educational leadership doctoral programs in florida

University of Florida

Educational Leadership

Program information.

Programs in Educational Leadership provide opportunities for professional educators and those who would like to be professional educators to receive quality coursework, mentorship, and degrees in educational administration, policy, and leadership. The programs provided are ideal for vice principals, principals, district directors and supervisors, assistant superintendents, school business managers, teachers aspiring to acquire administrative roles within the K-12 system and educational leaders of other organizations.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Educational Leadership

• without a concentration
• concentration in Educational Policy
• Master of Arts in Education
• Master of Education
• Specialist in Education

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Human Development and Organizational Studies in Education Departmental Courses

Educational leadership (phd).

SLO 1     Knowledge         Students will identify and describe the core curricular areas of educational leadership including: school finance and law, human resources, technology, data-driven decision-making, diversity, organizational theory, supervision, evaluation, and research.

SLO 2     Skills      Candidates will apply clarity of written and oral expression to advanced levels of skill in the core areas of educational leadership, evaluation and dissertation research.

SLO 3     Skills      Candidates will identify and explain competencies and skills of instructional leadership, operational leadership and school leadership to promote the success of all students.

SLO 4     Professional Behavior    Candidates will participate in professional organizations and will apply ethical behavior and professional conduct.

SLO 5     Professional Behavior    Candidates will promote the success of all students by understanding the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural issues.

Educational leadership (edd)

SLO 1     Knowledge         Students will identify and describe the core curricular areas of educational leadership including: school finance and law; human resources; technology; data-driven decision-making, diversity; organizational theory, leading change, educational policy, instructional leadership, program evaluation, supervision and strategic planning.

SLO 3     Skills      Candidates will identify and explain competencies and skills of instructional leadership, operational leadership, and school leadership to promote the success of all students and the improvement of teacher quality.

SLO 4     Professional Behavior     Candidates will apply ethical behavior, professional conduct, and communication.

Educational Leadership (eds)

SLO 1     Knowledge         Candidates will identify and describe the core curricular areas of educational leadership including: school finance and law, human resources, technology, data-driven decision-making, diversity, organizational theory, supervision and strategic planning.

SLO 2     Skills      Candidates will apply and defend advanced levels of skill in the core areas of educational leadership.

SLO 4     Professional  Behavior   Candidates will apply ethical behavior, professional conduct and communication.

Educational Leadership (MAE)   

SLO 1     Knowledge         Candidates will identify and describe the core curricular areas of educational leadership including school finance, law, human resources, technology, data-driven decision-making, diversity, organizational theory, supervision & strategic planning.              

SLO 2     Skills      Candidates will apply competencies and skills of instructional leadership, operational leadership and school leadership to promote the success of all students.             

SLO 3     Professional Behavior    Candidates will apply ethical behavior, professional conduct, and communication.               

SLO 4     Professional Behavior    Candidates will promote the success of all students by understanding the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural issues.         

Educational Leadership (MEd)   

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The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership degree program is designed for those individuals who intend to build an academic career focused on conducting research and analysis in the multidisciplinary field of educational leadership and policy studies, or who wish to build an administrative career focused on innovative and inquiry-based leadership. Accordingly, this program will prepare individuals for careers in K-12 education systems, research universities and teaching colleges, as well as private, non-profit, state, federal, or international educational agencies.

Individual students will work alongside distinguished faculty with expertise in multiple fields including: ethical leadership, curriculum and pedagogy, politics of education, education law, organizational theory, equitable education reform, school accountability and choice policies, and anti-oppressive education. The program is designed to provide students exposure to research and academic discourses in organizational leadership, curriculum leadership, and policy leadership in education. In addition, students will gain knowledge around research methodologies and a specialized cognate area of study.

Students in this degree program will design an individualized program of study that reflects their specific research interests. This will prepare students to conduct and apply high quality research to practice, write and present scholarly papers at professional conferences, and submit research articles for publication in education journals.

Initial advising, from inquiry about the program through the first year of coursework, is provided by the Doctoral Program Coordinator. By the completion of the second year of study, students will select a major professor who will assist them with planning their remaing course of study. By the end of the third year, students will assemble an advisory committee consisting of the major professor and at least three other members. This committee guides the student through the dissertation process, including the qualifying examination, dissertation proposal, and dissertation defense.

NOTE: The Ph.D. degree program is not an initial certification or licensure program. Students seeking Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification need to refer to the M.Ed. degree program    or consult with the Ph.D. Program Coordinator to complete a modified program with additional coursework from the Education Leadership Praxis and Field Experiences Requirements (15 credits) in the M.Ed. Program in Educational Leadership, in addition to the Ph.D. requirements.

For further information, please see http://www.usf.edu/education/areas-of-study/educational-leadership-policy/

Accreditation: Accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation  (CAEP). More info: https://www.usf.edu/education/about-us/accreditation.aspx

Admission Information

Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.

Admission to the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Educational Leadership occurs one time each year in the fall semester. Admission is based on a comprehensive evaluation of each applicant’s demonstrated academic potential to successfully complete all of the degree requirements. Success in the Ph.D. degree program requires students to deeply engage in an area of inquiry, apply excellence in research methods, and develop exceptional writing skills. The program faculty will consider each applicant entirely within the context defined by her or his personal and professional qualifications. Applicants meeting the set of initial criteria will be asked to participate in an interview conducted by faculty and complete a timed writing sample that will be scheduled to occur before or after the interview.

Applicants should have:

• An earned master’s from an accredited institution of higher education
• An earned grade point average of 3.50 in the master’s degree and an earned undergraduate grade point average of 3.00) in the last half of the bachelor’s degree
• An official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) received within the last five years. A combined score greater than 300 with no Quantitative or Verbal sub-test score below 150 is preferred (48th percentile Verbal; 38th percentile Quantitative).

Applicants should submit:

• A letter of intent outlining experiences and goals (3 page maximum);
• A current resume;
• Three letters of professional reference, each enclosed in a sealed envelope and signed across the flap by the recommender or emailed by recommender to the Academic Program Specialist in the Deparment.  Please ask references to include your name and “letter of reference” in subject line when emailing the letter.

International Students

International students should check with International Services ( https://www.usf.edu/world/international-services/index.aspx ) for the latest information on requirements related to State testing, internship and practica.

Curriculum Requirements

Total Minimum Hours: 57 Credit hours

• Core Knowledge– 12 Credit hours
• Major Knowledge – 15 Credit hours
• Minor Knowledge – 9 Credit hours
• Research Methods – 15 Credit hours
• Dissertation - 6 Credit hours minimum

Core Knowledge Requirements (12 Credit Hours)

• EDG 7067 Philosophies of Inquiry Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7196 Leadership in Education: Theory and Inquiry Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7280 Curriculum Theory Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7287 Educational Politics and Policy: Theory and Issues Credit Hours: 3

Major Knowledge Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

Note: Students cannot use more than 2 Special Topics Seminars to fulfill Major Knowledge Requirements.

• EDA 6195 Policy Development Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7215 Educational Politics and the Engagement of Communities Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7281 Policy Analysis and Implementation Strategies for Educational Leaders Credit Hours: 3
• EDG 7931 Selected Topics Credit Hours: 1-4 (3 credits for this program) (Special Topics in Policy Leadership)
• EDG 7207 Transforming the Curriculum Credit Hours: 3
• EDG 7667 Analysis of Curriculum and Instruction Credit Hours: 3
• EDG 7692 Issues in Curriculum and Instruction Credit Hours: 3
• EDG 7931 Selected Topics     (3 Credits for this program) - Special Topics in Seminar in Curriculum Leadership
• EDA 7069 Ethics and Educational Leadership Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7193 Organizational Leadership and Systems Theory Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7206 Appreciative Inquiry and Organizing in Public Education Credit Hours: 3
• EDA 7233 Legal Dimensions of School Administration Credit Hours: 3
• EDG 7931 Selected Topics   Credit(s): 1-4 (3 credits for this program) (Special Topics Seminar in Educational Leadership)
• EDG 7936 Graduate Seminar: Leader-Scholar Community Credit Hours: 3

Minor Knowledge Requirements (9 Credit Hours)

Note: In consultation with the program coordinator or major professor, students will select a minimum of three (3) 7000-level or 6000-level courses to be taken outside of the Educational Leadership Program area. Students are expected to support the development of their research interest through the courses taken to fulfill the Minor Knowledge Requirements.

• Elective 1 Credit(s): 3
• Elective 2 Credit(s): 3
• Elective 3 Credit(s): 3

Research Methods Requirements (15 Credit Hours)

• EDF 6407 Statistical Analysis for Educational Research I Credit Hours: 4 (3-4 credits for this program) (or equivalent)
• EDF 7477 Qualitative Research in Education Part I Credit Hours: 4 (3-4 credits for this program) (or equivalent)
• Elective 1 Credit(s): 3-4
• Elective 2 Credit(s): 3-4
• Elective 3 Credit(s): 3-4

Dissertation (6 Credit Hours)

• EDG 7980 Dissertation Credit Hours: 2-19 (6 credits for this program) (Doctoral)

Required Examinations

A qualifying examination is required prior to admission to candidacy. Upon approval of major professor, the qualifying examination can be scheduled after a candidate has completed a minimum of 48 credit hours of all required coursework.

There is no on-campus residency requirement for the Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program in educational leadership is designed as a non-traditional program to insure the academic success of qualified individuals who are interested in serving in rural and urban educational environments. The department admits a cohort of candidates in the fall semester (August) of each year. Candidates complete the course work in this full-time program in two years (6 semesters). Candidacy is attained upon passing the comprehensive examination during semester 7. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, candidates may register for dissertation hours. Because of the developmental focus of this program, transfer credits are not accepted.

This Ph.D. program is based upon the cohort model with a transformational leader philosophical foundation. Inter-and intra-personal developments are program foci, and immersion in cultural and diversity phenomena is emphasized. Attention to the development of the exemplary professional and scholar are important as evidenced in the emphasis placed upon theoretical content and research methods.

The Ph.D. program in educational leadership is an intensive learning experience. The curriculum is organized around the premise that effective leadership requires an understanding of multiple human contexts and the ability to use technical competence and administrative skills, combined with personal understanding and commitment.

Graduates of this doctoral program pursue leadership career opportunities in educational settings and organizations; PK-20 institutions and organizations involved with local, state, national and international education agendas. The program provides professionals with theoretical bases and practical understandings that enable them to be transformational leaders, effective change agents and successful program managers, particularly in schools, higher education and agencies that serve the needs of minority and at-risk populations.

 The percentage of graduates of this program substantially exceeds the national average for graduates of doctoral programs in the United States of America. The rigor and design of the program coupled with faculty commitment and candidates’ behavior contribute to this graduation rate.

Applications for admission into the Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership should be submitted by February 15 of each year to:

The Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling Florida A&M University College of Education Gore, C Education Complex, Bldg. C, Room 124 501 Orr Drive Tallahassee, FL 32307

Applicants must have completed a master’s degree in an educationally related area from an accredited college or university in order to be considered for admission to the Ph.D. program in Educational Leadership. Admission decisions will be made spring semester of each academic year with written notification to accepted applicants in that term.

Submission of a completed application does not guarantee admission. Applications are evaluated based upon a calculated formula. For applicants who wish to apply for fellowships or assistantships, financial aid paperwork must be submitted as soon after admission into the program as possible.

Applicant must submit the following information to the School of Graduate Studies and Research:

• A completed graduate admission application with $30 non-refundable application- processing fee. FAMU graduates and former students must complete Readmission form (Subject to change by FAMU).
• Official copies of all undergraduate and graduate transcripts as well as transcripts for work completed in post-secondary institutions for which no degrees were awarded.
• An official copy of results of the Graduate Record Examination (taken within the last five years).

Please submit items 1-3 by February 15th for admission consideration fall semester to:

The School of Graduate Studies and Research Florida A&M University 469 Tucker Hall Tallahassee, Florida 32307-4900

Applicants must submit the following information to the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling chair:

• A current resume.
• Three letters of reference from professionals who can assess the applicant’s ability to succeed in a doctoral program. Applicants must request these and include them as part of their application packet.
• A statement of professional goals presented as a narrative of 1000 words or less that describes the applicant’s educational expectations, career aspirations, level of skills, and any special qualifications or experiences.
• Copies of teaching or other professional certificates. A teaching certificate IS NOT required for admission to this program.
• Samples of any published work completed by the applicant.

Please mail all items 4 through 8 to the following address by February15 for admissions consideration for the following fall semester:

Department of Educational Leadership & Counseling Attn: Educational Leadership Chairperson Florida A&M University College of Education 501 Orr Dr. Gore Education Complex, Building C, Rm. 124 Tallahassee, FL 32307-4900

Curriculum Guide

The curriculum for the doctoral program is organized around the premise that effective leadership requires an understanding of the social context, technical competence, managerial skills, and personal understanding and commitment. The courses that constitute the curriculum are organized into four core areas:

Candidate complete at least 54 semester hours of course work as designated by the Program faculty. Course work is determined for each admitted Cohort.

*** Course requirements are subject to change in accordance with state and federal mandates and other factors.

The total number of semester hours varies according to each candidate’s progression in the program. Candidates are full-time and enroll for 9 hours each semester including summers.

Course of Study

Individuals selected for this Ph.D. program are members of a cohort and enroll in the same courses each semester. The program faculty determines the specific courses for each cohort from an approved course list. In each course, candidates are urged to focus on problem-centered learning experiences, critical thinking, research particularly in their specific areas of interest, and their research and presentation competencies and endeavors. The applicants must clearly demonstrate ethical behavior, mature judgment, and responsibility for themselves, their work ethics, and their assignment completion at a high level of proficiency once admitted to this Ph.D. program.

The program is designed as an intensive learning experience. Students are enrolled full time in three courses (9 semester hours) each semester including summers and complete 54 credit hours of course work. In addition to the course work, students will complete a minimum of 15 hours of dissertation semester hours. The minimum total of 69 semester hours is required for program completion. The areas encompassed by the coursework include inter-and intra-personal development, communication, social foundations, statistics and research methods, organizational theory, management and leadership, and technological applications in research and leadership. Cohort participants enroll in courses as a group. Within each course, students are encouraged to focus the problem-centered learning experiences on their specific area of interest.

Graduation Requirements

The requirements for graduation from the Ph.D. program in educational leadership are: 1. The successful completion of a minimum of 18 courses and a minimum of 15 dissertation credit hours in the leadership, research, professional and specialty cores. 2. A minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in all course work. No grade of “C” or below will be accepted toward credit in the Ph.D. program and only two classes in which a grade of “C” or below must be repeated. 3. Submission of a TaskStream folio with specific graded artifacts for each course in the doctoral sequence. 4. Evidence of successful integration of program content through the successful completion of the doctoral comprehensive examination and the successful defense of the proposal and dissertation. 5. The submission of the dissertation approved by Ph. D. program coordinator, department chair, dean of the college of education, and dean, graduate studies and research. Copies of the dissertation have to be made on 24-lb acid free dissertation paper and submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Research with the binding fee and with a statement to the Department of Educational Leadership chair from the dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research that the dissertation and fees have been submitted before a student may participate in graduation. A bound copy must be provided to the dissertation committee chair, the Department of Educational Leadership and Counseling, dean of the College of Education, dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research, and the FAMU library, and all copies desired by the candidate. No candidate may graduate or participate in graduation activities whose dissertation has not been submitted to the School of Graduate Studies and Research for binding and evidence of such has been provided to the coordinator of the Ph.D. in educational leadership.

Note: Dissertation credit hours may add to the minimum number of semester hours required for completion of the doctoral degree

Common Professional Core

• EDA 6061 Effective School Organizations (3)
• EDA 6064 Organizational Behavior in Educational Settings (3)
• EDA 6199 Intn’l Per Of Edu Leadership
• EDA 6213 Culturally Revelant Leadership
• EDA 6215 School And Community Relations (3)
• EDA 6216 Leadership & Communication Technologies In Teaching/learning Organizations (3)
• EDA 7062 Diagnosing & Creating Effective Organizations (3)
• EDA 7967 Comprehensive Examination
• EDA 7980 Dissertation (variable 1-6)

Research Core

• EDA 6421 Advanced Research Methods (3)
• EDA 7405 Quantitative Research Methods
• EDA 7406 Quant Research Method II
• EDA 7415 Qualitative Research Design
• EDA 7935 Res Proposal Seminar
• EDA 6191 Race, Class, And Gender: Policy Issues In Leadership (3)
• EDA 6278 Self & Interpersonal Contexts In Teaching/learning Organizations (3)
• EDA 7220 Personnel Issues In Adult Education Enterprises (3)
• EDA 7224 Organizational Development And Human Resources (3)
• EDA 7233 Legal Issue In Educational Policy (3)
• EDA 7280 Curriculum & Public Policy (3)
• EDA 6289 Polit & Pol-mak Lo/g

Specialty Core

• EDA 6240 Sch Fin & Educ Polic
• EDA 6260 Facilities & Other Auxiliary Services (3)
• EDH 6635 Overview Of Higher Education Administration (3)
• EDH 7307 Curriculum, Instruction And Distance Learning In Higher Education (3)
• EDA 7905 Directed Individual Study (3)
• EDA 7930 Special Topics In Leadership (3)

Florida State University

FSU | Distance@FSU

Distance@FSU

Educational leadership & policy, edd.

The online EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy is FSU's first online doctoral program. The program prepares mid-career education leaders and scholarly practitioners to be knowledgeable about organizational systems, actively engaged in research to improve policy and practice in their own contexts, and attuned to issues of equity. If you're a working professional with a master's degree and relevant professional experience, this program is for you. You'll work with premier faculty and develop the professional and analytical skills needed to address the most pressing problems in education.

Available Majors

• Educational Leadership/Administration

Program Website

University Accreditation:  Florida State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Florida State University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

Questions about the accreditation of Florida State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website ( www.sacscoc.org ).

OFFICE OF DIGITAL LEARNING Florida State University Suite C-3500 University Center 296 Champions Way P.O. Box 3062550 Tallahassee, Florida 32306-2550

MAIN: 850-644-4635

ODL TECHNICAL SUPPORT  (CANVAS): 850-644-8004

ASSESSMENT & TESTING: 850-644-3017

MORE LINKS: State Authorization & Licensure Complaint Resolution Accessibility

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR: [email protected]

University of South Florida

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

College of Education

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Degree programs, master of education.

USF's Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership prepares compassionate, ethically-centered education professionals to become transformative leaders. Students enrolled in this program choose from one of two concentrations: K-12 Public School Leadership (for Level 1 Florida Leadership Certification) or Curriculum Leadership.

• Learn more  

Urban Educational Leadership, M.A.

The Urban Educational Leadership, M.A. prepares students to work in urban contexts in and beyond the United States including metropolitan, inner, and outer ring cities. It aims to promote their global awareness of intractable issues plaguing education in densely populated communities through engagement with various leadership frameworks and practices. Students in this major are prepared to influence policy, curriculum, pedagogy, andragogy, and pr

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Education Specialist

The Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is designed for educators who already have a master's degree and wish to continue their professional journey. In close consultation with program advisors, individuals interested in obtaining Florida Level 1 Leadership Certification may be able to pursue certification through the Ed.S. program.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Ph.D. in Educational Leadership is designed for individuals who intend to build an academic, consulting, or policy career focused on conducting research and analysis in the multidisciplinary field of educational leadership and policy studies, or for those who wish to build an administrative career focused on innovative and inquiry-based leadership.

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Educational Leadership Program

We offer a program that will enable graduates to pursue leadership career opportunities in educational settings and organizations involved with education-related issues. Students are equipped with theoretical and practical knowledge that will make them into professional effective change agents, and successful program managers, particularly in schools and agencies that serve the needs of minority and at-risk populations.

This unique program is organized in the cohort format based upon the constructivist philosophical foundation. Interpersonal and intrapersonal development, as well as cultural considerations, are identified as elements essential to effective leadership, and are emphasized in the doctoral program. We also place a high priority on acquiring theoretical and methodological content.

Our Educational Leadership Programs

The Masters Program

Offers a planned sequence of experiences designed to develop leadership skills essential to the improvement of administration and supervision in schools, and other educational entities

The Ph.D. Program

Graduates of the doctoral program pursue leadership career opportunities in educational settings; PK-20 institutions and organizations involved with local, state, and national education agendas. 

"A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind." Nelson Mandela South African President and Anti-Apartheid Revolutionary

Florida State University

FSU | College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

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College of education, health, and human sciences, online educational leadership/administration - master's & specialist.

The Educational Leadership/Administration Master’s (MS) & Specialist (EdS) degrees are state-accredited programs for Florida Educators interested in certification to become assistant principals or other administrative leadership positions in your district.

Students in the FSU Educational Leadership/Administration program develop dynamic, high-performing leadership to renew and improve educational systems. Our program is currently highly ranked by  U.S. News & World Report, is state-accredited by the Florida Department of Education, and will prepare you for a rewarding career in educational leadership. Students in our programs also rank #1 in Florida for Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) pass rates.

Completing our State Approved Masters’ or Specialist degree will make you eligible for Level 1 certification in Educational Leadership (all levels). Successful completion of the coursework, field hours, and FELE will meet Florida DOE's Level 1 certification requirements for the assistant principalship and other administration positions in your school district. The Master’s Degree is recommended for individuals with a completed Bachelor’s Degree. The Specialist Degree is recommended and only available to individuals with a completed Master’s degree in a related educational field.

In the Educational Leadership/Administration program, you will gain core professional and theoretical knowledge and demonstrate skills in applied research and leadership practice. The program emphasizes strong academic training, practical content application, and connecting with field experts. Program objectives are drawn from the core content identified from research and theory on educational leadership, and from the collaboration between practitioners and faculty of the department.

Mission Statement Our mission is to prepare a diverse group of equity-driven aspiring leaders who are critical thinkers and cultivate and lead inclusive and collaborative communities of educators to address systemwide educational issues for continuous improvement of teaching and learnin g.

Program Eligibility:

• At least two years of full-time PK-12 classroom teaching experience in a Florida school.
• A current Florida Professional Educator Teaching Certificate K-12.
• Two most recent summative performance evaluations that include Instructional Practice and Student Performance measures.
• Current employment in a school or school district.

Applicants in year 2+ of their teaching certification who do not hold a professional certificate and are still interested in the program should contact the Graduate Coordinator, Allison Young, and Program Director, Dr. Chris Small, for eligibility guidance.

Admissions Deadlines

SPRING  - October 1 SUMMER  - March 1 FALL  - June 1

Admission Requirements

Professional experience.

Applicants must have the following experience. Applicants not meeting the criteria below will be ineligible for the program.

• Two Most Recent Summative Performance Evaluations with Instructional Practice and Student Growth

Applicants in year 2+ of their teaching certification who do not hold a professional certificate and who are interested in the program should contact the Graduate Coordinator, Allison Young, and Program Director, Dr. Chris Small, for eligibility guidance.

Degrees & GPA

Master’s Program : An earned bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA) in Upper-Division coursework attempted (Last 60 hours).

Specialist's Program : An earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or a comparable degree from an international institution, with a minimum 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) grade point average (GPA).

Please upload your most recent Resume/CV including your current employment. Your resume should show at least two years of full-time PK-12 classroom teaching experience in a Florida school.

Professional Educator Teaching Certificate K-12

Submit your Florida Educators Teachers Certificate through the portal.

Performance Evaluations on Instructional Expertise

Applicants must submit their two most recent summative performance evaluations in a Florida public school setting (including charter schools), per Section 1012.34, F.S., obtained during the last four years that documented successful demonstration on the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and a documented track record of achieving student gains. Applicants must have earned an “effective” or higher rating on the following areas of their evaluation in both years:

• Performance of Students : This portion of the evaluation must include growth or achievement data of the teacher’s students or, for school administrators and instructional personnel who are not classroom teachers, the students attending the school.
• Instructional Practice : Evaluation criteria must include indicators based on each Florida Educator's Accomplished Practices adopted by the State Board of Education. For instructional personnel who are not classroom teachers, evaluation criteria must be based upon indicators of the Florida Educator Accomplished Practices and may include specific job expectations related to student support.

IMPORTANT:  Ratings for individual Formal and Informal classroom observations should  not  be submitted. Summative Performance Evaluations should reflect all instructional practice ratings and student growth measure for the entire academic year and include the final overall annual rating. For questions about what documents to submit, please contact Graduate Coordinator Allison Young at [email protected]

Principal Leadership Recommendation

The Principal Leadership Recommender Form must be completed by your current school Principal, who has evaluated your most recent teaching or performance and has knowledge of your demonstrated critical leadership skills, dispositions, and leadership potential.

Step 1: Submit an FSU application through the portal and upload your CV/Resume showing current employment. This is required before requesting the Principal Leadership Recommender Form.

Step 2: Request the Principal Leadership Recommender Form by emailing the Academic Specialist, Allison Young, at [email protected] .

Step 3:  Using the DocuSign link, fill out the Applicant & Principal information and submit the form. The form will then be sent to the listed Principal. When the Principal completes the form, it will be sent back to the Academic Specialist to be uploaded to your application portal and marked complete.

Statement of Purpose

(12 pt. font, Single-spaced, Limit of 2 pages) : Describe your aptitude and interest in graduate study in educational leadership, including your preparation for this field and future career goals. Please specify why FSU is a good intellectual and professional fit for you.

Essay Question (Research Statement)

(12 pt. font, Single-spaced, Limit of 1 page) : From your professional work experience, describe and analyze one situation that involved a dilemma related to school leadership and how you demonstrated critical leadership skills and dispositions in response to this dilemma.

Letters of Recommendation

A total of two Letters of Recommendation must be submitted. Both letters should be from individuals who can describe your ability to meet the graduate level of rigor and expectations in coursework, writing and speaking skills, work ethic, and completing field experiences.

• Letters from friends or family will not be considered. Letters should be professional, typed on letterhead, and have a signature.
• Up to 5 letters of recommendation will be reviewed.
• Upon entering the recommender’s email address, the application system will send instructions to your recommender for uploading letters.

GRE Test Scores are Currently WAIVED for Master's and Specialist's degree applicants. Applicants with a competitive GRE score may continue to submit scores. If you do not submit scores, the item will be waived on the application checklist.

Transcripts

Please see the “Transcript Requirement” section on The Graduate School website for detailed information and submission instructions: https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions

• Official Transcripts : Official transcripts are ONLY required for admitted students & applicants who require SpanTran evaluations of International Transcripts.
• Unofficial Transcripts : Unofficial transcripts are required for your application to be reviewed. Please submit ALL unofficial transcripts from each College and/or University attended. FSU only allows for application review with unofficial transcripts from U.S. institutions. For applicants with transcripts from a non-U.S. institution, a credential evaluation must be received before the application can be reviewed. *Official transcripts on the application checklist will show a red “X” until they are submitted. Applicants who have submitted all required documents and are only missing official transcripts are still considered complete and will be reviewed.
• International Transcript Requirements :  FSU requires a course-by-course credential evaluation for Fall 2024 applicants and beyond who have degrees from a non-U.S. institution. International and domestic applicants with degrees earned from international institutions must submit their official transcripts through a NACES approved evaluator for transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. SpanTran has created a custom application for FSU to ensure you select the right kind of evaluation at a discounted rate. Please see the “Transcript Requirements” section of the Graduate School website for detailed information. https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/graduate-admissions

English Language Proficiency Test Scores

Official English Language Proficiency results are required of all international applicants whose native language is not English. You can find the approved tests and minimum scores required here under the “English Language Proficiency” section: https://gradschool.fsu.edu/admissions/international-admissions

• Self-Reported Scores Although official scores are required, most departments will begin reviewing your application with self-reported scores while waiting for the official scores to arrive. You can self-report your scores on your Online Status Page after you submit your application. 
• Waiving English Language Proficiency The English Language Proficiency requirement can be waived at the University level for applicants who have earned a BA or higher in the US or an English-speaking country. *A variety of countries are exempt from the English language proficiency requirement.

PDF – Admission & Application Requirements MS & EdS

How to Apply

The FSU application is a 2-step process. You must first submit your online application. Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email with information to access your Application Status Page. The Status Page is where you will pay your application fee, add recommenders to your application, and upload application materials.

Please select the applicable fields when applying:

Campus/Location = Online/Distance Learning Master’s (M.S.) Program = Educational Leadership/Administration – MS – EH  Specialist (Ed.S.) Program = Educational Leadership/Administration – EdS – EH

• Apply Now - International Students

Degree Requirements

• Online Educational Leadership program leading to Florida Educational Leadership Certification (M.S. and Ed.S.)

Tuition & Aid

Tuition & Fees : Traditional Academic Programs  Distance Learning

FAFSA : Federal Student Financial Aid

Scholarships : Scholarship opportunities for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

FSU Graduate School Funding & Awards : Awards, Grants, Fellowships

Educational Leadership and Policy Faculty

Click here to learn more about our Educational Leadership and Policy faculty.

Career Opportunities

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics job summary and outlook for elementary, middle, and high school principals predicts a 7.9% increase through 2026, creating 21,200 new jobs in this field. As of 2019, the median pay for this administration role is $95,310 a year. The job field for postsecondary education administrators is expected to increase by 10.1%, equating to 15,700 new jobs by 2026. The median pay for this role is $94,340.

The career paths for graduates in our Educational Leadership & Administration program are endless. A graduate can start in front of the college classroom and gain tenure or walk through the halls of elementary or secondary school guiding teachers in the education of our country’s youth.

Admissions Contact

Online Masters Degree (MS) – Allison Young Online Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) – Allison Young

I do not teach in Florida; I teach in another US State. Am I eligible for the program? 

You would not be eligible for the program. The MS/EdS in Educational Leadership/Administration is a state-approved program whose guidelines require at least 2 years of teaching in Florida schools before becoming eligible for an assistant principal position responsible for leading Florida teachers.   

I have taught in Florida for 1 year and in another US state for multiple years; am I eligible for the program?  

You would not be eligible for the program. The MS/EdS in Educational Leadership/Administration is a state-approved program whose guidelines require at least 2 years of teaching in Florida schools before becoming eligible for an assistant principal position responsible for leading Florida teachers. You would be eligible for the program once you complete your second year of teaching in Florida.  

Why are 2 years of teaching in Florida required to qualify for this program?  

There are guidelines for State-accredited programs for leadership preparation in public schools. In Florida, school leaders must have taught in Florida, under Florida curriculum standards for at least two years before becoming eligible for an assistant principal position. Both international and domestic students must have met this requirement to be eligible for admission into our state-accredited program based upon those policies.  

I have a temporary teaching certificate, am I eligible for the program? 

Applicants in year 2+ of their teaching certification who do not hold a professional certificate and are still interested in the program should contact the Graduate Coordinator, Allison Young, and Program Director, Dr. Chris Small, for eligibility guidance. 

We admit for all terms: Summer, Fall, & Spring. If you submitted an application and will not be eligible until the following term(s), you can submit a new application and contact the graduate coordinator (Allison Young [email protected] ) to inquire about moving your previous documents to your new application.  

Can the Master’s or Specialist program be completed in less than two years?  

No, all state-approved programs are 2 years. All students within our program are full-time educators and are admitted in cohorts each semester. Students take 6 credit hours of coursework each semester to complete all state certification requirements in 6 semesters.  

What type of leadership positions in my district does this program qualify me for? 

Educational Leadership certification is required specifically for assistant principals and principals. For other leadership positions, districts create internal criteria for various leadership positions open to candidates.

I am not eligible for this program and do not require certification. I am still interested in Educational Leadership, what are my other Degree options at FSU? 

Additional programs to consider within Educational Leadership and Policy Studies:

Online - Educational Leadership/Administration EdD (Doctoral) Online - Education Policy & Evaluation Masters On Campus - Education Policy & Evaluation Masters & PhD On Campus – Higher Education Masters & PhD

We encourage you to visit our graduate programs website and review the many programs the College offers!

I am a substitute teacher, am I eligible for the Program?

Unfortunately, you would not be eligible for the program. Substitute or permanent substitute teaching does not qualify as full-time certified teaching. Substitute teaching certificates are district-based credentials and are not the same as Florida-certified teaching, which includes an end of year teacher evaluation with student growth and instructional practice scores.

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Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

Funnel your ideas and passions for learning by diving into new research to make a difference in education on a societal and academic level., top reasons.

With a requirement of students possessing a Master of Education or full professional teaching certificate, this program focuses on the P-12 sector and learner.

Outstanding Faculty

Composed of credentialed professors and scholars whose research and practitioner experience delve straight into today’s most complex and important issues in education.  These faculty members are attentive, available, and committed to your academic success.

Nationally Recognized

Florida Southern College ranked as the No. 1 Regional College in the state of Florida by the prestigious college guidebook U.S. News & World Report .

Engaged Learning

You will experience unparalleled robust, active, and hands-on faculty-led collaborative projects that provide a rigorous academic program geared toward enriching your leadership, management, and motivational abilities.

Florida Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges

Meet Our Mocs

Dr. amy weingarth, lacey jurnigan, elizabeth russum, beth livesay, monifia neal, small classes.

Coursework is made up of twelve classes of 4 credits each. Classes are offered face-to-face and online. There are seven face-to-face classes and five online classes. Most classes are made up of cohort members of less than 15 class members. When ready to move to dissertation credits, all students are required to complete a concept paper. Coursework prepares students with a strong academic foundation for writing this concept paper. The concept paper is rigorous paper students are required to complete to show competency in skills needed to being dissertation work. A School of Education committee does a blind review of each student’s concept paper looking for what theories contribute to a student’s area of interest. They are also looking for valid methodologies that are used and what applications of theory and research that can assist tin working with problems in a certain area identified by the student. Finally, the last step in the concept paper is to help in identifying a good fit between the student’s research topic and a chair for the doctoral student.

Cohort Groups

Students move with an established cohort group during the 12 hours of doctoral coursework. Each assignment has been vetted by professional scholar-practitioners to deliver the knowledge, content, and credible evidence-based learning required for successful alignment. Being linked to members in a cohort group serve to build collaboration among student to student and serve as a support group for one another in their specialized fields.

The Passion to  Get Ahead

Dr. Howard Hepburn '20, Instructional Superintendent, School District of Palm Beach County, explains why Florida Southern was the right school for him to advance his passion for education and professional goals.

Featured Faculty

Caitlin byrne, program details, admission requirements.

• An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
• An earned graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
• Earned grade point average of 3.0 in accredited master’s degree program*
• How will the pursuit of a doctoral degree help you in achieving your personal and professional goals?
• Why are you pursuing a doctoral degree at Florida Southern College?
• Describe any related research experience, professional presentations, or major projects you have completed
• Recommendation Form or Letter of Reference
• Current Résumé
• Valid Florida Professional Teaching Certificate or an earned Master of Education
• Official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores taken within last five years**
• Personal Interview

* If you do not have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, please submit official Graduate Record Exam (GRE) score.

** If you have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA from your graduate degree, then you meet the requirements for a Graduate Record Exam (GRE) exemption.

Additional International Requirements

• Official Translated Transcripts With Course By Course Evaluation**
• Bank Letter Verifying Funds of Sponsor***
• Sponsor's Guarantee Form
• Valid Passport
• Official TOEFL/IELTS Score****

** SpanTran (discount available), Academic Evaluation Services, Inc. , Josef Silny , or World Education Services or another similar approved transcript evaluation agency.

*** A bank letter is a written statement on bank letterhead and signed by a bank official.

**** Must have completed an English language training program or at least one year at an English speaking institution to waive the TOEFL/IELTS testing requirement.

Course Delivery

A combination of online and in-class courses are offered to meet the needs of your busy schedule. By enrolling in our EdD full-time, you will complete all of your coursework in two years, plus a dissertation.

Program Costs

$250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first semester tuition balance)

Related Materials

What is the program delivery?

Our program uses a cohort model wherein students move through the program with the same group of students throughout the two years of coursework. Courses are delivered via a hybrid model where a typical semester is comprised of one face-to-face class typically meeting every other Saturday (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) and one online class each semester. Student’s first summer term is the only term that students enroll simultaneously in two in-person courses. This allows the opportunity to make meaningful connections with other students in your cohort. One class meets on alternate Saturdays (8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.) and the other meets on alternate Mondays and Wednesdays (5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.).

What are the hours of the Saturday classes?

Classes are scheduled every other Saturday in the Fall and Spring from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. In the Summer, classes are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM over seven Saturdays for during the 12-week C term.

Is financial aid available?

Students seeking financial aid should complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility. 

What is the cost of textbooks?

Textbook costs vary each semester, by course, and by professor.

How many classes is considered full time?

At the doctoral level, you are considered full time when you are enrolled in 8 credit hours.

Program Contact

Admission Counselor and Advisor

 863.680.4914

 863.225.8405

Doctor of Education Program Coordinator

Curry Building - 206

 863.680.4135

Dean of Education

Associate Professor of Education

Curry Building - 113

 863.680.4179

 863.680.4102

Education Students Making Waves at FERA

Students excel among educational researchers with impactful posters and presentations.

Q&A With Dr. Scott Hebert

FSC Brings Home Another Award at Annual FERA Meeting

Sarah Zeinemann ’27 won the Outstanding Graduate Student Poster Award

FSC Education Doctoral Students Dive Into Research Marathon

The Florida Southern College School of Education and the Roux Library hosted the Spring 2022...

Educational Leadership (MEd)

Program at a glance.

• In State Tuition
• Out of State Tuition

Learn more about the cost to attend UCF.

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is intended for those who wish to work in leadership positions and administrative careers in education. The MEd program provides a theoretical and conceptual knowledge base and practical application required for principalship and for Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification.

Courses required in the program address the Florida Educational Leadership Standards and the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) competencies and indicators.

The Educational Leadership MEd program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree, including 30 credit hours of core courses and 6 credit hours of required administrative internship. Courses may be taken in any sequence with the exception of EDA 6946 , which must be taken during the last two semesters.

Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree

This program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the licensure disclosure for the Educational Leadership MEd program.

Application Deadlines

• International

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University of central florida colleges.

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Enter your information below to receive more information about the Educational Leadership (MEd) program offered at UCF.

Program Prerequisites

Degree requirements, core (recommended that students take these courses in the following sequence:).

• EDA6061 - Organization and Administration of Schools (3)
• EDA6232 - Legal Aspects of School Operation (3)
• EDA6240 - Educational Financial Affairs (3)
• EDA6260 - Educational Systems Planning and Management (3)
• EDA6931 - Contemporary Issues in Educational Leadership (3)
• EDA6423 - Data-Based Decision Making for School Educational Leaders (3)
• EDS6123 - Educational Supervisory Practices I (3)
• EDS6130 - Educational Supervisory Practices II (3)
• EDA6300 - Community School Administration (3)
• EDA6502 - Organization and Administration of Instructional Programs (3)
• EDA6946 - Internship (1 - 99)
• The internship should be completed during or after the last two semesters of coursework listed above.

Grand Total Credits: 36

Application requirements, financial information.

Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.

Fellowship Information

Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.

The MEd program provides the theoretical and conceptual knowledge base with practical application required for the principalship and for Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification. Courses required in the program address the Florida Educational Leadership Standards and Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) competencies and indicators required by the Florida Department of Education. Students are required to pass the FELE for graduation. An MEd in Educational Leadership or its equivalent, and successful completion of the FELE are required by the state of Florida for Level 1 Educational Leadership certification (Certification is subject to Florida Department of Education approval).

The MEd program requires an administrative internship. The internship is an independent learning activity that takes place in a regular K-12 public school setting in which students must apply, reflect on, and refine knowledge and skills acquired in the program. For more information concerning the Educational Leadership internship, please refer to the Educational Leadership website at:education.ucf.edu/edleadership (click on Guide to the Administrative Internship).

MEd students in Educational Leadership will document the experience with each of the Florida Principal Leadership Standards (FPLS) and Florida Educational Leadership Exam (FELE) competencies during the EDA 6946 Administrative Internship. This documentation and successful completion of the administrative internship (grade of A or B) will serve as the culminating experience required for graduation.

If an individual holds a graduate degree with a major other than Educational Administration, Administration, Supervision or Educational Leadership, certification may be obtained through completion of an approved modified program in Educational Leadership. The UCF modified program consists of the seven core courses and Administrative Internship course of the Educational Leadership MEd degree. Request an evaluation of prior graduate course work (required for admission into the program) on the following website: education.ucf.edu/edleadership/.

• Complete the Administrative Graduate Internship with a minimum grade of B.
• Pass all applicable sections of the Florida Educational Leadership Examination.

Students in the Educational Leadership MEd program pay a $32 equipment fee each semester that they are enrolled. Part-time students pay $16 per semester.

The MEd program requires an administrative internship. The administrative internship is an independent learning activity that takes place in a regular K-12 public school setting in which students must apply, reflect on, and refine knowledge and skills acquired in the program. For more information concerning the Educational Leadership internship, please refer to the Educational Leadership website at: http://education.ucf.edu/edleadership (click on Internship Guide).

Online Master of Science Educational Leadership

College of arts, sciences and education.

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You'll receive an email confirmation. Learn more about our Privacy Policy .

Degree Title

Master of Science

August 2024.

The future depends on education. Our greatest asset to solve the world’s problems is the next generation. Understanding this, the master’s degree in educational leadership provides graduates with the ability to develop visionary leadership and advance our learning environments with innovation and make an impact on the way we all will live. 

A degree from Florida International University, one of the most diverse and well-respected institutions in the nation, equips learners with the discernment to adapt and improve the shifting environment within education. Gain specific intelligence on how to develop best practices, become a regarded leader, address community issues, as well as use and shape current policy to advocate for students and institutions.

Whether you’re a teacher looking to transition to an administrative position, work in a state or private school, this program offers a degree with distinction from a highly ranked college. We strive to create world-class leaders in education who inspire future generations of students through meaningful, lasting opportunities. We’re building better learning practices that help children thrive and succeed, while advancing knowledge through learning and inquiry.

FIU’s master’s program in education leadership offers students the opportunity to advance their skills to seek management positions within the K-12 education environment. Our program provides students with the tools they need to make ethical and sound decisions while fostering a growth mindset within the school environment and in consideration of policy. Curriculum will examine models and theories of organizational development that can be applied to state, charter, private, and non-profit institutions. 

The master of science (M.S.) degree program in educational leadership comprises courses and experiences designed to develop entry-level competencies in the practice of educational leadership. The program incorporates coursework that address standards and competencies commonly found in most educational leadership programs nationwide. Standards are consequently grounded on four major leadership strands, including:

    Student Achievement

    Instructional Leadership

    Organizational Leadership

    Professional and Ethical Practice

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of elementary, middle, and high school principals is projected to grow 4 percent from 2018 to 2028, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for elementary, middle, and high school principals was $95,310 in May 2018. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $61,490, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $144,950.

Career Opportunities

Assistant Principal

Director or Supervisor

District Administrator

Instructional Coordinator

Career Path

Assistant Principal/Principal, Dean of Students, Registrar, Department Chair, Educational Director or Supervisor, District Administrator, Instructional Coordinator, School Counselor, Career Counselor.

Non-traditional Career Paths

Standardized Test Developer

Education Policy and Research

Nonprofit and Charity

Grant Writing

Corporate Learning

Human Resources

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Educational Sales

Income Range

$50,000 - $152,000

Industry Outlook

FL: 7%⬆️

US: 8%⬆️

( Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics and onetonline.org )

The program of study (11 courses/33 semester hours) is as follows:

EDA 6503 The Principalship

EDF 6608 Social, Philosophical & Historical Foundations of Ed

EDF 5481 Intro to Ed Research

EDA 6061 Educational Leadership for Change

EDA 6504 Instructional Leadership & Learning Environment

EDA 6923 Data Analysis for School Improvement

EDA 6242 Educational Operations & Finance

Summer   B

EDA 6232 Educational Policy and Law

EDA 6222 School Personnel, Human Resource & Professional Development

EDF 6XXX Comparative Int’l Ed Policy

Fall C – 16 weeks

EDA 6943 Administrative Internship

Course sequence subject to change.

Requirements

To ensure every student’s success, we have certain admissions requirements for our program. To help you through the application process, our enrollment advisors can help to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way.

Applications are accepted for a Fall Semester start.

Admission to the program is based on the following criteria: 

A baccalaureate degree and a grade point average of at least 3.0 (on 4.0 scale) in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate coursework; 

At least three years of successful full-time teaching experience prior to application for admission to the program; 

A copy of Teacher Service Record or letter from current principal as evidence of a minimum of three years of successful full-time teaching experience 

Two letters of recommendation from individuals who can comment on the applicant’s leadership potential and qualifications for successfully participating in the program; 

A current resume (curriculum vitae), including education, professional preparation, and employment history; 

A brief written statement (approximately 250 words) articulating the applicant’s professional career goals and aspirations;

• A copy of a valid Educator Certificate; and

For state of Florida applicants : Our program may be used to satisfy part of the  requirements of the Florida Department of Education for state certification in Educational Leadership.

For out of state applicants : We recommend applicants consult their state’s department of education for assurance that program coursework meets their state’s principal leadership standards and education code.

NOTE : The degree does not fulfill a state’s certification requirement. Rather, it satisfies the academic requirements of an educational leadership degree. Graduates are responsible for meeting their state’s certification requirements, if applicable.  

All application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions via the online Graduate Application .  Please select the following plan/subplan when applying: 

• Academic Plan: EDLDR:MS
• Academic SubPlan: EDLONLINE

Use the graduate admission checklist to get started.

International Students

Proof of English Language Proficiency. If you earned a bachelor's degree in a country whose official language is not English, you must demonstrate English language proficiency by earning a passing score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) or the International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ). TOEFL required minimum score: 550 (paper-based exam) or 80 (internet-based). IELTS required minimum score: 6.5. When requesting official scores, please refer to FIU Institution code 5206. TOEFL / IELTS scores are valid for two years. View list of TOEFL/IELTS-exempt countries .

Graduate programs can use the Duolingo English Test.

Please visit Duolingo English Test for more information about how to register for the exam.

FIU Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 110

Course by Course Evaluation. If your post-secondary educational history includes coursework outside the United States, you must submit a course-by-course credential translation and evaluation, with grade point average (GPA) calculation included, for all non-U.S. coursework. FIU accepts evaluations/translations from any NACES member evaluation service.

FIU accepts evaluations/translations from any NACES member evaluation services, below are a few FIU recommends:

Josef Silny & Associates, Inc., International Education Consultants 7101 SW 102 Avenue Miami, FL 33173 Phone: 305-273-1616 | Fax 305-273-1338 www.jsilny.org  | [email protected] Visit the  Josef Silny & Associates FIU Form  for details

• As a fully online degree,  this program is ineligible to grant/provide F-1 Student visas.

Effective January 15, 2023 for Graduate applicants : If your post-secondary educational history includes coursework outside the United States, you must submit a course-by-course credential translation and evaluation, with grade point average (GPA) calculation included, for all non-U.S. coursework. FIU accepts evaluations/translations from any NACES member evaluation service. Please visit the NACES website here: NACES | Credentials Evaluations Provided by NACES Members

Tuition and Aid

Pursuing your graduate degree is one of the best investments you can make – one that will open doors to personal and professional opportunities. Our tuition costs represent some of the best value in higher education, and we also offer financial aid support to help you reach your goals.

The total cost of the online MS in Educational Leadership is $19,510. Students pay for courses at the beginning of each semester. All fees are subject to change.

Scholarship opportunities available

Under the revised Florida Board of Governors' (BOG) Regulation 8.002, all institutions of the State University System (SUS) of Florida are required to provide students with a side-by-side Tuition and Fees comparison for continuing education programs. The tuition comparisons are made between a traditional program vs. its counterpart Market Rate/Self-Supporting program. This approach provides students an opportunity to become aware of options that are available upon selecting a degree program of study.

Please click on the following link which will take you to a searchable database that provides the side-by-side tuition and fees comparisons for the Master of Science in Educational Leadership: https://continue.fiu.edu/programs/side-by-side-tuition-comparison/embed.html

View our Info Session

Learn more about the details of our program by listening in to our information session.

Current Rankings List

33 credits required, $19,510 tuition cost.

* Total tuition and fees are subject to change.

No GRE requirement

Online internship

16-month program

#8 Best 1 Year Online Masters in Education Programs, bestvalueschools.org, 2020

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Explore Miami

A vibrant center for coastal sustainability research and innovation

Explore Nahant

Our West Coast undergraduate campus offering unique entrepreneurship and social impact programming, and home to the Mills Institute

Explore Oakland

An engine for economic development with graduate degrees and research in technology, and home to the Roux Institute

Explore Portland

Graduate degrees and research focused on the region’s booming tech industry, and undergraduate summer programs

Explore Seattle

Graduate education for high-tech fields in the heart of California’s Big Tech region

Explore Silicon Valley

Preparing professionals to thrive in high-demand fields in North America’s third-largest tech market

Explore Toronto

Professional education aligned with British Columbia’s rising startup and high-tech ecosystem

Explore Vancouver

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Plenty of room to do your own thing. Many ways to feel like a Husky.

17 Division I teams, including varsity esports. 55 intramural sports, and 64 club teams. And a packed DogHouse on game nights. Go, Huskies! 

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