Florida’s Premier Leadership Program
Earn your M.Ed. in Educational Leadership and gain the skill set and credentials to lead your academic community to success. As an administrative leader, you’ll be able to foster positive growth and change in your Pre-K–12 school, your district, and beyond. This M.Ed. program offers both a practical curriculum and professional networking opportunities so that you can apply your studies in a real-life setting with the guidance of other educational professionals.
The Educational Leadership master’s degree is designed for educators who currently hold a Florida Teaching Certificate. This program will also prepare you to earn your Educational Leadership certification so that you can transition into an administrative role after completing your degree.
SACSCOC Accredited
Florida Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award bachelor’s, master's, and doctoral degrees. Florida Southern College also may offer credentials such as certificates at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Florida Southern College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur GA 30033-4097, or by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC's website (www.sacscoc.org).
Top Reasons
Florida State Certification
The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education. Before you graduate, you’ll be required to pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) so you can receive your Educational Leadership certification in the State of Florida. Being certified will qualify you for school-based and district level administrative positions.
Accelerated Program
The Educational Leadership master’s is offered in an accelerated format that integrates the required internship into each semester so that you can complete this program in a shorter time — as few as four semesters.
Flexible Coursework
Coursework is offered in a flexible, hybrid format with a combination of online and in-person classes. Typically, you’ll have one course online and one course in person, on campus, every other Saturday.
Professional Networking
As part of your curriculum, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with and learn from experienced, educational practitioners. FSC partners with local schools to set up network partnerships.
Small Class Sizes
Your curriculum is tailored to your needs and interests with small class sizes and engaged faculty. You’ll be able to collaborate with your peers and get one-on-one guidance from your dedicated professors.
Meet Our Mocs
Jake Van Hise
Toni Schmidt
Jessica Gavin
Emily Diggs
Shelley Camp
Camaran Cella
Become a Changemaker in Education
With your master’s degree, you will have the skill set to enact positive curriculum-wide changes and student outcomes, furthering the growth of schools in your district. You will also gain a bigger voice in the national conversation on education. As you further develop your understanding of teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and professional resources, you’ll become an essential member of the educational community.
School districts recognize the time and effort you put into your graduate studies and your work as an educator, which is why you’ll be rewarded for your accomplishments with career opportunities.
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
Christopher Harrison
Recognized Accomplishments
School districts recognize the time and effort teachers spend in graduate school, and want these individuals to stay in the district to help direct future growth of a school. Master’s degree holders are the best chance schools have to enact positive curriculum-wide changes and improve student outcomes. As an added benefit of earning a master’s degree, you gain a bigger voice in the national conversation on education. As educators further develop their understanding of teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and professional resources, they become more valuable members of the educational community.
Program Details
Admission Requirements
- Official transcript verifying an earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
- Cumulative GPA ≥ 3.0 or a composite score of 297 on the GRE
- Valid Florida Professional Educator Certificate
- FLDOE Leadership Potential Form completed by supervisor verifying critical skills and dispositions
- Current résumé or CV
- Documentation of instructional expertise in the form of two most recent performance evaluations. These evaluations must indicate a rating of “effective” or higher on the “Performance of Students” and “Instructional Practice” sections.
- A personal statement of your expectations of a graduate program (your personal and professional goals).
Course Delivery
Hybrid
Courses are offered in a hybrid format, a combination of online and in-class meetings.
Curriculum
| EDU 6100 | Strategic Leadership |
| EDU 6150 | School Operations, Management, and Safety |
| EDU 6200 | Educational Law and Ethics |
| EDU 6300 | Cultivating a Supportive School Community |
| EDU 6410 | Collaborative Leadership |
| EDU 6450 | Building Professional Capacity |
| EDU 6550 | Evidence-Based Decision-Making |
| EDU 6600 | School Finance, Budgeting, & Resource Allocation |
| EDU 6700 | Instructional Leadership |
| TOTAL | 36 hours |
|---|
External Scholarships
Minority Teacher Education Scholarship
Up to $4,000
Florida Fund for Minority Teachers offers an annual scholarship to approved Minority Teacher Education Scholars who are enrolled as upper-division undergraduate or graduate students in a teacher education program.
Program Costs
2024-2025
| Base Required Fees | Cost |
| Tuition Per Credit Hour | $475 |
| Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled | $25 to $100 |
Related Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the program delivery?
The program consists of nine courses. Five courses utilize an online format. Four courses meet on campus for seven Saturdays each semester. The Saturday classes meet from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Does this program lead to Educational Leadership certification?
Yes, students are required to maintain a 3.0, complete all coursework and pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination to graduate from this state approved program and apply for certification.
Is there a practicum required?
Field experiences are integrated into each course. The student will receive feedback on all field experiences from a school administrator mentor and the professor.
How will my course schedule be determined?
The program coordinator will assist students in registering for courses each semester and will ensure that you are completing all requirements throughout the program.
What roles will this degree prepare me to perform?
This program prepares students to become school and district level leaders.
Explore the Educational Leadership Doctorate
Upcoming Events
Learn more about the program with these in-person and virtual admission events.
Online
Adult & Grad Admissions
Education Virtual Information Session
Dec 4 5:00 PM
Florida Southern College's School of Education offers an online webinar series designed for prospective students exploring adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs. These webinars feature comprehensive insights into our education programs, including direct engagement with program directors, allowing prospective students to connect directly with faculty members.
Location: Online
Program Contact
Lori Rakes, Ph.D.
Dean of Education
Nina B. Hollis Endowed Chair of Education
Associate Professor of Education
Carol J. Barnett / Curry Education Office - 113
863.680.4172
Jill Freedman, Ed.D.
Head of School, The Roberts Academy
Master of Educational Leadership Program Coordinator
Assistant Professor of Education
The Roberts Academy/Building 1
863.680.3741
