Most online Ed.S. Superintendency programs require students to participate in an internship and/or fieldwork because most states have a policy requiring field experience as part of school leader preparation. For example, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas do have field experience requirements, while Mississippi doesn't not. See your state's policy on the Education Commission of the States (ECS) website.
A-State has two courses that pertain to authentic experience as a district-level leader: ELAD 7493 Supervised Internship and ELAD 7473: Field Study.
The supervised internship takes place in an approved administrative supervisory setting. You must get permission from the department chair, and the internship must be set up one semester ahead of time.
Students in the field study course participate in ongoing, hands-on experiences that focus on real-world problems and exercises. During the field study course, students must demonstrate the leadership skills they will need as a district-level administrator as well as develop networks from the local to national level. A-State suggests taking this course on its own.