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MEd - Master of Education in Educational Leadership

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Florida’s Premier Leadership Program

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership degree program prepares leaders to transform schools into places where teachers and students grow.

This MEd program is designed for practicing teachers, with two years of teaching experience, who currently hold a Florida Professional Teaching Certificate. It provides the next level of skills and credentials for educators who want to become leaders in their schools, districts, and beyond. The curriculum provides practical knowledge and professional networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with educational professionals who will help you advance your career.

In-Person

Education Information Session

April 1

An on-campus information session for prospective students interested in adult undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs within the School of Education at Florida Southern College. This event is designed to present an overview of our education programs and to provide an opportunity to connect at Florida Southern with faculty.

Apply today to start next term
Monday, May 15, 2023

Students are advised to submit applications as early as possible to assure optimal admission consideration.

Top Reasons to choose MEd - Master of Education in Educational Leadership at florida southern college

Florida State Certification

This program is fully approved by the Florida Department of Education. Our students pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) prior to graduation which allows them to receive Educational Leadership certification in the State of Florida. This opens the door for school-based and district level administrative positions.

SACS Accredited

Florida Southern College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Accelerated Program

With the internship integrated throughout each of the five semesters, students are able to apply the concepts they learn throughout the program. This has the added benefit of shortening the duration of the program compared to programs that have a stand alone internship.

Flexible

Courses are offered in either online or face-to-face formats that meet the needs of your busy schedule. Since many of the students are working professionals, face to face courses are offered on Saturdays.

Connected

The curriculum provides both practical knowledge and professional networking opportunities through partnerships with practitioners who work in the schools every day.

Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes allow for individualized attention and increased interactions between the students and faculty members.

Employment Outlook

9%
Demand for teachers (P-12, and post-secondary) is supposed to grow by an average of 9% by 2028.
$65,070
Robust Median Salary (P-12, and post-secondary)

On average, a master's degree earns teachers an additional $2,760 in their first year of teaching compared to a bachelor's degree. This salary advantage expands to an average of $7,358 per year by the time a teacher reaches the maximum point of the pay scale.

Read More about advanced degree compensation

The Passion To Get Ahead

Sarah explains why Florida Southern was the right school for her to pursue her passion for education and professional goals.

Meet our Mocs

Jake Van Hise, MEd

Jake Van Hise, MEd

Choosing Florida Southern for my M.Ed. in Educational Leadership was one of the best decisions I have made in my career as an educator. Not only did FSC provide me with unparalleled real-world experience as a future school administrator, but I also made connections and built friendships that will continue to impact my work as a leader. I am eternally grateful for my experience at FSC!

Toni Schmidt, MEd

Toni Schmidt, MEd

The FSC M.Ed. program has provided me with professional insights and practical knowledge that I have been able to implement immediately in my school. The professors are supportive, personable, and well-informed on issues impacting the educational community. I am confident my education at FSC has prepared me for wherever my future in educational leadership will take me!

Jessica Gavin, MEd

Jessica Gavin, MEd

My professors encouraged me throughout the program. As a result, I am more prepared as an educational leader and look forward to my future in the education field.

Emily Diggs, MEd

Emily Diggs, MEd

Florida Southern’s Educational Leadership program helped me learn valuable leadership skills that I use regularly, both inside and outside of my classroom. The collaborative, hands-on approach that they have embedded throughout the program has given me the opportunity to work with educators from different backgrounds and grade levels that I never would have gotten otherwise. It has also allowed me to collaborate with administrators on my campus and given me real world leadership experiences, too. Along with this, the relationships built with the professors I worked with have been incredibly valuable! Speaking to them throughout the program, and coming to them for assistance after the program, has allowed me to gain mentors and friends that I know I will have throughout the remainder of my teaching career.

Shelley Camp, MEd

Shelley Camp, MEd

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership Program allows me to complete classes online and meet face-to-face for on-campus classes while working 2 full-time jobs; one being a fulltime mom. I’m able to work my day job and complete my assignments at my own pace, in order to get them completed before their due date. The professors are all wonderful and work with the students in my cohort answering any questions or giving us guidance in our field experiences on how to work through situations. My cohort and I have built relationships that will last a lifetime. Florida Southern College is preparing me for my next step into a leadership position in the educational field.

Camaran Cella, MEd

Camaran Cella, MEd

Florida Southern College’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership program is one in a million. Not only is it a perfect program to network among Polk and Hillsborough’s top administrators, but it is a hybrid program making it easy to fit into a teacher’s busy schedule. The professors are always available. Cohort members become family and are always there with advice to tackle every aspect of the classroom.

Christopher Harrison, PhD
- Assistant Professor of Education

Decades of research tells us that teachers and students are more likely to succeed with the support of highly skilled and learning centered school leaders. FSC’s Master’s in Educational Leadership offers a unique 36-credit hour program, featuring a blend of engaging face-to-face and online courses, designed to equip candidates with the skills that they need to be effective administrators, change agents, and coaches. Supported by professors and practicing administrators, students will grow their ability to support their teams in the work of evidence-driven decision making, efficient resource management, systems improvement and change leadership, and the development of rigorous, high-quality instructional programs.

Read More about Christopher Harrison, PhDMeet Our Faculty

Recognized Accomplishments

School districts recognize the time and effort teachers spend in graduate school, and want these individuals to stay in the district to help direct future growth of a school. Master’s degree holders are the best chance schools have to enact positive curriculum-wide changes and improve student outcomes. As an added benefit of earning a master’s degree, you gain a bigger voice in the national conversation on education. As educators further develop their understanding of teaching techniques, classroom management strategies, and professional resources, they become more valuable members of the educational community.

Learn More about benefits of graduate school

Program Details

This 36 hour program consists of five online and four face to face courses. Field experiences are integrated into the coursework and most can be completed at the student’s school site.

Hybrid

Courses are offered in a hybrid format, a combination of online and in-class meetings.

  • An earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
    as verified by an official transcript from the conferring institution
  • Cumulative GPA of 3.0 overall or a composite score of 297 on the GRE or 393 on the MAT
  • Applicant must provide proof of a valid Florida Professional Educator Certificate
  • FLDOE Teaching Requirement Form completed by supervisor verifying 2+ years of effective teaching experience
  • Current Résumé
  • A personal statement of your expectations of a graduate program (your personal and professional goals)

Course descriptions are available in the academic catalog.

Academic Catalog
Course Number Course Name
EDU 6100 Educational Leadership for Change
EDU 6150 Resource Allocation for Student Achievement
EDU 6200 Ethics and School Law
EDU 6300 Leading in a Diverse Society
EDU 6400 Program Development: Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
EDU 6450 Strategic Faculty Development for P-12 Administrators
EDU 6550 Student Achievement, Accountability, and Standards-Based Instruction
EDU 6600 School Finance
EDU 6700 Instructional Leadership
TOTAL 36 hours

Florida Southern College reserves the right to revise fee schedules. $250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first-semester tuition balance.)

2022-2023

Base Required Fees Cost
Tuition Per Credit Hour $445
Technology fee per semester is based on credit hours enrolled $25 to $100
 
 

Additional Costs

Base Required Fees Cost
Chalk and Wire – ePortfolio $65.70 per year

$250 Non-Refundable Enrollment Deposit (Upon acceptance and applied toward your first semester tuition balance)

*Tuition will be billed prior to the beginning of each semester based on credit hours. Tuition must be paid by the first day of class.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the program delivery?

The program consists of nine courses. Five courses utilize an online format. Four courses meet on campus for seven Saturdays each semester. The Saturday classes meet from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Does this program lead to Educational Leadership certification?

Yes, students are required to maintain a 3.0, complete all coursework and pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination to graduate from this state approved program and apply for certification.

Is there a practicum required?

Field experiences are integrated into each course. The student will receive feedback on all field experiences from a school administrator mentor and the professor.

How will my course schedule be determined?

The program coordinator will assist students in registering for courses each semester and will ensure that you are completing all requirements throughout the program.

What roles will this degree prepare me to perform?

This program prepares students to become school and district level leaders.

We also offer an EdD: Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership

For more than 100 years, Florida Southern has been preparing men and women for rewarding careers in education. The Doctor of Educational Leadership (EdD) from Florida Southern prepares teachers and administrators to advance professionally and grow intellectually.

Learn More about our cross promotion offer

Program Contact

Kenley VanValkenburg

Admission Counselor and Advisor
 863.680.4914
863.225.8405