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 degree program?
To earn our Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, students complete an additional 42 credits beyond their master’s degree. Usually, students enroll in two classes (6 credits) each semester. We require our online education administration degree Ed.S. students to take 24 credit hours of required department coursework, 3 credit hours of clinical supervision, 3 credit hours of research methods courses, 6 credit hours of educational leadership electives and 6 credit hours of approved electives outside the department.
Typically, students can complete the degree requirements within three years based on the class enrollment mentioned above. However, enrolling in more or fewer classes each semester can speed up or extend the duration of the program. The exact Program Plan will be tailored by the student in collaboration with the program coordinator.
A master’s degree is a prerequisite for the program (see the UF Graduate Catalog for approval conditions)
Is teaching experience or certification required for admission into this program?
The our online education administration specialist degree can be pursued in one of two tracks – the degree with corresponding eligibility for Florida Level 1 Certification in Educational Leadership OR the degree without corresponding eligibility for Florida Certification in Educational Leadership. Students entering with at least three years of teaching experience are eligible for the certification track. However, those entering with less can transition to the certification track after completing three years of teaching.
 
Please note that this program does not provide teacher certification but the Florida Principal’s Certification.
Admissions and Application
How do I apply?
Prospective students must submit a completed application through the UF application portal. Follow the graduate instructions provided by the admissions site, and be aware of our program-specific application instructions.
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?
Completed applications should be submitted by their respective term deadline. The deadlines are as follows:
- February 15 to start in the Summer
- July 1 to start in the Fall
- October 15 to start in the Spring
All application materials, including recommendation letters, must be received by the deadline
Are GRE scores required?
GRE scores not required for the educational leadership Ed.S. program.
However, if you choose to include scores in your application, please note that the University of Florida Office of Admissions will only accept scores sent directly from ETS. Use code 5812 to send your scores.
What is the scholarly paper requirement?
This information specifically applies to the educational leadership Ed.S. program applications. The scholarly paper requirement assesses your current and potential writing ability at a graduate level. Our program will enhance your research and writing skills, but we need to see that you can clearly articulate a thesis, expand on an idea, and effectively present your thoughts in writing. For your writing sample, you may write about any topic related to K-12 or Higher Education that you find significant, including learning, teaching, critical issues or leadership. Your paper must include citations and a reference list regardless of the topic.
For this online education administration degree (Ed.S.) program, the length of the paper is no more than 5-7 pages.
When will admission decisions be made?
Admission to the program is a collaborative decision between the program faculty. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis, typically beginning three to four weeks after the application deadline. We continue to make decisions until all spaces in the program are filled.
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.
Is an Ed.S. degree in educational leadership available without certification?
Students can earn an online education administration degree (Ed.S.) without Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification. In the place of field experience, students will take an additional elective or practicum.
Administrative and Technical Issues
Where can I find more information about the online/distance state authorization process?
Please visit the UF Distance Learning information page for more online/distance state authorization details.
Financial Information
What is the cost of attending?
The program’s current graduate tuition and fees, as well as other up-to-date information about program costs, are available on the college’s Tuition and Fees page.
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.
How far in advance to I need to apply for financial aid?
Financial aid information is available from the UF Office of Financial Aid. The financial aid process can take several months from submission to approval and disbursement. Prospective students should factor this timeline into their admission planning and apply for financial aid well before being accepted or starting the program.
Contact and Support
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with GradAdmissions@coe.ufl.edu.
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