District Administrator License
Becoming a school superintendent is not just a career choice; it's a pivotal role that shapes the future of education and communities. As the visionary leader of a school district, the superintendent bears the responsibility of ensuring academic excellence, fostering a safe and inclusive environment, and empowering educators to inspire and uplift every student.
About the Program
This 16-month program begins each fall for aspiring superintendents. Courses are taught in a hybrid format with asynchronous onlne requirments and once per month in-person meetings on weekends, to accommodate working professionals. Candidates are eligible to apply for the District Administrator license upon completion of the program.
Curriculum (21 Credits)
Year 1 | FallLEA 8303: Leading from Within: A Journey of Self Discovery and Leadership Potential (3 credits)
LEA 8701: Advanced Leadership - The Superintendency I (3 credits)*
Year 1 | Spring
LEA 8304: Ethical Leadership (3 credits)
LEA 8702: Educational Law (2 credits)*
Year 1 | Summer
LEA 8401: Organizational Development and Learning (3 credits)
LEA 8502: Budget Development and Finance (3 credits)
LEA 8703: Advanced Leadership - The Superintendency II (2 credits)*
Year 2 | Fall
LEA 8402: Leading a Learning Organization (3 credits)
** PhD candidates pursuing the District Administrator license will take these courses in addition to their PhD sequence.
Visit our catalog to learn more about each course.
Cost
- $905 per credit
- No additional program fees.
Cohort Meeting Dates for 2026-27
Application Process
STEP 1: Submit the Graduate Studies Application
STEP 2: Complete and submit the following within the application status portal after submission of your application:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Two Professional References
- Official Post-Secondary Transcripts - From all institutions attended
- Official transcripts must be sent from the institution to gradinfo@carrollu.edu or mailed to:
Carroll University
Office of Admission
100 N. East Avenue
Waukesha, WI 53186
Academic Requirements
- Qualified candidates must hold a valid Wisconsin #5051 Principal License to be admitted.
- Masters Degree
Connect with Us
Join us for an event!
Whether you're interested in attending an in-person open house, joining a virtual
information session, or scheduling a one-on-one meeting with our graduate admission
counselor, Karyn Lawrence, we offer several ways to learn more about the program and
get your questions answered.
Practicum Experiences
The District Administrator program requires that candidates successfully complete an 80 hour practicum in two 40 hour segments. Practicums are designed to guide candidates as they apply course concepts in the field. The practicums allow candidates to be apprenticed into the field as they work alongside a mentor administrator. Candidates focus on issues related to leadership and develop a realistic perspective of the demands, needs, and challenges that face administrators in the educational environment.
Faculty
Lisa Dawes
Adjunct Instructor of Leadership and Org. Development
Patrick Grayshaw
Assistant Professor of Public Health Catherine Hayes
Adjunct Instructor of Leadership and Org. Development
Janice Jones
Professor of Leadership
Brad Kose
Associate Professor of Education
Kathy Kramer
Dean of the School of Education and Human Services
Ann Newman
Adjunct Instructor of Leadership and Org. Development JoAnn Sternke
Adjunct Instructor of Education
Corey Thompson
Associate Professor of Leadership
Dan Unertl
Adjunct Instructor of Leadership and Org. Development