Leadership in education isn’t just about managing schools — it’s about shaping futures, building stronger communities and driving meaningful change from within. That’s the heart of UCF’s Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership program.
Designed for educators with at least two years of teaching experience who are seeking Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification, this state-approved program prepares aspiring assistant principals, principals and school administrators in K-12 education to lead with clarity, compassion and purpose.
Here, you’ll learn alongside a cohort of fellow educators from your district or region — forming a community of support, perspective and shared ambition. You’ll learn from professors with deep experience while exploring both theoretical and conceptual topics such as the organization and administration of schools, financial affairs, human resource management and strategic leadership. And you’ll put your learning into practice through a two-semester administrative internship.
Upon graduation, you’ll have met the requirements for both the Florida Principal Leadership Standards (FPLS), have earned a passing score on the FELE (a program requirement) and be ready to pursue FLDOE Educational Leadership certification.
At a Glance
- In Person
- No GRE
- 2 Years of Effective or Highly Effective Teaching Evaluations
- 1 Letter of Recommendation from Your Principal
- 10 Core Courses
- 2 Administrative Internship Experiences (400 Clock Hours)
- Pass All Sections of the FELE
Certification and Licensure Exams
The program meets the educational requirements for certification in Educational Leadership in the State of Florida. Graduates who have passed all three portions of the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) can apply to the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) for a Florida Educator’s Professional Certificate. Review all requirements for the Florida Department of Education certification.
As a participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), UCF is authorized to offer educational programs in all states (except California), the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The State of California is not currently a member of SARA, but UCF is separately authorized to offer educational programming there as well.
Program Approval
UCF’s Educational Leadership MEd (K-12) is an FLDOE State-Approved Educator Preparation Program. That means you’ll have the credentials to teach, train and lead in the state. From day one, you’ll gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence to not only meet the demands of the field — but exceed them.