Mar 29, 2024  
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Leadership Education - Superintendent (K-12) (EDSP) - EdS


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36 credits

3.0 GPA required.

Administrative Licensure Requirements


The Education Leadership Licensure Program of study can be used to meet the requirements for licensure for K-12 Principal and Superintendent in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Licensure can be earned before completing the EdS degree requirements; the EdS required an additional six credits. The licensure core credits are the same for the Principal and Superintendent programs. Our program of study complies with all of the Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA) requirements for licensing K-12 Principals and Superintendents (MR3512) and is accessible to the public. Initial licensure requires that you:

  1. apply for admission by contacting the Licensing Review Officer (Steve Baule, steven.baule@winona.edu)
  2. complete 60 semester credits beyond a bachelor’s degree and fulfill the required coursework below
  3. have completed three years of teaching experience at the elementary or secondary level while holding a teaching license valid for the position or positions in which the experience was gained
  4. complete six semester credits of internship (320 hours) with a site supervisor appropriately licensed in the licensure area you are interested in
  5. demonstrate knowledge of administrative competencies to the satisfaction of a joint faculty/administrator panel (at WSU this is called the Licensure Review Panel). Educational requirements for licensure in other states for administrative positions may be satisfied by specific program modifications.

Note: Specific courses (or their equivalent) may be transferred if taken at the master’s level per Licensing Coordinator approval.

Education Specialist Degree (EdS) in Leadership Education


The Education Specialist degree is designed for individuals who wish to achieve proficiency beyond the Master’s Degree in the K-12 Principal, the Superintendent, or other leadership roles. The degree requirements include the completion of a field study involving experience with formal research and technical writing. Completion of the EdS degree (or equivalent of MS plus 30 credits) also meets initial licensure requirements as K-12 Principal or Superintendent (district level administrator) licensure in Minnesota, and Wisconsin. (Iowa requires that the candidate earn a Minnesota license.) Licensure without the EdS degree requires that six credits be earned in lieu of completing the field study ( EDUO 808 - Program Evaluation  and EL 799 - Specialist Degree Thesis/Field Study (Thesis Advisement Credits) .

This degree can be used by individuals who wish to pursue an advanced graduate degree for greater competency in non-licensure roles such as department chair, curriculum committee chair, lead teacher, teacher mentor, special project leader, administrative assistant, or positions related to policy studies and research in public agencies. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required to receive the degree. Only grades earned at Winona State University will be counted in determining the grade point average.

EdS Internship Information


Students will complete two internships within 12 months for a total of six credits (as listed above). The internships are a capstone field experience intended to bring the theory of the classroom to the practice of the profession. Individuals seeking K-12 Principal and Superintendent licensure will serve in the capacity of an administrative aide or intern. As a guideline for when to register for the internship, it is suggested that a minimum of 75% of program credits be completed. For individuals seeking careers in other settings, an internship can be arranged specific to career aspirations.

Oral Defense


To be awarded the Educational Specialist Degree (EdS), candidates are required to pass an oral defense related to their field study.

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