Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, there are a variety of Educational Leadership Degrees in Florida (L-S). Florida is the fourth most populated state in the country and it is known for its beaches, warm climate, and tourist attractions. The state’s largest industries include construction, tourism, international banking, biomedical science, and commercial space travel. Florida is home to a wide range of public and private institutions of higher learning that offer an array of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Listed below are the schools that offer educational leadership degrees at the graduate level.

Lynn University

Located in Boca Raton, Florida, Lynn University is an independent, private institution that strives to offer education, support, and atmosphere to empower students to reach their maximum potential and prepare for success in today’s world. It was established in 1962 and is named after Christine E. and Eugene M. Lynn who donated a substantial amount of money to the university. It is home to more than 2,000 students from 45 states in the U.S. and over 90 countries. Lynn University offers about 45 bachelor’s degree and undergraduate certificate programs, 23 master’s and graduate certificate programs, and an Ed.D program. The U.S. News & World Report notes Lynn University for its high percentage of international students.

Featured Programs

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

With a goal of helping students hone their previously abilities, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership features instruction on diverse theory and the interpretation of laws and ethical issues in educational institutions. The curriculum features field-based assignments that blend theory and practice. Additionally, the program features small classes to promote individualized attention. A total of 36 credits are needed to complete the program and students can select from four options: certification option, non-certification option, international student option (non-certification), and educational leadership modified option. The core courses include instruction leadership, leading a learning organization, data driven decision-making, human resource management, school finance, school communication, curriculum design, and e-leadership for integration of school technology. At the end of the program, students will demonstrate expertise in educational leadership standards and show a basic understanding of leadership theories and the ability to apply them in actual settings. Students will also have the ability to evaluate federal and state policies regarding educational systems.

Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership

The doctorate program in educational leadership provides individuals with the necessary abilities to connect practice with research and pursue leadership roles in educational organizations. The program is intended for working professional who strive to become leaders in education organizations. A total of 51 credits are needed for completion of the doctorate program, including leadership theory and practice courses, leadership in K-12 settings courses, research methods courses, and capstone and dissertation courses. The core courses include leadership policy, leadership in a metropolitan context, global perspectives on education reform, public school law, instruction and curriculum leadership, student motivation, and research design and analysis. Students must also create a scholarly practitioner portfolio for review. Graduates of the doctoral program will demonstrate competence in the dynamics of educational systems and use effective strategies for change. They will also have the ability to utilize self-analysis and reflection to constantly improve their practice.

Contact
Lynn University
3601 N Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-237-7000
admission@lynn.edu
Master’s
Doctorate

National Louis University-Tampa

National Louis University in Tampa, Florida is a private, non-denominational institution that was established in 1988. It provides education to 13 counties in the central area of Florida. It offers business and education degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The university strives to provide access to superior postsecondary education that features innovative instruction, scholarship, excellent service, and engagement in the community. It is committed to providing a supportive academic environment to all types of students. Its core values include innovation, engagement, excellence, access, respect, collaboration, inquiry, and passion. The U.S. News & World ranks National Louis University as one of the top 25 most diverse national universities.

M.Ed./Ed.S in Educational Leadership in Administration and Supervision

The M.Ed./Ed.S. program is intended for certified and experiences educational professional who seek educational leadership positions and certification. There is also a non-licensure option. The program is offered in two formats to meet the needs of students, a traditional campus-based format and a blended format that mixes campus courses with online classes. The M.Ed. component requires 34 semester hours and the Ed.S. requires 30 semester hours for completion. The required courses include leading diverse schools, leading student-centered schools, decision-making for educational systems, navigating school and special education law, negotiating and resolving conflicts in education, and improving instruction through teacher evaluation. Students enrolled in the certification track must complete internship components and seminars. Non-certification students complete additional elective courses. Upon graduation, individuals will demonstrate competence in the designing and evaluation of system priorities and plans for improvement. They will also have an understanding of how to effectively manage and lead a school environment.

Doctorate in Educational Leadership

The Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is an advanced practitioner-oriented program that prepares individuals for leadership roles in educational settings. It features a three-year cohort format with evening, weekend, and online classes. The program incorporates theory, practice and research that focus on teaching and learning, change leadership, and policy analysis and advocacy. Individuals must select one of two options for the program, the educational leadership option or the educational leadership superintendent option. Both options required the same coursework, which is 60 semester hours for graduation. The coursework is divided into educational leadership core courses and research and dissertation courses. School financial management, administrative issues for pluralistic schools, leading change, data-driven decision making, understating and using educational research, principles and fundamentals of school leadership, curriculum planning, and instructional leadership are among the required courses. Completion of a dissertation and internship are also required to complete the program.

Contact
National Louis University
4950 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
800-366-6581
florida.nl.edu
Website

Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University, commonly called Nova, is a private, non-profit, research institution residing in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It offers an innovative and unique approach to education to meet the diverse needs of students. It is committed to providing a nursing and personal academic environment with a wide range of degree programs. Its mission is to offer a wide variety of campus and online educational experiences to promote excellence, leadership, research, inquiry, and community involvement among students. The core values of the university include academic excellence, integrity, opportunity, diversity, community, and scholarship/research. Nova Southeastern University enrolls about 27,000 students through its 18 colleges and schools.

Master of Science in Education with specialization in Educational Administration and Leadership

Committed to preparing educators for leadership roles, the Master of Science in Education with specialization in Educational Administration and Leadership provides students with skills in curriculum and instruction, management and supervision, budgeting, and leadership. The curriculum is based on research and presents the best practices in the educational leadership field. The program is accelerated in a cohort format and all coursework is completed online. Students progress through six-week modules as a cohort to enable them to interact with each receive feedback and support throughout the program. A total of 33 credits is needed for completion, and the core courses include instructional leadership, budgeting and finance in education, standards-based curriculum, role of administrator in leadership, legal issues in education, human resource administration, organizational behavior, and education and the community. Student must also complete an internship component.

Contact
Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33314
800-541-6682
julienne@nova.edu
Website

Saint Leo University

Saint Leo University is a private, Catholic, liberal arts institution providing education to students of all faiths. It was founded in 1889 and has evolved from a small school to a large institution serving about 16,000 students from around the country and the world. It is devoted to providing a student-centered academic environment that promotes a love of learning. Its core values include excellence, integrity, community, respect, responsible stewardship, and personal development. The U.S. News & World Report ranks Saint Leo University as one of the best regional universities in the South.

Master of Education Educational Leadership Concentration

The M.Ed. Educational Leadership program helps professionals progress to advanced positions in the educational field. The program is flexible and students can take a combination of traditional, campus-based courses along with online classes and video conferencing. A total of 36 credit hours are required to finish the M.Ed. program. The leadership core courses include instructional leadership: theory and practice, technology for instruction and leadership, educative assessment and accountability, school operations, public school law, managing the learning environment, and human resource development in education. Students are also required to complete a 150-hour practicum component where they work under the guidance of an experienced school leader and abiding by the Florida Principal Leadership Standards. During the practicum, students must successfully finish three applied school improvement projects that make a difference in the school environment. At the end of the program, students will have mastered the state leadership standards and be eligible for the Florida Educational Leadership Examination.

Contact
Saint Leo University
33701 State Road 52
Saint Leo, Florida 33574
352-588-8200
admissions@saintleo.edu
Website

Southeastern University

Located in Lakeland, Florida, Southeastern University is a private, Christian, liberal arts institution. It was founded in 1935 in Alabama and moved to Florida in 1946. It is devoted to preparing individuals to become leaders in the today that make an impact in their careers and communities. It strives to help students discover and develop their faith to serve both Christ and the world. The university provides a student-focused academic community to transform minds and promote personal relationships among students and faculty. The U.S. News & World Report ranks Southeastern University as number 36 it is Best Regional Colleges in the South publication.

Master of Education in Educational Leadership

Offered entirely online, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership program provides instruction on becoming a skilled leader in educational environments. It is designed for certified teachers with at least three years of teaching experience. A total of 36 credits are needed for completion and students have the ability to complete coursework on their own schedule online. The required courses include educational leadership, educational leadership research, adult and lifelong learning, communication skills and supervision, organizational management in schools, school finance, public school law, educational technology for school leaders, and learning, accountability, and assessment. Courses are eight weeks in length and students are able to take as many courses per semester as they choose. All courses require field study components in students’ local areas. A practicum is also required where students work with a supervising administrator to gain practical experience. After completion of coursework, students must take the Florida Educational Leadership Examination.

Contact
Southeastern University
1000 Longfellow Blvd
Lakeland, Florida 33801
863-667-5000
admission@seu.edu
Website

Stetson University

Stetson University is a private, non-profit postsecondary institution of higher learning residing in DeLand, Florida. It was founded in 1883 and boats a long history of leadership, values, and importance. Today, it educates nearly 4,000 students from 43 states and 47 countries. It offers 73 academic programs through its four divisions. The university’s mission is to provide an exceptional education in a creative environment that blends learning and values to promote success for students in their lives and the world. The U.S. News & World Report ranks Stetson University number five in its Best Regional Universities in the South publication.

Master of Education Degree in Educational Leadership

The Master of Education in Educational Leadership features a constantly innovative and comprehensive curriculum that meets both state and national standards. It prepares individuals to become educational leaders that make a significant impact on the field. The program features flexible course times to meet the needs of working professionals. A total of 30 credits of graduate coursework are needed for completion of the program. Curriculum and instructional development, educational finance, legal aspects of school operations, instructional leadership and supervision, educational management, educational technology, cultural diversity education, and human resource development are among the required courses for the program. Students must also complete an internship in educational leadership to gain practical experience in the field. At the end of the program, students are required to pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination.

Contact
Stetson University
421 N Woodland Blvd
DeLand, Florida 32723
386-822-7100
admissions@stetson.edu
Website

In today’s constantly changing world, the field of education needs highly qualified leaders to promote the success of students of all ages. Since there are plentiful Educational Leadership Degrees in Florida (L-S), the state is a great choice for those aspiring to become leaders in the education field.

For more information on Education Leadership degree programs in Florida, please see:
Educational Leadership Degrees in Florida (A-J)
Educational Leadership Degrees in Florida (U)