Superintendent Certification Program
Superintendent Certification Program
With only four courses, you can be ready for Superintendent Certification. Apply your strong communication and problem-solving skills by enrolling in A&M-Texarkana's 100% online Superintendent Certification Program and take your leadership to the next level.
Our budget-friendly program provides a built-in practicum guided by faculty who are experienced former or current PK-12 administrators. Personalized test preparation, practicum support, supportive relationships with professors, and a cohort network across the state make this program one of the top ranking Superintendent Certification programs in Texas.
When you receive your Superintendent Certification through the state of Texas, you’ll open doors for opportunities to become a school district superintendent or hold other central administration positions where you can make a lasting impact on students, teachers, administrators, and communities. A&M-Texarkana can help you reach these career goals through strong, real-world leadership-building opportunities and invaluable faculty support.
Program Information
Certification Name: Superintendent Certification Program
Certification Type: Graduate
Format: 100% online or Face-to-Face at Ratliff Academy at Region 8 | *In-State Clinical Experience Required
Credit Hours: 12
Thesis/Non-Thesis: Non-Thesis; practicum required within a Texas school district
Catalog: Program Requirements
Questions: 903-223-3000
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Why A&M-Texarkana?
Strengthen Your Vision. Elevate Your Impact.
A&M-Texarkana’s Superintendent Certification Program is structured for working professionals and facilitated by experienced faculty. With a practicum experience that provides real-world leadership opportunities, flexible assignments, and faculty support, you’ll finish confident and ready to meet certification requirements.
The Superintendent Certification Program also provides a direct pathway for you to pursue A&M-Texarkana’s Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.D.).
Whatever your education leadership goals, you’ll be prepared and supported to further your impact.
Program Highlights
Your Schedule. Your Pace. Your Next Leadership Step.
Through A&M-Texarkana’s 100% online, flexible Superintendent Certification Program, you’re able to start any semester, including summer.
Gain a Support System That Strengthens Your Leadership Journey
With expert faculty who have real-world experience and a cohort model, you’ll build a professional network with leaders across the state and beyond, gaining a powerful support system to strengthen your leadership impact. Our program candidates consistently achieve a high pass rate on the TExES Superintendent Exam.
Guided, Real-World Learning with Support Every Step of the Way
Experiential learning is the focus of the A&M-Texarkana Superintendent Certification Program. With flexible assignments, experienced faculty support, peer networks, and a free practicum, you’ll finish confident to pursue certification testing.
Superintendent Certification Program FAQs
What is the cost for the certification program?
You can review the cost of tuition by using the online tuition calculator. The program is only four courses with a free practicum and A&M-Texarkana remains one of the most affordable Universities. The coursework and experience also provide a seamless transition into the Doctor of Education Leadership Program (Ed.D.), where you can receive a scholarship and financial aid.
When can I start the certification program?
New cohorts start every semester, including summer, which makes it very easy and seamless to begin as a working professional.
What are potential career paths I could pursue, besides Superintendent?
Along with school superintendent, you will also be prepared for administrative positions such as associate or assistant superintendent, program director, and non-profit or government leader. Our TExES certified alumni hold these kinds of positions all over Texas and Arkansas. Certificate reciprocity with other states also provides you with options for district leadership in other states.
What are the admission requirements to the Superintendent Certification Program?
First, you need to apply for graduate admissions through A&M-Texarkana. Then, you can review other admissions requirements to the Superintendent Certification Preparation Program. We try to make admissions a simple process for working professionals, providing opportunities to apply within any semester, including summer.
Ratliff Academy Program
Texas A&M University – Texarkana is proud to be in a collaborative partnership with Region 8 Education Service Center for the Ratliff Academy for School Executives. Students in this program attend monthly seminars over four semesters held at Region 8 in Pittsburg, TX. Applications are accepted each fall and the start date begins in late January. The Ratliff Academy prepares future school superintendents using innovative tools and a cohort model. For further information, please contact Jeff Clark at jclark@reg8.net or (903) 640-6632.
"My experience in earning my Superintendent certification as part of the Ratliff Academy in partnership with Texas A&M-Texarkana has positively impacted my career in countless ways. The relationships established and built with colleagues and professors through this program are still growing to this day. The coursework and classes were challenging, practical, and provided me opportunities to grow as an instructional leader. The BEST Superintendent certification in the STATE!"
Todd MarshallChief Operating Officer of Texarkana Independent School District, Texarkana, TX
"I am thankful to have had the opportunity to obtain my superintendent certification from Texas A&M-Texarkana. I was well prepared through the program and always felt supported by my professors. If i had to do it again, I would choose Texas A&M-Texarkana."
Dr. Larry GajewskeySuperintendent of Nursery ISD, Victoria, TX
"The support and guidance that I received at TAMUT was instrumental in providing me with the tools needed to help launch my career farther than I ever imagined."
Lamond DeanSuperintendent at Chapel Hill ISD, Tyler, TX
"As a Texas A&M-Texarkana alumni, I'm proud of the work the Educational Leadership Program is doing. The program prepared me for my superintendency and the professors helped me along the way. In fact, they are still there for me to this day when I need help. The faculty really values the work we do as educational leaders."
Jon LaffoonSuperintendent of Farmington School District, Farmington, AR
"The Superintendent Certification Program didn’t just prepare me for a role, it transformed how I lead. It deepened my ability to think strategically, lead with purpose, and navigate complexity with confidence and fearless ambition to do amazing things for all students."
Dr. Dorian GalindoChief of Staff of Irving ISD, Irving, TX
"The Texas A&M University Superintendent Certification Program was a career-culminating experience that has fully prepared me for the principalship, the superintendent’s seat and beyond. The program refined how I lead and provided practical strategies I am already implementing in my current role. I am especially grateful for the mentorship and support of Dr. Lease and the exceptional quality of instruction. Every professor brought real superintendent-level experience, making the learning both relevant and impactful. I highly recommend this program to any leader committed to growing and leading at the highest level."
Dr. Kimberly McNeilAssistant Principal of Wisdom High School, Houston ISD, Houston, TX
"My experience in A&M-Texarkana's Superintendent Certification Program has been both transformative and deeply affirming. Having previously completed my doctorate, this program provided the perfect opportunity to bring my educational journey full circle and truly finish my career preparation. The professors are not only deeply knowledgeable, but genuinely supportive—investing in each candidate’s growth as a leader. The flexible learning environment made it possible to balance real-world responsibilities while engaging in meaningful, relevant coursework.
Just as impactful were the relationships built within my cohort—connections that have extended far beyond the program and remain an essential part of my professional support system as I navigate my career. Through collaborative discussions, practical problem-solving, and a strong focus on instructional leadership, school finance, and organizational systems, the program equips leaders to step confidently into the superintendency with clarity, purpose, and readiness."
Chief Academic Officer of Godley ISD, Godley, TX