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1 | Minnesota Board of School Administrators Consumer Guide to Approved Superintendent License Programs | |||||||||
2 | Institution | Delivery | Credits Required for a Superintendent License | Credits Required to add a Minnesota Superintendent License to an Existing Minnesota Administrative License | Instructional Specifics | Special Features | Individualized Provisional License | Program Website | Contact | Cost |
3 | Bethel University | Online | 30 | 6 | Students can begin their program with any 8 week (asynchronous) course and adapt an individualized learning plan based on evolving schedules. | Coursework can be completed fully online with five start dates throughout the year. Elevate your career by earning your doctorate and administrative license simultaneously through a streamlined program that honors your experience by allowing the transfer of post-master’s coursework. By focusing on personal formation and individual strengths, we empower you to lead with a unique blend of authenticity, creativity, and wisdom that stands out in today’s educational landscape. Our integrative approach ensures your growth is rooted in cultural responsiveness, a value mirrored by our diverse community and proven by our student outcomes. You will be guided by practitioner-scholar faculty who serve as relational mentors, modeling how to balance high-level leadership with a purposeful life. | Yes - Bethel will review transcripts and create an individualized program for students who have been issued provisional licenses and who desire to obtain a standard MN administrative license(s). | https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/academics/education-doctorate-k-12-admin/ | Dr. Tracy Reimer t-reimer@bethel.edu 651-635-8502 | https://www.bethel.edu/graduate/financial-aid/tuition-costs/ |
4 | Concordia University, St. Paul | Online | 30 | 9 | Cohort-based learning model featuring a weekly live, synchronous online session conducted via Zoom, fostering collaboration, discussion, and professional networking among aspiring school and district leaders. | The administrator licensure programs at Concordia University (CSP) prepare ethical, equity-driven leaders to positively transform their communities. CSP's fully online, cohort-based Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares aspiring principals and district administrators to lead with confidence, competence, and integrity. Grounded in our mission of transforming communities through educational leadership, the 30-credit program combines rigorous, practice-based coursework with supervised, hands-on internships in authentic school and district settings. Through responsive, relevant learning experiences aligned to real-world leadership responsibilities and Minnesota licensure standards, candidates develop as reflective servant leaders ready to meet the complex and evolving demands of today's schools. | Yes - CSP reviews applicant’s graduate transcripts to develop an individualized program of study aligned with Minnesota administrator licensure requirements. Up to fifteen (15) previously completed, Educational Leadership–approved graduate credits may be accepted and applied toward the Ed.S. in Educational Leadership licensure degree at CSP. | https://www.graduateprogram.org/concordia-saint-paul/programs/educational-specialist/ | Dr. Stephen O'Connor oconnor@csp.edu 651-603-6258 | Graduate tuition is $415 per credit with no additional fees. Additional Information available at Tuition and Financial Aid - Concordia University, St. Paul |
5 | Hamline University | Low-Residency (75% Online) | 24 | 10 | Classes offered online both synchronously and asynchronously. On-campus sessions generally offered once or twice per term on Saturdays during Fall and Spring terms and on weekdays or Saturdays in Summer. | Hamline's Administrative Licensure program is designed to promote and foster Culturally Responsive Instructional Leadership. The flexible low-residency format and allows students to begin the program each term: Spring, Summer or Fall. Most courses are taught each term allowing students to work at their own pace. Most students complete the program within 5-6 terms. MN Administrative Licenses offered include: K-12 Principal, Director of Special Education, and District Superintendent. Students have pathway options:coursework toward administrative licensure only; administrative licensure with Educational Specialist (EdS) or Doctorate (Ed.D). | The Director of the Hamline Administrative Licensure program will review transcripts for administrators from other states to determine if acquiring a Provisional license is possible. | https://www.hamline.edu/academics/graduate/administrative-licenses | Dr. Jinger Gustafson jgustafson17@hamline.edu 651-523-2928 | https://www.hamline.edu/academics/graduate/administrative-licenses |
6 | Minnesota State University - Mankato | Online | 39 | 9 | Synchronous online cohort meets four times per semester over three semesters. Remaining coursework online and/or in schools. | The Specialist in Educational Leadership Degree with Administrative Licensure is designed to develop school leaders who demonstrate racial competence and the experience, expertise, and tools immediately relevant to lead today's racially diverse schools. | Yes. MNSU, Mankato will review transcripts and create an individualized program for those who have been issued a provisional license and are looking to turn that into a MN Professional Administrative License. | Superintendent License | Dr. Melissa Krull melissa.krull@mnsu.edu | Cost per Credit |
7 | Minnesota State University - Moorhead | Online | 26 | Up to 9 | All classes are offered asynchronously. Up to two optional synchronous Zoom meetings are offered to students in most courses. | Minnesota State University Moorhead provides asynchronous online licensure preparation for individuals seeking positions as a superintendent, principal, community education director, special education director, or other supervisory role in education. Admission occurs on a rolling basis, and learners move through the licensure preparation program at an individualized pace. Credit requirements for licensure recommendation vary based upon completed graduate course work upon entering the program. | Yes, assuming administrative licensure in another state and three years of successful education experience, transcripts and syllabi review can result in an individualized program. | Master of Science & Specialist in Educational Leadership (24-25) | Dr. Boyd Bradbury bradbury@mnstate.edu 218-477-2471 | https://www.mnstate.edu/cost-aid/tuition-fees/graduate/ |
8 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota | Online | 36 | 6 | Program is online with a 2 hour synchronous session each week. | Rigor, relevancy, and relationships have been the cornerstones of Saint Mary's program from the beginning and have earned it a strong reputation among Minnesota educational leaders. Our recently revised curriculum prepares leaders to meet the post-pandemic educational challenges. With a supportive faculty and dedicated advisors, it is our goal to teach our school leaders to demonstrate the state competencies and lead flourishing schools. | Yes - Saint Mary's reviews transcripts to create an individualized program for administrators who have been issued a provisional license and are looking to obtain a standard MN administrative license. | Saint Mary's Superintendent Program | Diane Moeller dmoeller@smumn.edu | https://www.smumn.edu/educational-administration-superintendent-certificate/ |
9 | Southwest Minnesota State University | Hybrid | 36 | 12 | Hybrid/Combination of Zoom and in person classes meeting just one weekend per month. Our goal is to provide a personalized learning experience for you. | A relevant, practitioners experience that offers a licensure program in K-12 Principalship, Superintendency and Special Education Director. Our program follows a Leadership Innovation Model and supports leaders to develop effective skills in leadership, decision-making and teacher development. Additionally, we offer the Specialist Degree in Ed. Leadership. We also offer a Master's Degree in Teaching, Learning and Leadership, which offers a wonderful segue to the licensure program. | Yes, SMSU will review your transcripts and create an individualized program for students who have been issued provisional licenses and who desire to obtain a standard MN administrative license(s). | Educational Administration and Leadership program | Dr. Jay Meiners Jay.Meiners2@smsu.edu 507-828-0456 | Graduate Tuition Southwest Minnesota State University |
10 | St. Cloud State University | Hybrid | 30 | 9 | SCSU offers its EDAD classes face-to-face, online synchronous/asynchronous, and hybrid/blended. This is specifically designed to meet the needs of professional learners and build collegiality and collaboration which foster creating life-long professional colleagues. | A practitioner-focused program that prepares emerging and established leaders who want to further their careers and lead PK-12 schools/school districts. Our mission is to prepare leaders who are capable of leading meaningful organizational improvement efforts. We prepare effective and compassionate leaders who ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion is at the fore-front of all decision making. A program of study is tailored to individual needs based on professional growth and development and prior professional experiences. Our program offers flexibility in delivery, consistent, ongoing adviser support, and the opportunity for life-long learning. | Yes, SCSU reviews transcripts of prospective students and creates an individualized program for those who have been issued a provisional license and are looking to turn that into a standard MN administrative license. | https://www.stcloudstate.edu/graduate/ed-admin-superintendent-certificate/default.aspx | Dr. Steven Emerson steven.emerson@stcloudstate.edu 320-308-4954 | https://www.stcloudstate.edu/elhe/financial/default.aspx |
11 | University of Minnesota - Twin Cities | In-Person Online (for students who reside outside of 7 county metro area) | 22 | 7 | Courses are synchronous, online, evening classes | The University of Minnesota program offers all four administrative licenses. Our faculty are school and district leaders of note and provide rigorous instruction steeped in research, theory and practical experience. We are committed to integrating professional wisdom; research, inquiry, and reflection; and authentic practice. The program is a 20-23 credit K-12 Administrative Leadership Post Baccalaureate program. While most students come to us with an earned Masters, we also offer the opportunity to earn an Master of Education degree concurrently with completing the licensure program. | Yes, the U of M Administrative Licensure Program reviews transcripts/resumes of prospective students and creates an individualized program for those who have been issued a provisional license and are looking to turn that into a MN Professional Administrative License. | K-12 Administrative Licensure Certificate | Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development | UMN | Dr. Gary S. Prest, Ed.D. Director of Administrative Licensure pres0004@umn.edu 612-626-8647 | Tuition | One Stop Student Services - Twin Cities (umn.edu) |
12 | University of St. Thomas | Online | 31 | 7 | Classes are typically held through synchronous evening webinar on Wednesdays and occasional Saturdays. | Our administrative licensure program prepares current and future education leaders who aspire to lead district- and state-level positions requiring the administrative license. Licensure candidates understand the purpose and motivation to serve; attitudes, qualities and practices that build and sustain relationships; and through a combination of class engagement and individual mentoring, each will demonstrate those competencies required to achieve the administrative licensure. During the program, each intern will be inspired and encouraged by outstanding leaders in state government, the legislature, and school districts; the Minnesota School Board Association; the Minnesota Association of School Administrators; non-profit leaders; and others who meet the special interests of each intern. | The Director of the Administrative Licensure program at the University of St. Thomas will review transcripts for administrators who have been issued provisional licenses. Perspective students and the Director work to create an individualized plan to obtain a standard MN administrative license(s). | https://education.stthomas.edu/leadership-degrees-licensures/post-graduate-studies/superintendent-licensure/index.html | Dr. Wharton-Beck anwhartonbec@stthomas.edu 651-962-4887 | https://education.stthomas.edu/admissionsandaid/tuition/ Excellence in School Leadership Fund 30-35% discount |
13 | Winona State University | Online | 27 | Up to 12 | Online instructional model featuring weekly synchronous sessions for student support. | WSU provides a practitioner focused program in a supportive environment consisting of experienced practicing and former PK-12 administrators who are eager to support the individual needs of each aspiring administrator. WSU allows certification as a principal and/or superintendent. This can be done as a certification only program or as part of an Ed.S. or Ed.D. WSU's faculty take pride in helping you through coursework, your practical, and into your positions as educational leaders. | Yes, WSU will review your transcripts and create an individualized program for students who have been issued provisional licenses and who desire to obtain a standard MN administrative license(s). | https://www.winona.edu/educationleadership/teacher&school.asp | Dr. Steve Baule steven.baule@winona.edu 507-285-7481 | https://www.winona.edu/billing/winonarates.asp |
14 | UPDATED 05/20/2025 | |||||||||