The Superintendent Certification Program at Sul Ross State University prepares experienced educational leaders for executive leadership in Texas public school districts. The program is fully aligned with the Texas Superintendent Preparation Standards and prepares candidates to meet the academic requirements for superintendent certification and successful performance on the TExES Superintendent (195) examination.
The program emphasizes ethical leadership, legal and policy compliance, instructional and organizational improvement, fiscal stewardship, and effective governance and community relations. Candidates engage in applied coursework and a supervised practicum that integrates theory with authentic, field-based district leadership experiences under the guidance of an experienced, certified superintendent mentor.
The Superintendent Certification Program consists of 15 semester credit hours and is designed for completion across three academic terms (spring-summer-fall). All coursework is delivered in an online asynchronous format, allowing candidates to complete program requirements while maintaining full-time professional responsibilities. An exception applies to the Superintendent Practicum, which includes required synchronous meetings associated with mandatory observation conferences. In addition, faculty may offer optional synchronous meetings to support student learning.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the Superintendent Certification Program, candidates will demonstrate:
- Ethical, legal, and strategic leadership aligned with Texas law and superintendent standards.
- Fiscal stewardship and resource management that promote opportunity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Instructional and organizational leadership focused on district-wide improvement of teaching and learning.
- Certification readiness and mastery of Texas Superintendent Standards, including preparation for the TExES Superintendent (195) examination.
- Effective communication and community relations that build trust, transparency, and shared accountability.
Candidate performance is evaluated through standards-aligned assessments embedded across coursework and the practicum experience.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must:
- Submit an application for admission to Sul Ross State University.
- Provide official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended.
- Submit all required departmental documentation.
- Meet all Texas Education Agency and SBEC requirements for superintendent certification, including:
- Valid Principal or Mid-Management certification (or approved TEA waiver).
- A minimum of three years of teaching experience in an accredited public or private school.
Additional certification requirements, including examination expectations, are governed by the Texas Education Agency and State Board for Educator Certification.
Certification Note
Completion of the Superintendent Certification Program prepares candidates for superintendent certification; eligibility to attempt the certification examination and final certification require meeting all Texas Education Agency and State Board for Educator Certification requirements and include an institutional recommendation from the educator preparation program.
Contact
Dr. John Decman
Program Coordinator, Superintendent Certification
Professor and Program Director, Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
College of Education
Sul Ross State University
Email: john.decman@sulross.edu
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