On-Campus M.Ed.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together answers to the most common questions from applicants interested in earning a graduate degree or certificate in educational leadership and policy.
Do you still have questions? Please be sure to contact us!
Program Overview and Goals
How many credits are required to complete this M.Ed. degree program?
The student and the program coordinator develop individualized program plans together.
Is teaching experience or certification required for admission into this program?
Please note that this program does not provide teacher certification but the Florida Principal’s Certification.
Should I pursue the school leadership track or the systems leadership track?
If you intend to lead a public school in Florida, you should pursue the School Leadership track with Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification.
Students interested in specialized roles in systems leadership, K-12 education policy, digital transformation, and other innovative leadership positions outside the conventional school setting should consider the online systems leadership track.
I am not interested in leading a school, but I am interested in taking on another leadership role within education. What is my best option?
Admissions and Application
How do I apply?
Once we have reviewed the applications, the department will contact prospective students and a telephone interview may be requested to finalize the application process.
When is my application due?
- February 15th (Summer)
- July 1 (Fall)
- October 15th (Spring)
All application materials should be received by the deadline.*
*Domestic students only. International student deadline is March 15.
When will admission decisions be made?
Academic Details
What is the field experience requirement for this program?
Students who aim to earn their Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification can gain the necessary field experience by completing EDA 6948 — Supervised Practice in School Administration. This practicum is typically scheduled during the final two semesters of the student’s degree program. In this course, students work under the guidance of a site supervisor, who must be a principal certified by the State of Florida, and a university supervisor, who also serves as the course instructor. The student must complete a minimum of 150 hours of field experience in a school setting under the supervision of a Level 2 certified principal (most common in public schools). Upon completion, both the site supervisor and the university supervisor jointly assess the student’s performance.
For students pursuing the systems or non-certification track, the internship also involves completing 150 hours. However, it has flexibility on the setting and context of the internship.
Do I still earn the same degree if I pursue the non-certification or systems leadership track?
Is an M.Ed. degree in educational leadership available without certification?
Students can earn an M.Ed. an educational leadership degree online without Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification. To do so, students take an additional elective or practicum instead of field experience (EDA 7945 instead of EDA 6948). Prospective students interested in this option might be interested in the online systems leadership track.
Administrative and Technical Issues
I may not work in Florida forever. Will the certification track lead to certification in another state?
Financial Information
What is the cost of attending?
Please Note: The only additional requirement for students is to purchase a LiveText account in the first semester of the program.
Is there financial aid available for this program?
We advise applicants and students to contact the UF Office for Student Financial Affairs to explore available loans, grants and fellowships.