Program at a Glance

Program: Specialist
College(s): College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s): Ed Ldrshp & Higher Education

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The Education Specialist in Educational Leadership program at UCF empowers experienced educators and professionals working in educational organizations to expand their influence and step into high-impact leadership roles across K-12 education. If you have a master’s degree in a field other than educational leadership but want to advance into a decision-making role in education, this program is your key to preparing for positions such as principal, assistant principal or district leader while pursuing Florida Level I Educational Leadership Administrative Class certification.

At UCF, you’ll learn from faculty with education leadership backgrounds, engage in research, and collaborate with fellow professionals who share your passion for improving student outcomes. You’ll build a solid foundation in organizational theory, instructional leadership and supervision, and the legal aspects of school operation. Your coursework also covers planning and management for educational systems, financial affairs and human resources, and learning to lead with the future of education in mind.

While in this advanced professional degree program, you’ll put theory into practice and apply your knowledge through an administrative internship, gaining real-world experience that augments your educational leadership capabilities. The knowledge and experience you’ll gain also prepares you to pursue licensure through the Florida Educational Leadership Examination. Upon graduation, you will be prepared to lead improvement efforts in K-12 schools and districts.

This program prepares students for state-regulated professional licensure or certification. For more information on how this program may prepare you in that regard, please view the Education Specialist in Educational Leadership program licensure disclosure.

Highlights

Engage in a field-based administrative internship.

Prepares you to pursue Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification.

GRE is not required for admission.

Fall: July 1
Spring: October 1
Summer: February 1

Spring: July 1
Summer: November 1
Fall: December 1

Application deadlines subject to change, see the Graduate Studies website for up-to-date deadlines.

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Career Opportunities

UCF prepares you for life beyond the classroom. Here, you’ll experience a wide range of opportunity, like learning diverse skills from world-renowned faculty to networking with top employers across Central Florida to gaining first-hand experience in internships nearby. Achieve your degree and more as a Knight.