A smiling female student drips a chemical into a vial.A smiling female student drips a chemical into a vial.

Superintendent Letter of Eligibility

CREDITS: 18-27

Program Description:

The superintendent letter of eligibility (SLE) program provides an opportunity for a graduate student to obtain certification in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a superintendent. Although not required for admission to the program, certification by the state of Pennsylvania requires a minimum of six years of professional certified service in the basic schools, three years of which shall have been in administration or supervision. The three years of administrative or supervision experience must be completed before certification endorsement will be granted by the University.

Cal U's professional and knowledgeable faculty is drawn from the ranks of practicing school superintendents that represent the best of school leadership in southwestern Pennsylvania. All faculty members have extensive experience as teachers and administrators in area public schools.

Accreditation:

Approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, this online program meets state educational requirements for certification as a superintendent. The program complies with ISLLC standards, Educational Leadership Constituent Council Standards (ELCC), and may be used to meet certification and professional development requirements in other states. California University of Pennsylvania is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. California University of Pennsylvania has been accredited for over 40 years and was founded in 1852.

Delivery Mode:

100 percent online

Classes are conducted online with field experiences and internships taking place at the student’s school site.

Admissions Criteria:

Although not required for admission, certification by the state of Pennsylvania requires a minimum of six years of professional certified service in the basic schools, three of which shall have been in administration. These three years must be completed before certification endorsement will be granted by the University. These can be obtained before, after or during participation in the program.

  • Minimum overall undergraduate 3.00 GPA
  • Official transcripts from every institution attended
  • Graduate School Application plus $25 nonrefundable application fee
  • Completed applicant data sheet
  • Copies of all professional certificates
  • Letter of endorsement from the chief school administrator in the school district of current employment
  • Resume or curriculum vitae
  • Statement of career goals and degree objectives

Curriculum:

18-27 credits depending on previously completed coursework. Program may be completed in 12 months of part-time study.

Sample Course Sequence:

Spring Semester:
Course NameCredits
SLE 701: Administration Theory, Organization and Operation (PIL approved)3
SLE 708: Internship (PIL approved)3

Summer Semester:
Course NameCredits
SLE 704: Technology and Facilities Development (PIL approved)3
SLE 705: Curriculum/Instruction and Leadership/Supervision (PIL approved)3

Fall Semester:
Course NameCredits

SLE 707: Strategic Planning/Policy Analysis/Board Relations (PIL approved)

3

SLE 708: Internship (PIL approved)

3

Note:

Completion of an approved certification program is a requirement for certification in Pennsylvania. In the certification process, the University informs the state that a student has completed the University's state-approved program. The state then reviews the student's credentials and determines eligibility for certification. We encourage all students to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Education before beginning Cal U's program for further information about certification requirements in Pennsylvania.


Program Coordinator:

Dr. Silvia Braidic
724-938-4757
braidic@calu.edu

Department Website:

http://www.calu.edu/go

Application Questions:

School of Graduate Studies and Research
California University of Pennsylvania
Eberly 202B
250 University Ave.
California, PA 15419
724-938-4187
www.calu.edu
gradschool@calu.edu

Graduate Faculty:

Brian Barnhart, Ed.D., Adjunct Faculty; Assistant Executive Director, Lancaster-Lebanon
  Intermediate Unit 13
Silvia Braidic, Ed.D., Program Coordinator and Professor, Full-time Faculty; Administrative
  Leadership Programs, Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership
Linda Hippert, Ed.D., Adjunct Faculty; Executive Director, Allegheny Intermediate Unit
Todd E. Keruskin, Ed.D., Adjunct Faculty; Principal, Baldwin-Whitehall School District
J. Kevin Lordon, Ed.D., Associate Professor, Full-time Faculty; Administrative Leadership
  Programs; Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership
Christine Patti, Ed.D.,Associate Professor, Full-time Faculty; Administrative Leadership
  Programs; Department of Secondary Education and Administrative Leadership
Brian Toth, Ed.D., Adjunct Faculty; Superintendent of Schools, Belwood-Antis School District