Educational Leadership and Policy
Prospective Educational Leadership and Policy Students
At UF, we understand that every prospective Educational Leadership and Policy student has unique preferences and needs. That’s why we offer a range of programs and certificates designed to accommodate in-person and online learners. Whether you prefer traditional classroom settings or the flexibility of online education, we have options to suit your schedule and learning style.
If you aspire to excel in school leadership, education policy, government, consulting, or a related field, pursuing an educational leadership degree from UF prepares you to realize your goals. Our programs empower our graduates to be changemakers in the evolving education sector.
Explore our programs and certificates today and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in this rapidly evolving field.
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On-Campus Ph.D.
Doctorate Program
This program is ideal for future faculty members, policy analysts, and school leaders looking to develop advanced policy analysis and research skills.
Graduates of this program apply their educational leadership degree in a variety of fields. These include policy, research, and teaching positions within state education agencies and postsecondary institutions throughout the United States and abroad.
Typical Course Load: Varies
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15 Students
Application Deadline: January 31*
Program Completion: ~4 years
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.
Online Ed.D.
Doctorate Program
This program is ideal for individuals seeking an alternative to the on-campus experience, greater flexibility in scheduling and an opportunity to be involved in a nationally recognized program area at a distance from campus. Online Ed.D. students take a mix of research, leadership, and policy coursework and complete a dissertation. The online Ed.D. program includes two synchronous virtual meetings per semester and asynchronous coursework.
Graduates of this program are prepared for future positions in research, leadership, and policy at the district, state and national levels as well as positions in academia.
Entry: Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Part-time available
Average Class Size: 15-20 Students
Application Deadline: March 15*
Program Completion: ~4 years
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.
Online M.Ed. School Leadership track
Master’s Program
This program is ideal for working professionals from across the country who want to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from one of nation’s top online graduate education programs. This program includes the option to earn eligibility for Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership certification. This certification is required by Florida public schools to become an assistant principal or principal.
Graduates of this program are prepared for future school and district leadership positions of leadership at the school and district levels.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer), June 15 (Fall), and October 15 (Spring)*
Program Completion: ~2 years
Coursework for School Leadership Track: Students enrolled in this track will take 32 credits (Program Plan) in courses aligned to leading schools and the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS).
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.
Online M.Ed. Systems Leadership Track
Master’s Program
This program is ideal for leaders who will benefit from earning an educational leadership degree to progress into roles other than school administration. These specialized roles include systems leadership, policy and research, digital transformation, and other innovative leadership positions within an evolving education sector. This track does not include certification for school building leadership roles.
Graduates of this program are prepared for future agency, sector, systems, and district leadership positions at various levels.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer), June 15 (Fall), and October 15 (Spring)*
Program Completion: ~2 years
Coursework for Systems Track (non-certification): Students enrolled in this track will take 21 core credits (Program Plan) in educational leadership, with the option to take electives specializing in digital transformation (educational technology), research methods and evaluation (data leadership), policy, or other areas.
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.
Online Ed.S.
Specialist Program
This program is ideal for learners with a master’s degree who want to advance their careers through additional coursework with UF faculty. This educational leadership degree program includes the option to earn eligibility for Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership certification.
Graduates of this online program are prepared for future school and district leadership positions.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6-9 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 10-15
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer), June 15 (Fall), and October 15 (Spring)*
Program Completion: ~3 years
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.
On-Campus M.ED.
Master’s Program
This program is ideal for leaders seeking to pursue either the Schools Leadership Track leading to certification, or the Systems Leadership Track, but do so in an on-campus face to face environment on UF’s main campus. The requirements are the same as the respective track chosen, with classes generally held in person during the evening.
Graduates of this program are prepared for future school and district leadership positions.
Entry: Spring/Summer/Fall
Typical Course Load: 6 credits per semester
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time or Part-time
Average Class Size: 15-20
Application Deadline: February 15 (Summer), June 15 (Fall), and October 15 (Spring)*
Program Completion: ~2 years
*Domestic students only. International students should apply at least three months before the stated deadline for each semester.