Objectives

The Educational Leadership Program at Montana State University offers the School Superintendent Certificate Program to prepare candidates to complete all state requirements for licensure as a School Superintendent in Montana.  The Montana School Superintendent Certificate Program is a 15-credit certificate with coursework designed to be completed through an intensive summer program with a semester long internship following the coursework. 

Program Flow

Students must first apply to the School Superintendent Certificate Program via the MSU Graduate School http://www.montana.edu/gradschool/admissions/apply.html.  The early admission deadline is February 1st with final deadline of April 1st.  Once accepted to the program, students must enroll and begin summer session classes by mid-May.   Classes begin with online coursework and culminate with a two-week on campus experience during the last two weeks in June.

Program of Study

Course Number
Course Title
Course Credits
EDLD 620
The School Superintendent
3
EDLD 645
Personnel and Collective Bargaining in MT
3
EDLD 650
MT Finance & Facilities
3
EDLD 655
MT Legal & Policy Studies
3
EDLD 574

Field Exper in Ed Ldrshp

  • Field experience is completed in a Montana school district of the candidate’s choosing under the supervision of a properly licensed superintendent.
  • Students who possess more than seven (7) years of principal experience in Montana or seven (7) years of experience as a central office administrator in Montana may petition the program to waive the field experience requirement.
3
Total Credits
15

How to Apply

The minimum requirement for admission to the certificate program is a master's degree or current enrollment in a master's program. In the personal statement candidates should describe their qualifications, previous educational experience and leadership goals.

Complete the Graduate School application available online at the Graduate School website.

Applicants are to submit the following documentation during the application process:

  1. Official Transcripts from each university attended. Transcripts must verify all bachelor's and master's degree coursework. Applicants who are alumni of MSU-Bozeman do not need to submit official transcripts, however they should upload unofficial transcripts during the application process
  2. Current Curriculum Vitae or Resume - include three (3) references.
  3. Personal Statement - please address the following:
    • Brief background (time in education, teaching, leadership experiences)
    • Goal for completing the Certificate - What are the applicant's leadership goals?

Note: Additional information may be requested by the Admissions Committee upon receipt of the application.

Application Deadlines

The following are the application deadline dates by which all the application materials must be submitted via the online application system for Summer Semester.

  • Early Review Deadline: February 1st
  • Application Deadline: April 1st

Applications received after the deadline may be reviewed for acceptance on a case-by-case basis.

Montana Office of Public Instruction

It is recommended that individuals consult with The Office of Public Instruction at 406-444-3680 or  https://opi.mt.gov/Educators/Licensure/Educator-Licensure/Educator-Licenses to determine what requirements are needed for their licensure in Montana. To meet both Principal and Superintendent Endorsement requirements, an educator must be eligible for an appropriately endorsed Montana Class 1, 2 ,or 5 teaching license, or Class 6 School Counseling license.  In addition, OPI requires the following:

  • Principal Endorsement Requirements: Verification of a minimum of 3 years of teaching or school counseling experience with a standard, unrestricted license as an appropriately licensed teacher or school counselor.
  • Superintendent Endorsement Requirements: Verification of a minimum of 3 years of teaching experience as an appropriately licensed teacher or school counselor and verification of a minimum of 1-year administrative experience as an appropriately licensed principal.

Our MSU Office of Field Placement and Licensure is also available for questions at 406-994-4761.

Grad Request Info

Educational Leadership Faculty

Dr. Jason Cummins, Program Leader and Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership
Phone: 406-994-4142 Email: jason.cummins1@montana.edu

Dr. Bill Ruff, Professor of Educational Leadership
406-994-4182  Email: wruff@montana.edu

Contact Information

Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Education, Montana State University
PO Box 172880,  Reid Hall 215
Bozeman, MT 59717-2880
406-994-6786  Email: edgrad@montana.edu