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Make an Impact as a Leader in Education
Advance your career with Nova Southeastern University's fully online Master of Science in Educational Leadership. Designed for educators, administrators, and professionals seeking leadership roles, this flexible non-certification degree builds the knowledge and skills to lead programs, manage teams, improve organizations, and support student success across diverse educational settings. With no GRE requirement, 8-week courses, workplace-based field experiences, and completion in as little as one year, NSU makes earning your degree accessible for working professionals.
Through a research-based curriculum, applied experiences, and faculty mentorship, you will develop expertise in instructional leadership, policy, organizational management, strategic planning, school improvement, and data-informed decision-making. Graduates are prepared to address complex challenges, improve effectiveness, and lead initiatives that enhance learning environments and outcomes.
This fully online program allows working professionals to balance graduate study with their careers while applying leadership skills immediately. Graduates are equipped for leadership roles across school districts, higher education, nonprofits, corporate learning environments, and educational agencies.
Demand for skilled educational leaders remains strong as organizations seek professionals who can guide teams, manage change, and improve performance. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20,800 openings for elementary, middle, and high school principals are projected each year through 2034, largely due to workforce turnover and retirements. Educational organizations continue to value leaders with strong communication, management, strategic planning, and organizational leadership skills.
Whether your goal is career advancement or expanded leadership responsibilities, NSU’s online Master of Science in Educational Leadership provides the flexibility, preparation, and expertise to help you succeed. The program does not lead to certification.
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
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.
M.S. in Educational Leadership Curriculum
Core Courses (15 credits)
Credits
Elective Courses (Choose 15 credits)
Credits
Student Acknowledgment Notice for the M.S. In Educational Leadership(PDF)
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.
Enrollment in the internship coursework requires prior approval.
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:
- Transcripts from all schools attended
- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Cumulative GPA of 2.5
- $50 (USD) nonrefundable application fee
