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Program at a Glance

Program
Master
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Ed Ldrshp & Higher Education
U.S. News & World Report Best Grad Schools Education Badge

Drive Meaningful Change in K-12 Schools

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership at UCF empowers aspiring school and district leaders to make a meaningful impact on K-12 education. Designed for educators with at least two years of teaching experience who are seeking Florida Level I Educational Leadership certification, this graduate program equips you with the knowledge, practical experience and professional preparation needed to advance into leadership roles.

Throughout your coursework, you’ll study evidence-based strategies for continuous school improvement, instructional leadership and student-centered decision making. You will also develop expertise in budgeting, policy, operations, human resources and organizational leadership while strengthening key skills in communication, conflict resolution and team building.

This program includes 30 credit hours of core classes aligned with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards and the competencies assessed on the Florida Educational Leadership Examination, as well as a 6-credit administrative internship that provides hands-on leadership experience. Courses follow a structured sequence within a cohort model, allowing you to learn alongside peers and build a supportive professional network.

Through real-world practical experiences, expert faculty mentorship and a curriculum grounded in state leadership expectations, you’ll graduate prepared to lead schools effectively and ethically — and ready to pursue certification as an educational leader in Florida.

This program prepares students for state‑regulated professional licensure or certification; for details on certification pathways, please view the Educational Leadership MEd licensure disclosure.

Highlights

Coursework aligns with the Florida Educational Leadership Standards
Evening courses to accommodate working educators' schedules

Application Deadlines

Spring
November 1
Summer
April 1
Fall
July 1
Spring
July 1
Summer
November 1
Fall
January 15

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

Ready to get started?

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.
  • Assistant Principal
  • Elementary School Principal
  • High School Principal
  • Middle School Principal
  • School District Superintendent

University of Central Florida Colleges