Frequently Asked Questions

Established in 1990, the Harvard Urban Superintendents Program (USP) is recognized as the nation's premier program for preparing individuals to lead urban school districts. For twenty years, USP provided innovative training for aspiring superintendents, enrolling its last cohort in Fall 2009. Building on the tremendous success of USP, HGSE will launch the Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) program in Fall 2010. The new Ed.L.D. Program builds upon the skills, knowledge base, and relationships with school systems and leaders developed in USP. The program will maintain USP's strong focus on urban school leadership while expanding to include students preparing to lead a broad range of organizations including non-profit organizations, mission-based for-profit organizations, and government agencies. Individuals interested in pursuing careers as urban superintendents should visit the Ed.L.D. program for more information.

THE USP PROGRAM

(USP enrolled its last cohort in Fall 2009)

1. How long is this program?

"This program has three phases: coursework, internship, and dissertation. All students complete the first two phases in 18 months. The last phase takes from 2 years to 5 years. USPers take an average of 5.5 years to complete the doctorate."

2. What is a cohort?

"This program believes that effective superintendents are those who can work effectively in a group. Hence, you work with a small group of students of similar vision yet diverse perspectives."

3. How many candidates are admitted each year?

"USP admits usually six individuals."

4. Can I meet with Dr. Peterkin to discuss the program?

"Dr. Peterkin's schedule is extremely full. He has one cohort of students on campus and another cohort in internships throughout the United States. You can e-mail Amanda Scobie at amanda_scobie@gse.harvard.edu to schedule a time with Dr. Peterkin. Candidates may also speak with members of his team, and if scheduled, with students in the USP program."

COURSEWORK

1. What is proseminar?

"Proseminar, better known as prosem, is a 4.5 hour class that meets from July to June. Students learn about the urban superintendency in this class, by studying superintendents who are effective instructional, managerial, and political leaders and by applying their skills and knowledge to the challenges many urban superintendents face."

2. What is a module?

"A module is a class that only meets for three hours a week for seven weeks. Most introductory research classes at HGSE are modules."

3. What are some recommended courses I should take to prepare myself for USP?

"The best courses that will prepare you for USP are those that will prepare you to be an effective teacher-one who has an extensive knowledge and a deep understanding of the craft of teaching. Also, if your knowledge of microeconomics and statistics is limited, you should consider classes to prepare for these topics."

THE INTERNSHIP

1. How are students assigned to school districts for their internships?

"The USP Director and proseminar instructors carefully assess your developmental needs and try to match you with a mentor who has strengths in areas in which you need to grow. Students are never placed in districts where they have worked."

2. Can I select my own internship district and mentor?

"Internship placements are coordinated by the USP Program Director and USP Instructors. You can give input as to the type of mentor that would be beneficial to your professional growth, but the USP Director generally has a mentor in mind for you by the time you complete the fall semester."

3. Will I be eligible to be certified as a superintendent?

"USP is a doctoral program; this means that you will complete the requirements for the doctorate and superintendent certification. If you only desire the certification, I encourage you to contact your state department of education for certification regulations."

4. Will I be eligible to be certified as a principal?

"You can elect to pursue additional certification as a principal during your time at USP. You will need to work closely with the USP program director to ccordinate this. Some students elect to pursue principal certification after completing the six-month internship with their mentor superintendent."

5. How many students get jobs after having completed the program?

"Our students do not have trouble finding work after completing the doctorate. Most students accept jobs after their internship while they are completing their dissertation."

DISSERTATION

1. I have a doctorate already. Can I apply to USP?

"There is no prohibition to applying to our program, although we discourage those with doctorates from entering another doctoral program."

2. Can I select my own dissertation research topic?

"You have the choice to focus your dissertation research on any topic of interest to you, provided you have the support of your doctoral ad-hoc committee, the three professors who must read and approve your dissertation."

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

1. What type of financial assistance is available?

"All admitted students receive full tuition and health fee funding for the first three years of their studies. You will receive an additional $8,000 stipend your first year. During the second-year internship, you will be paid a monthly stipend to cover moving and living expenses. For the third year and beyond, students are eligible for fellowships and mini-grants provided they meet academic milestones toward the dissertation. Loans are available for each year of study."

2. How much does it cost to live in Cambridge?

"The cost of living is extremely high in Cambridge, so plan to spend approximately $1700 to $2600 a month for living expenses, half of which will be applied to your monthly rent. The lower the rent, the lower your living expenses will be. One bedroom apartments in Cambridge average $1300."

3. Will I be able to have a part-time job while completing the coursework?

"USP students complete two years of coursework in eleven months, so there is no time for part-time work. Loans are available through the HGSE financial aid office."

APPLICATIONS

1. Am I a good candidate?

"Those who have the best chance of getting in have extremely strong GRE scores, at least three years of teaching experience, a master's degree in education, demonstrated leadership in their school and/or school districts, and a very compelling and excellently written statement of purpose. Visit the 'Students' section of the website for the specific areas we consider when selecting the best candidates."

2. What can I do to strengthen my credentials?

"Only you can decide how to strengthen your credentials. What I advise is that you decide what your core beliefs are about urban education and make decisions that are congruent with those beliefs, which would demonstrate to the admissions committee that you are committed to equitable education for all students."

3. How many candidates are admitted each year?

"Generally 30-60 individuals apply each year. USP admits six individuals."

4. Why is three years of teaching preferred?

"We like candidates who are knowledgable about teaching and learning. Also, three years of teaching is generally required to be a principal or superintendent."

5. When are applications due?

"Applications for USP are generally due in December. You can apply online. Also, please continue to check the admissions website for more details."

Apply Online

OTHER FACTS

• No part-time, no on-line courses, no weekend courses; Full-time only.
• No deferred admission (If you apply by January 2009, you must prepare to begin the program July 2009)