Educational Administration, EdD (P-12 School Superintendent)

The blended Educational Administrative, Ed.D. with specialization in P-12 School Leadership is designed for students seeking an endorsement as a P-12 superintendent. 

The challenges for school leaders has never been more significant. School leaders are tasked with improving instruction and student learning and providing optimal learning environments for teachers, students and staff. They also must create a safe and welcoming culture for all. 

Students choose the Educational Administration, EdD (P-12 Superintendent Endorsement) program to: 

• Learn from faculty who conduct and share leading research on authentic school leadership challenges. 
• Participate in the authentic internship experience in their districts with support from a field-based mentor and a faculty mentor. 
• Gain knowledge from leading authorities who share well-established expertise on topics such as instructional leadership, school culture and climate, technology, grading and assessment, curriculum and other vital topics. 

Coursework is designed to integrate the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium Standards to enable students to develop the principles, processes and practical skills necessary for effective district-level leadership.

Note: This is a blended program, requiring students to attend three on-campus seminars during the first, second and third summer terms of enrollment. The on-campus seminars are intense, short sessions focused on topics of compelling interest taught by experts in trends in P-12 administration. All other courses are offered online.

This program is offered as a cooperative program through the UNL and UNO campuses. 

Career Outlook: Educational administrators oversee student services, academics and curriculum in schools and colleges. Typically, postsecondary education administrators need a master’s degree because employers prefer to hire candidates that have experience with the job duties listed above. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Postsecondary Education Administrators is growing at 10%, which is faster than average. The Bureau reports that the demand for Elementary, Middle and High School Principals is growing at 8%, which is about as fast as average. Principals coordinate curriculums, oversee teachers and provide a safe environment for students.

More about the Department of Educational Administration:

The Department of Educational Administration has been a part of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln since 1913. The faculty and staff are committed to preparing individuals to serve and lead educational organizations in the challenges facing 21st-century teaching and learning. Distance education is an essential part of the academic programs of the department, with a majority of the classes now available online. The department is constantly working to improve its efforts, both in terms of the developmental needs of students and in the quality of their academic work.