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Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

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Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

Preparing Cutting-Edge Administrators

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership at Florida ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·¸£Àû×ÊÔ´ is a 36-credit, fully online, synchronous graduate program designed for experienced educators seeking advanced preparation for school and district leadership. As Florida’s first HBCU to offer an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, FMU proudly prepares visionary, ethical, and data-driven leaders who are ready to transform schools and uplift communities.

Grounded in the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) and the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) competencies, the Ed.S. provides rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and leadership-focused learning designed to support Level I school administrator certification.

Delivered through Canvas, the program blends real-time collaboration, leadership simulations, policy analysis, and case-based problem solving—offering both flexibility and meaningful engagement for working professionals.

Why Choose FMU’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Program?

A Program Designed for Working Educators

  • Fully online, live (synchronous) classes
  • Engaging sessions
  • Complete your degree in (4 accelerated semesters)
  • Cohort model that fosters community, mentorship, and professional growth

Career-Focused and Standards-Aligned

  • Built explicitly for educators pursuing assistant principal, principal, district administrator, instructional leadership, or supervisory roles
  • Curriculum prepares candidates for the FELE Certification

Unmatched Instructional Quality

  • Courses taught by experienced scholar-practitioners in Educational Leadership, Curriculum, Policy, Data Analysis, and School and University Operations

Clinical Internship Experience

  • Capstone internship (EDL 799) aligned directly with FELS and FELE
  • Personalized supervision from FMU experts and district-based administrators

A Legacy of Leadership

  • FMU’s mission of Academic Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Innovation is embedded throughout the program
  • Pathway to future doctoral studies at FMU upon completion

Program Mission

The mission of FMU’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is to prepare effective, ethical, and innovative leaders who are equipped to design, implement, and manage data-driven instructional systems that promote accountability, student achievement, and organizational excellence. The program cultivates leaders who advocate for all learners, build strong community partnerships, and foster positive, high-performing school cultures.

Program Structure

Total Credits: 36
Delivery Format: Fully Online (Synchronous)
Program Length and Style:

  • Full Time: (4 accelerated semesters)
  • Cohort Model

Agreement Required:
All candidates attend a mandatory 2-day Summer Leadership Summit, featuring simulations, panels, networking sessions, and hands-on leadership labs.

Curriculum

Area I – Required Core (24 credits)

  • EDL 701 – Standards-Based Curriculum & Assessment
  • EDL 703 – Visionary Leadership for Accountable Schools
  • EDL 707 – Financial Stewardship in Education
  • EDL 724 – Legal Literacy for School Administrators
  • EDL 727 – Leadership in Human Resources & Professional Growth
  • EDL 739 – Management of Schools & Community Engagement
  • EDL 777 – Ethical Leadership & Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • EDL 798 – Seminar in Diverse Educational Leadership

Area II – Research (6 credits)

  • EDU 750 – Research Design in Education
  • EDL 785 – Research & Technology in Educational Leadership

Area III – Clinical Field Experience (6 credits)

  • EDL 799 – Clinical Internship for Educational Leaders

» CLICK HERE to view/download Program Details

What You Will Learn

Graduates of the Ed.S. program will be able to:

  1. Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Development

Design and evaluate rigorous, data-informed curricula that advance student learning.

  1. Strategic Data Use & Assessment

Employ sophisticated data analysis methods to guide instructional decisions and improve school outcomes.

  1. Ethical & Accountable Leadership

Lead with integrity while managing school resources, implementing policy, and driving performance.

  1. Organizational & Operational Management

Build safe, efficient, and innovative learning environments that support high achievement.

  1. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Establish partnerships with families, community agencies, and district leaders to support student success.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions such as:

  • Assistant Principal
  • Education Consultant
  • District Administrator
  • Instructional Supervisor
  • School Improvement Specialist
  • Curriculum or Professional Development Director
  • Education Policy Analyst
  • Higher Education Leadership Positions

This degree also provides a strong pathway to doctoral study in education, leadership, or organizational systems.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit:

Eligibility

  • Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Three years of successful teaching experience
  • Valid Florida Professional Educator Certificate (or equivalent)
  • Resume or CV

Required Documents

  • Graduate Application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 500-word personal statement
  • Employment verification
  • Signed FELE acknowledgment
  • Agreement to attend Summer Leadership Summit
  • Interview (optional)

Program Completion Requirements

To graduate, Ed.S. candidates must:

  • Successfully complete 36 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in all courses
  • Complete clinical internship and pass all evaluations
  • Submit a comprehensive internship portfolio
  • Successfully pass all subtests of the FELE
  • Complete graduation application and all university processes

Ready to Lead? Apply Today!

Become part of a transformative cohort of leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
Florida ¾Ã¾Ã¾«Æ·¸£Àû×ÊԴ’s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares educators to create meaningful, lasting change in schools and communities across Florida and beyond.

Contact Us

Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 305-623-4279
Email: admissions@fmu.edu

Dean, School of Education and Social Sciences
Program Coordinator
Dr. Tyffany White
(305) 626 – 3694
tyffany.white@fmu.edu