Do you already have a master’s degree in something other than Educational Leadership and want to advance in your career through Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification?

UCF’s Education Specialist (EdS) in Educational Leadership program is designed specifically for you. Whether you’re already working — or ready to take the next step — in a decision-making position in K-12 schools, this advanced professional degree program will help deepen your expertise, expand your leadership capacity, make a broader impact on your schools and communities — and fulfill requirements for certification.

As part of the program, you’ll take a closer look at the most pressing issues facing today’s schools — from systems-level reform and data-informed decision-making to effective leadership practices and organizational change.

Through rigorous coursework and a field-based internship, you’ll strengthen your skills in areas like strategic planning, instructional leadership and human capital management. You’ll also work closely with expert faculty  and peers who share your commitment to ethical leadership at one of the top universities for FELE first-time pass rates.

At a Glance

  • In Person
  • No GRE
  • 2 Core Courses
  • 7 Specialization Courses
  • 2 Elective Courses
  • 1 Administrative Internship Experience

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 EdS (K-12) program 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.