The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership program is designed for those currently employed in or interested in decision-making positions in educational organizations.
The program is an advanced professional degree designed specifically for individuals who have completed a master's degree in a field other than Educational Leadership and who wish to meet the requirements for Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification while working toward a degree.
Students who complete an EdS in Educational Leadership may apply for admission to the doctoral program. The EdS program requires a research report at the completion of studies.
The Educational Leadership EdS program requires a minimum of 36 credit hours beyond the master's degree. Students must complete EDA 6909 Research Report at the completion of their study, as well as successfully complete EDA 6946 - Internship by earning at least a grade of "B."
Total Credit Hours Required: 36 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Master's Degree
The Educational Leadership EdS program has potential ties to professional licensure or certification in the field. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please visit https://apq.ucf.edu/files/Licensure-Disclosure-CCIE-Educational-Leadership-EdS.pdf.
Program Prerequisites
A master's degree in a related field of study.
Degree Requirements
Core
9 Total Credits
- Complete all of the following
- Complete the following:
- EDA7101 - Organizational Theory in Education (3)
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- EDA6946 - Internship (1 - 99)
- Earn at least 3 credits from the following:
- EDA6909 - Research Report (1 - 99)
Specialization
21 Total Credits
- Complete the following:
- EDA6061 - Organization and Administration of Schools (3)
- EDA6232 - Legal Aspects of School Operation (3)
- EDA6240 - Educational Financial Affairs (3)
- EDA6260 - Educational Systems Planning and Management (3)
- EDA6931 - Contemporary Issues in Educational Leadership (3)
- EDS6123 - Educational Supervisory Practices I (3)
- EDS6130 - Educational Supervisory Practices II (3)
Co-requisite/Elective Courses
6 Total Credits
- Complete 1 of the following
- Complete the following:
- EDF6401 - Statistics for Educational Data (3)
- EDF6481 - Fundamentals of Graduate Research in Education (3)
- Earn at least 6 credits from the following types of courses: Additional Electives as approved by adviser IF student have already completed EDF 6401 and EDF 6481 as part of the Master's Degree.
Grand Total Credits: 36
Application Requirements
For information on general UCF graduate admissions requirements that apply to all prospective students, please visit the Admissions section of the Graduate Catalog. Applicants must apply online. All requested materials must be submitted by the established deadline.
In addition to the general UCF graduate application requirements, applicants to this program must provide:
- One official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each college/university attended.
- A master's degree in a related field of study.
- Official, competitive GRE score taken within the last five years.
- Resumé.
- Three letters of recommendation.
Admission to the EdS in Educational Leadership program is separate from admission to the doctoral program. EdS graduates may apply for admission to the doctoral program.
Application Deadlines
| Educational Leadership EdS | *Fall Priority | Fall | Spring | Summer |
| Domestic Applicants | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Oct 1 | Feb 1 |
| International Applicants | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Jul 1 | Nov 1 |
*Applicants who plan to enroll full time in a degree program and who wish to be considered for university fellowships or assistantships should apply by the Fall Priority date.
Financial Information
Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans. For more information, see the College of Graduate Studies Funding website, which describes the types of financial assistance available at UCF and provides general guidance in planning your graduate finances. The Financial Information section of the Graduate Catalog is another key resource.
Fellowship Information
Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students. They are paid to students through the Office of Student Financial Assistance, based on instructions provided by the College of Graduate Studies. Fellowships are given to support a student's graduate study and do not have a work obligation. For more information, see UCF Graduate Fellowships, which includes descriptions of university fellowships and what you should do to be considered for a fellowship.
