Educational Specialist Degrees
Admission Requirements
Admission to Harding University is determined on an individual basis with the following criteria considered: (1) academic preparation, (2) character, (3) educational interests and (4) academic potential. Effort is made to admit all students who qualify and who can benefit from the unique educational program and opportunities available at Harding irrespective of their religious faith, national origin, sex, race or color. When applying, candidates should be aware of the distinct purpose of Harding University and be willing to commit themselves to upholding institutional values.
Applicants for the superintendent degree program must:
- Hold a master’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university, attested by an official transcript.
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on previous degree program or an approved GRE test score if GPA is below 3.0.
- Abide by the university Code of Conduct.
- Applicant must show proof of current educator licensure and principal licensure, and have at least three years of licensed educator experience, with some principal experience preferable.
Application Procedure
- All applicants are required to submit a Graduate College Application Service (GradCAS) application via the GradCAS website.
- Candidates will need to go to this website and complete the web application, submit GradCAS application fee, and send official transcripts from each university attended.
- In addition, applicants must submit two references from individuals who will address the applicant’s 1) potential for success in the selected graduate program, and 2) the applicant’s professional and academic background; documentation of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) record; current valid educator license; documentation of the last three years of teaching experience (official personnel record or signed letter on letterhead); and documentation of applicant’s superintendent’s support for participating in the program and a commitment to allowing applicant to participate in field experiences via the GradCAS website.
- Applications must include a professional resume.
- Applicants will also be required to complete an admission/advising interview with the program director.
Application Review and Selection of Candidates
The chair of Graduate Studies or the Educational Leadership Director of each specific program may request additional information from the applicant prior to final approval for admittance to the specialist program.
Prerequisites
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
Other Program Requirements
Upon acceptance into the program, candidates must consult with the Educational Leadership Director concerning the required course of study, register for classes online through campus Pipeline each semester, and complete financial registration with the Business Office online.
“Leveling courses,” if required, will not be included within the semester hour requirements for the specialist degree.
Educational Leadership requires successful completion of a mandatory internship.
Educational Leadership (Superintendent) program requires a portfolio.
All requirements of the Educational Leadership (Superintendent) program must be completed within six years from the time of acceptance into the program. Course work that is taken more than six years before graduation will not be acceptable.
Transfer Candidates
Up to 6 hours of credit for coursework from other accredited institutions of higher education may be transferred if the institution is accredited by NCATE, TEAC, or a similar accrediting organization and the earned grade was a “B” or higher. For Educational Leadership (Superintendent), the institution must have a program of study that is reflective of both the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Arkansas Leadership Competencies and the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Program Standards. All transfer hours are subject to the approval of the chair of graduate studies in education and must be completed before a candidate’s last semester.
International Candidates
Candidates who (1) speak English as a second language, and have (2) not previously completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited American college or university must meet a minimum score on a nationally recognized test of English language proficiency such as the TOEFL or IELTS.
Minimum TOEFL scores acceptable for admission to the university are 550 (paper-based test), 213 (computer-based test), or 79 (Internet-based test). The minimum IELTS score is 6.0. Scores must not be older than two years prior to the date of application to the university. Please note that individual programs may have more stringent minimum requirements.
Academic Standing Requirements
These requirements are common to all programs in education and are listed in the Cannon-Clary College of Education information.
Degree Requirements and Curriculum
Requests for degree may be submitted prior to a candidate’s final semester but must be submitted no later than the first week of the final semester. The graduation fee must be paid to the Business Office the last semester before graduation.
Degree requirements and curricula are listed below:
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