Already hold a graduate degree and feel called to lead in K–12 education?
UCF’s Educational Leadership Modified Core program offers the ideal option — providing you with all the coursework required for Florida Level I Administrative Certification, without the need to complete a second degree.
Whether you’re looking to meet certification requirements or planning to continue into UCF’s EdS in Educational Leadership or Executive EdD in Educational Leadership programs, the Modified Core helps you build the knowledge, credentials and confidence you need to lead with purpose. Designed for experienced educators, the program focuses on real-world applications aligned with the Florida Principal Leadership Standards — preparing you for the next step in your career.
If you're considering continuing on to one of our advanced degrees, be sure to consult with the program coordinator to find the path that's right for you.
At a Glance
- In Person
- No GRE
- 7 Core Courses
- 1 Administrative Internship Experiences
- Pass All Sections of the FELE
Not Sure Which Educational Leadership Degree to Pursue?
Want to influence education but not sure which degree to pursue? Here’s a quick and easy way to help you decide:
- Looking for administrative and leadership positions in educational settings that don't require certification? Pursue the fully online MA.
- Do you have two years of teaching experience, don’t hold a related master’s, and are seeking FLDOE Educational Leadership certification? Try the MEd.
- Do you already have a master’s degree and are seeking FLDOE Educational Leadership certification? You want the EdS or Modified Core.
- Are you currently a working professional looking to pursue an administrative role or advance in public education? The Executive EdD is for you.
Courses
The program requires 8 courses, including an administrative internship experience, that equal a minimum of 24 credit hours.
- EDA 6061: Overview of Instructional Leadership: Theories and Practices
- EDA 6232: Legal Aspects of School Operations
- EDA 6240: Financial Affairs and Human Resources in Education
- EDA 6260: Educational Systems Planning and Management
- EDA 6931: Leading for Change: Contemporary Issues in Educational Leadership
- EDS 6123: Instructional Supervision I: Clinical Supervision
- EDS 6130: Instructional Supervision II: Instructional Coaching and Mentoring
- EDA 6946: Administrative Internship
Certification Process
As a student, you are responsible for initiating the Florida Educational Leadership certification process. Here are the steps required to initiate the process:
- Complete the required courses.
- Pass the FELE.
- Reach out to your faculty advisor and request to review your transcripts. (Be sure to wait until all grades have been posted before requesting your transcript.)
- Obtain a stamp of successful completion for your transcripts from the UCF Registrar’s Office.
- Submit a request to the UCF Registrar’s Office to have official transcripts sent to the FLDOE.
- Submit an online application for Level I Administrative Certification through the FLDOE.
The details provided herein are interpretations of the College. Final decisions, interpretations and certification approval are the province of the Florida Department of Education. For reference purposes, see State Rule 6A-4.0082, Specialization Requirements for Certification in Educational Leadership Administrative Class. You may also contact the Florida Department of Education, Bureau of Educator Certification.
Certification
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.