Educational Leadership and Policy Prospective Students Online Ed.D Frequently Asked Questions
Online Ed.D.
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
Are all courses delivered online?
All courses will be delivered in an online format that blends synchronous (Zoom) meetings with asynchronous course content. Students are required to attend two synchronous online weekend meetings per semester, which provide real-time interaction with faculty and cohort mates.
How long does it take to complete this Ed.D. program, and what kind of timeline can I expect?
The UF educational leadership Ed.D. program follows a structured, cohort-based model. Because of this, your classes each term are pre-determined and in a set order. Students take two classes per term (6 credit hours) during Fall, Spring and Summer semesters. Our students finish their coursework in three years, and their fourth year is devoted to completing the dissertation.
How many credits are required to complete this degree program?
Typically, students enroll in two classes (6 credits) each semester. The Ed.D. in Florida requires 90 credits for graduation. For the educational leadership program, this includes 36 hours of set department courses, 15 hours of research courses, 15 credit hours of transfer/elective courses, and 24 hours of dissertation credit.
Does the LEAD Ed.D. program result in principal or assistant principal 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 March 15. All application materials, including recommendation letters and transcripts, must be received by the deadline for your application to be reviewed.
Are GRE scores required for the Ed.D. in Florida?
Beginning with the Fall 2024 cohort, GRE scores are no longer required for application.
What is the writing sample requirement?
This information specifically applies to educational leadership doctoral program applications. The writing sample 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 the doctoral programs, the length of the paper should be no more than 10 pages. The paper can be an existing work from a prior course or professional setting. However, it can also be an original piece developed for the application.
When will admission decisions be made?
Admission to the program is a collaborative decision between the program faculty. Admission decisions for the Ed.D. in Florida 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 are the eligibility requirements for acceptance into the LEAD program?
Prospective students must have a master’s degree to be eligible for our Ed.D. in Florida program, in addition to the other minimum requirements set by the UF Graduate School, including the degree coming from an accredited U.S. college or university or a degree deemed equivalent by the University of Florida Office of Admissions, a minimum grade point average of 3.0 upper-division (last 60 credits) undergraduate work and an acceptable graduate grade point average for previous graduate work.
Will any of my existing master's credits transfer?
Students may transfer up to 15 credits from previous graduate coursework into the LEAD program, subject to advisor approval. Regardless of which course credits transfer, we require all students to take the full sequence of courses along with their cohort. Transfer credits will be applied to elective courses only.
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.
What are the equipment requirements and technical skills needed for the online classes?
Course content and delivery vary by professor, but most courses are managed through an online Learning Management System. Some professors use web conferencing with their students during the class sessions. To participate in class sessions, students must have administrative privileges on their machine to download all required software for the program. We also highly recommend reliable access to a high-speed Internet connection. Once admitted to the program, students are provided appropriate assistance with online class setup.
Please review the computer requirements from UFIT for additional information about equipment minimus.
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.
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.
Are there any financial aid opportunities, scholarships or fellowships offered to help students in the LEAD program?
LEAD students are often sponsored by their school or institution. There are currently no specific scholarships or fellowships for the LEAD program. Students are encouraged to apply to the UF Office for Student Financial Affairs for assistance with loans, grants, and fellowships.