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?
The Master of Education (M.Ed.) requires 36 credits, and students typically enroll in two classes (6 credits) per semester. At this pace, students can expect to complete the M.Ed. in six semesters (two years). However, the time to complete the degree may vary if a student decides to take more or fewer classes per semester.
The student and the program coordinator develop individualized program plans together.
Is teaching experience or certification required for admission into this program?
Students can pursue the online master’s in educational leadership in Florida through 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.
Should I pursue the school leadership track or the systems leadership track?
If you intend to lead a school of any kind (public, private or charter), you should pursue the school leadership track. This track includes the core courses (36 credits) most relevant for school leadership of any kind. 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 systems leadership track.
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 are only required to apply to the educational leadership Ph.D. 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 M.Ed. 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 our M.Ed. programs, the length of the paper is no more than 3-5 pages, including references.
When will admission decisions be made?
Admission to the program is a collaborative decision between the program faculty. They 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 M.Ed. degree in educational leadership available without earning Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification?
Students can earn an M.Ed. in educational leadership 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 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?
If you do not intend to lead a school, you may be interested in the systems leadership track. Systems leadership allows students to specialize in a particular area, such as digital transformation, data leadership, policy, and more — while still emerging with essential skills for leading organizations within education.
Do I still earn the same degree if I pursue the non-certification or systems leadership track?
Yes. All graduates will receive a Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in educational leadership.
Administrative and Technical Issues
Where can I find more information about the online/distance state authorization process?
For more information about online/distance state authorization, please visit the UF Distance Learning information page about this process.
I'm not located in Florida, will the certification track lead to certification in my home state?
Financial Information
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 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 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.
Contact and Support
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
If you have questions about the admissions process, please contact GradAdmissions@coe.ufl.edu. If you have questions about the program, please contact Walter Balser, Ph.D.
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