On-Campus and Online Ed.S. Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Students must submit an application to the university graduate school. For more details visit the application process page.
Once the application has been reviewed individuals will be contacted from someone from the department and a telephone interview may be requested to finalize the application process.
When are applications due?
Applications should be received by their term application deadline. The deadlines are as follows:
- February 15th (Summer)
- July 1 (Fall)
- October 15th (Spring)
All application material should be received by the deadline.
Are GRE scores required?
Applicants to the specialist program are not required to submit GRE scores.
What is the Scholarly Paper Requirement?
This information pertains to degree programs in Educational Leadership.
The scholarly paper requirement provides a measure of your potential and current ability to write at the graduate level. While student skills will increase through exposure to our program, we seek evidence that you can coherently present a thesis, develop an idea, and present your ideas on paper. Students may write on any topic in the general field of K-12 or Higher Education learning, teaching, critical issues or leadership the student deems important. Regardless of topic, the paper must include citations and a reference list.
For the 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 around the second or third week of March. Decisions will continue to be made through the spring semester until all spaces in the program have been filled.
What is the cost of attending?
The current graduate tuition and fees can be found here.
Is there financial aid available for this program?
Students are encouraged to apply to the UF Office for Student Financial Affairs for assistance with loans, grants, and fellowships.
How far in advance do 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 up to several months from submission to approval and disbursement. This should be incorporated into the student’s plan for admission and done well in advance of acceptance and the begin date for the program.
How many credits are required to complete this degree program?
Typically students enroll in two classes (6 credits) each semester. The total credits required for graduation is 42 credits beyond a master’s. A master’s degree is a prerequisite for the program (see catalog for approval conditions). Students are required to take 24 credit hours of department courses, 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.
With the class enrollment noted above, a student should expect to complete the degree requirements within three years. If a student enrolls in more or fewer classes a semester, the program can be done quicker or slower. The specific Program Plan is developed between the student and the program coordinator.
Is teaching experience or certification required for admission into this program?
The specialist 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, though those entering with less can transition to the certification track upon completion of three years of teaching.
However, please note this program does not provide teacher certification, but rather Florida Principal’s Certification.
What is the field experience requirement for this program?
For students seeking to earn their Florida Principal Certification, the program offers this field experience in a course entitled EDA 6948 Supervised Practice in School Administration, which is normally taken within the last two semesters for the degree. This practicum course requires a student to work with a site supervisor who holds principal certification from the State of Florida and a university supervisor, who is the instructor for the course. The state required 150 hour minimum of field experience is completed by the student in a school setting. The site supervisor and university supervisor together evaluate the student on completion of the field experience.
Is an Ed.S. degree in Educational Leadership available without certification?
Students can earn the Ed.S. degree without certification. In the place of field experience, students will take an additional elective or practicum.
