Don’t Just Unlock Potential. Amplify It.

USN Badge Best Grad Schools Education 2025At UCF’s Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education, we prepare educators, administrators, trainers and change-makers to transform lives and livelihoods.

Our undergraduate and graduate programs in Career and Workforce Education, Educational Leadership, and Higher Education combine academic rigor, forward-thinking research and immersive, hands-on experiences, ensuring you have both the knowledge and know-how to lead today’s educational systems — from K–12 schools and college campuses to corporate training environments.

Here, learning doesn’t happen in isolation. Either alongside fellow students or part of a collaborative cohort, you’ll form a lasting network that champions your growth well beyond graduation. You’ll also learn from faculty who bring unmatched experience and expertise to the classroom. They’ve led schools and workforce training programs, served as district and university administrators, shaped national learning standards, and influenced education policy at the highest levels. With backgrounds that span the full education spectrum — from kindergarten through postsecondary and organizational settings — our faculty understand the challenges and opportunities you’ll face and are deeply committed to preparing you to meet them.

With their support and mentorship, you’ll graduate ready to advance others’ lives — and your career.

No. 10

Online Educational Leadership graduate program in the nation
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

$1.2M+

Sponsored research funding received since 2021

No. 40

Best Education Schools
(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

$104,070

Median annual income for elementary, middle and high school principals
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)

$103,960

Median annual salary for postsecondary education administrators
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)

$127,090

Median annual income for training and development managers
(Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Rolando Bailey headshot

“UCF offers a diverse array of programs supported by a distinguished faculty committed to academic excellence and research innovation. The university’s state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environment foster a vibrant learning experience. Furthermore, UCF's extensive networking opportunities and strong ties to industry enhance career prospects for graduates. The supportive community at UCF ensures that students are well-equipped to achieve their academic and professional goals.”

Rolando Bailey ’23EdD
Principal Leader for Middle/K-8 Schools, Orange County Public Schools

In the News

Sarah Hall in cap and gown holding diploma in front of UCF Knight

UCF Double Knight Earns Doctorate, Transforms Reading Education through Leadership

As a newly minted graduate from the educational leadership doctoral program, Sarah Hall ’14MEd ’25EdD reflects on her professional growth at UCF and celebrates the journey ahead...
UCF Millican Hall with fountain in foreground

UCF Awards Promotion and Tenure to 115 Faculty

The approvals recognize years of excellence and contributions in teaching, research and service...
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Excellence in Digital Learning Recognized: UCF’s Online Programs Rank Top 10 in Nation Once Again

UCF’s strategic use of technology and faculty-led, innovative online programs continue to drive student success...

CHECK OUT MORE STORIES

RoSusan Bartee accepting award

A Leader in Educational Leadership

UCF’s Department of Educational Leadership and Higher Education was named a member of the University Council for Educational Administration, the largest national consortium of higher education institutions.