Educational Leadership (M.Ed.)

Program Overview

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership program consists of 33 credit hours of coursework designed to prepare candidates for leadership positions in educational settings, as well as to improve the performance of current leaders in educational leadership positions. The Program content focuses on FPLS standards, educational leader functions, and stresses the relationship between tested practice and applied theory. Candidates complete critical task essays as the culminating project in each of ten courses in the program. The essays are based on specific internship experiences and are connected to a targeted FPLS standard, coursework, and scholarly research. The critical task essays become part of each candidate's Final Professional Portfolio that is built throughout the program and defended in the final course – Final Leadership Seminar. The M.Ed. program prepares candidates for Florida Educational Leadership certification by the Florida Department of Education as students must pass the FELE to graduate. The program is offered in both synchronous traditional and asynchronous accelerated formats. 

Mode of Delivery

Traditional

Courses are offered in a ‘traditional’ 15-week delivery method, and candidates are generally expected to complete two courses each semester. Courses are offered in a synchronous format. Courses are offered mostly online with an occasional requirement to come to campus. All internship activities are embedded in their coursework and are matched to the FLDOE Standards associated with each course.

*LEADs+ Candidates who expect to be hired in any one of our local districts will also participate in this special professional development program based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) co-signed by FGCU. Graduates are eligible for immediate entry into their district’s AP Pool.

Accelerated

Courses are offered in an accelerated, seven-week delivery method completely online. Course are offered in an asynchronous format. Candidates typically take one course every seven weeks.

Successful Candidate Profiles

  • Traditional

  • Accelerated 

P-12 Educational Leadership (M.A)

This is a similar program to the M.Ed. Educational Leadership program in that candidates take the same courses but take their internship credits at the end of the program. Candidates can still earn their Leadership Certificate after graduation.  

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Alternative Pathway to Florida Principal Certification

Applicants who have earned an advanced degree and/or accumulated appropriate course credits that they believe can be applied towards their Leadership Certification can petition the FLDOE to receive a Statement of Eligibility (SoE) to determine which courses they need to complete. Applicants submit this document to the College to create a personalized program of study. With this pathway no degree is offered and apply through the Post Bac Non-Degree portal.

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P-12 Educational Leadership Programs and Comparisons

  • View Program Comparison Chart

Student Resources

 STUDENT HANDBOOK
  • Accreditation

  • Admissions Information

  • Program Requirements

  • Course Descriptions

  • Course Schedule

  • Learning Outcomes

  • Tuition, Fees, and Financial Assistance

  • Florida DOE Educational Leadership Information

  • Program Course Sequence

Getting Started

Please visit the Office of Graduate Studies or contact Graduate Studies at 239-590-7988 or graduate@fgcu.edu for an application for admission and additional information about the application process. Satisfaction of minimum University and program requirements does not guarantee admission to a graduate program. Applicants should check with the program for the most up to date admission requirements prior to commencing the application process.

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