Back to Nova Southeastern University
Lead your school community to success with an M.S. in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Through field experience, one-on-one faculty mentorships, and a research-based curriculum, gain the skills and strategies to prioritize learning, promote equity, and maintain a safe and positive school environment.
Complete your coursework around your busy schedule with a flexible, online learning experience. Learn at whatever pace works best for you—accelerate your coursework and finish the course early or slow down when you come across a challenging subject.
The M.S. in Educational Leadership has earned National Recognition by the National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) Specialized Professional Association (SPA). SPAs are professional organizations that define content area standards for programs and by awarding this recognition, NELP has determined that the M.S. in Educational Leadership program has met its rigorous standards and expectations.
Obtaining my master's degree from Nova Southeastern University was a game changer. It opened the door to numerous leadership opportunities for me, and I was more than prepared to pursue them. The instructors have first-hand knowledge of the challenges we face in public education in Florida.
Dr. Mark J. Rendell '96 | M.S. Educational Leadership | Superintendent of Brevard County Public Schools
Quick Facts
Choose Your Path
Customize your learning experience for your desired career path with two different concentration tracks. Both concentrations prepare you for careers in administration and management within educational and nonprofit sectors.
Master’s Degree + Certification
Earn both your graduate degree and Florida state–approved Pre-K–12 leadership certification
- Gain the skills and experience needed for administrative positions in public and nonpublic schools and school systems
- Prepare to sit for your certification exam with courses and classroom experience that aligns with its requirements
Master’s Degree Only
Earn your graduate degree and grow as a leader
- Gain the knowledge and experience needed to prepare for a role in management or administration
- Develop your skills in leadership, management and supervision, and budgeting within the context of curriculum and instruction
Why Choose This Program?
Cutting-Edge Curriculum
Develop your leadership skills and diversify your understanding of the educational landscape with a research-based curriculum that prepares you with best practices and hands-on experiences. Learn how to employ educational strategies through courses like “Leadership for Equitable Schools” and “Assessment & Strategic Decision Making.” Then, put your knowledge into action through field experience and internships.
Degree + Certificate
Core Courses (30 credits)
Credits
- Passing scores on all sections of the Florida Educational Leadership Examination (FELE)
- Successful completion of the administrative internship, including the portfolio
- ESOL: All candidates must provide evidence that this requirement has been satisfied
- Candidates who have not met their ESOL/ELL requirement of sixty (60) hours of ESOL district in-service points must show evidence of three (3) credit hours in a Florida DOE–approved survey type ESOL course prior to program completion.
The certification path is a state-approved program in Florida. Course content is research-based and infuses best practices in education while aligning directly with the Florida Department of Education’s program certification requirements.
Florida participates in the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate (NASDTEC) Agreement facilitating mobility of Educational Personnel with over 50 other states and jurisdictions for teacher certification and/or licensure. Graduates who wish to teach outside the state of Florida must contact their state's department of education for information for attaining certification/licensure through reciprocity.
National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification Interstate Agreement: www.nasdtec.net/page/Interstate
Degree Only
Core Courses (15 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (Choose 15 credits)
Credits
Field Experiences and Administrative Internship
Go from being a student to a leader in action with classroom experiences and internship courses that are built into your education.
Observe, interview, and work with an assigned administrator as part of your internship for a minimum of 300 contact hours and learn what it takes to be an ethical, thoughtful, and practice-oriented educational leader.
Engage in Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and put your knowledge to the test through your field project by solving an educational challenge with an assessment-based solution. Then present your findings to your peers, faculty, and district leaders during a weeklong summer symposium.
Admission Requirements
Ready for the Next Step?
We’re thrilled you’re applying to NSU for a graduate degree in Educational Leadership.
This program is available to practicing prekindergarten through 12th-grade teachers who wish to obtain graduate degrees and enter the field of educational leadership.
It’s also available to those with a bachelor's degree and a valid professional teaching certificate who wish to obtain a graduate degree and/or add a certification area in educational leadership.
Applications for admission are accepted online and on a rolling basis for all graduate programs throughout the calendar year.
Have the following items ready to submit with your online application:
Degree + Certificate Requirements
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 3.0
- Current Professional Educator’s Certificate
- Supervisor Recommendation Form from the applicant’s school or district demonstrating the applicant’s leadership potential and skills
- Two most recent performance evaluations
- $50 (USD) nonrefundable application fee
Degree-Only Requirements
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- $50 (USD) nonrefundable application fee
