years.
Coursework
Classes meet once a week via live virtual meetings, with additional asynchronous coursework that supports the schedules of full-time educators. The program includes 33 credit hours, which can be completed in as little as two years. Many states require a district leadership credential as part of superintendent licensure. Students should verify requirements with their state department of education.
Required Courses
Courses
Please note, this is a potential plan of study. Please consult with your faculty advisor before enrolling. Please note the required courses must be completed and can not be substituted for other courses.
Graduate Admission
The licensure-only route in the School of Education and Human Sciences at KU is designed for individuals who have completed a master’s and/or doctorate in educational administration/leadership and are now considering being licensed as a district level administrator.
To be admitted, you must have:
- A current teaching license (with 3-5 years' of experience in schools)
- Currently hold a master's or above degree from an accredited program in educational administration/leadership
If you meet these requirements, you will also need to submit:
- One letter of recommendation from a current supervisor.
- Applicants are welcome to submit additional letters of recommendation, but this is optional.
- Recommendations are collected via the online application system, and references will receive an email link with instructions to complete a letter of recommendation and survey.
- Personal statement showing a clear understanding of how the degree will fit into the applicant's career plans.
- Current resume or CV.
Application Deadline
Program contacts
Reach out by email or phone
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Faculty
Lena Batt
Jennifer Bessolo
Rick Ginsberg
Stephen Jackson
Lei Jiang
Bryan Mann
Alex Red Corn
Lisa Ellen Wolf-Wendel