Overview

The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida is designed to develop compassionate, equity-centred educators into transformative leaders for K–12 schools and diverse educational organisations. This programme focuses on the essential skills required to lead schools, support teaching staff, and significantly improve learning outcomes for all students.

Students can tailor their academic journey by choosing between two distinct concentrations: K–12 Public School Leadership or Curriculum Leadership. The curriculum is deeply rooted in ethical leadership, culturally responsive practices, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring graduates are prepared for the complexities of modern school environments.

The learning experience blends online and in-person coursework with authentic, field-based assignments.

Why Educational Leadership at the University of South Florida?

The University of South Florida offers a supportive cohort-based experience that provides extensive networking opportunities with experts and peers. The programme is distinguished by its alignment with UCEA standards and its focus on preparing leaders who can address the specific challenges of contemporary schooling.

Facilities and resources across the Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota-Manatee campuses support a practice-focused environment. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates instructional improvement with educational law and policy, backed by a university known for its commitment to research and community partnership building.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 16666 per year
National fee: USD 16666 per year
Local fee: USD 7840 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum provides a comprehensive foundation in school administration and instructional guidance. Modules may include:

Ethical Leadership
Culturally Responsive Practice
Instructional Improvement
Data-driven Decision-making
Curriculum Leadership
Organizational Change
Educational Law and Policy
School Improvement
Professional Development Design

Careers with Educational Leadership

Graduates are equipped for a variety of high-impact roles within the education sector. Those completing the K–12 Public School Leadership concentration are specifically prepared for Florida Level 1 Educational Leadership Certification, enabling them to pursue administrative positions in public institutions.

Potential career paths include:

Assistant Principal or Principal
District-level Leader or Specialist
Curriculum Leader or Instructional Coach
Teacher Leader or Department Chair
Professional Development Coordinator
Education-focused Nonprofit Leader
Education Program Coordinator

The programme ensures that graduates possess the dispositions needed to lead educational systems with excellence, whether in traditional school settings, district offices, or community-based educational organisations.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

School Curriculum Improvement

School Law

Principles & Practices of Educational Supervision

School Finance

Administrative Analysis and Change

The Principalship

Educational Leadership

Administrative Practicum

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

110

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TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Sarasota, United States
Saint Petersburg, United States
Tampa, United States

Disciplines

Educational Leadership View 619 other Masters in Educational Leadership in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

110

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

A bachelor’s degree with a “B” average or better and a previous graduate degree with a “B” average or better. In cases where an applicant has a bachelor’s and a graduate degree at the time of admission, the credentials and GPA of the graduate degree will be the determining factor for admission.
The equivalent bachelors and/or graduate degrees from a foreign institution. Bachelor’s degrees from institutions in the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) are considered equivalent based on the Bologna Accord. For applicants with a 3-year Bachelor’s Degree with less than 120 hours, from Non-Bologna Accord Institutions, a transcript evaluation from a NACES member is required to confirm equivalency.
Applicants from countries where English is not the official language, and who have not earned at least a bachelor’s degree in the U.S., must also demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Out-of-State

16666 USD / year

≈ 16666 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

7840 USD / year

≈ 7840 USD / year

Living costs

Sarasota

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Educational Leadership.

Available Scholarships

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On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Sarasota

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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