M.Ed. in Special Education
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville offers a Master of Education (M.E...
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership
Jacksonville, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, offers a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership through its Silverfield College of Education and Human Services. This program is specifically designed to cultivate effective educational leaders, preparing administrators and athletic directors for leadership positions in public, private, and charter schools. It is characterized by research-based studies of educational policy, instructional leadership, management skills, and effective school models. The program is flexible, with both hybrid and fully online options for its School Leadership track, allowing working professionals to advance their careers. It typically requires 30-33 credit hours, and students can choose between two concentrations: School Leadership and Athletic Administration, with the School Leadership track leading to Florida Educational Leadership Certification (Level 1).
Curriculum: The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at UNF offers two distinct concentrations, each designed to develop specific leadership competencies. The School Leadership track is a 30-credit hour program that provides the coursework necessary for Florida Educational Leadership Certification (Level 1), preparing graduates for roles as assistant principals or principals. Key topics covered include educational administration, instructional leadership, school law, finance, human resources, and data-driven decision-making. The Athletic Administration concentration is also a 30-credit hour program, tailored for individuals aspiring to leadership roles in collegiate or K-12 athletic departments. While the specific course list for Athletic Administration is not as readily available, it would integrate core leadership principles with the unique administrative and management challenges of sports programs. Students opting out of Florida certification may take 33 credit hours. The curriculum emphasizes a blend of theoretical understanding and practical application, often incorporating case studies and real-world scenarios.
Research Focus: The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at UNF is characterized by its research-based approach to developing effective leaders. The program incorporates studies of educational policy, instructional leadership, and effective school models, all of which are informed by current research in the field. While it is a professional degree rather than a purely academic one, students are expected to engage with and apply research to solve problems of practice. This includes understanding data-driven decision-making, evaluating instructional strategies based on evidence, and critically analyzing educational policies. Faculty members often bring a wealth of practical experience combined with academic research, ensuring that coursework is applicable to the evolving educational landscape and that graduates are prepared to contribute to evidence-based practice in their leadership roles.
Industry Engagement: The M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at UNF demonstrates strong industry engagement, primarily through its direct alignment with the needs of school districts and educational organizations. The program's focus on preparing students for Florida Educational Leadership Certification (Level 1) means its curriculum directly addresses the competencies required by the Florida Department of Education for public school leadership roles. For the School Leadership track, this often includes required field experience and practical, hands-on learning opportunities with mentoring and support from practicing school leaders. UNF also has well-established partnerships with local school districts, providing opportunities for students to apply their learning in real-world settings and build professional networks. The Athletic Administration concentration would similarly engage with athletic departments and sports organizations.
Global Perspective: While the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership at UNF is primarily focused on preparing leaders for the U.S. educational system, particularly in Florida, it implicitly incorporates a global perspective through its emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusive leadership. Educational leadership in the 21st century necessitates understanding and serving diverse student populations, which increasingly include individuals from various cultural, linguistic, and international backgrounds. The curriculum often addresses topics such as culturally responsive leadership, advocating for the needs of all students and communities, and fostering inclusive school cultures. While there may not be explicit courses on international education systems in all concentrations, the core principles of effective and ethical leadership for diverse learning environments align with global trends in education, preparing graduates to lead in an increasingly interconnected and multicultural world.
Location
Jacksonville, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 18803
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Florida (UNF) offers a variety of scholarships specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals while easing the financial burden of studying in the United States. These scholarships recognize outstanding academic achievements, leadership potential, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNF provides merit scholarships to international students based on their academic performance, standardized test scores, and extracurricular accomplishments. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are awarded automatically to eligible applicants during the admissions process.
International Student Scholarships: Special scholarships are reserved exclusively for international students. Examples include the International Freshman Scholarship and the International Transfer Scholarship, which reward high-achieving students with financial aid packages that may cover partial to full tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited for international students, some need-based financial aid options may be available through private organizations or partnerships coordinated by UNF’s financial aid office. International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship databases for additional funding opportunities.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain academic departments and colleges at UNF offer scholarships targeted to students enrolled in specific fields of study. International students can apply for these scholarships based on their major, research interests, or academic achievements within their discipline.
A Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership from the University of North Florida (UNF) is a strategically designed program for aspiring and current educators seeking to advance into administrative and leadership roles. Housed within the Silverfield College of Education and Human Services, this program offers two concentrations: School Leadership (leading to Florida Educational Leadership Certification Level 1) and Athletic Administration. Both tracks are rooted in research-based studies of educational policy, instructional leadership, and effective management, providing graduates with the skills and knowledge to drive positive change in various educational settings, from K-12 schools to collegiate athletic departments. The program's flexible online and hybrid options cater to working professionals, making career advancement accessible.
School Principal/Assistant Principal (K-12): This is a primary target role for the School Leadership concentration. Graduates oversee daily school operations, manage staff, develop curriculum, implement policies, handle budgets, and work with students, parents, and the community to create a positive learning environment.
Athletic Director (K-12 or Collegiate): For those specializing in Athletic Administration, this role involves overseeing all aspects of a school's or university's athletic programs, including budgeting, compliance, facilities management, coaching staff supervision, and fostering student-athlete development.
Curriculum Director/Instructional Coordinator: These professionals work at the school or district level to design, evaluate, and implement educational programs and curricula. They ensure alignment with academic standards, support teachers in implementing new instructional methods, and analyze data to improve learning outcomes.
District Administrator (e.g., Director of HR, Finance, Student Services): Graduates can advance to leadership positions within a school district's central office, managing specific departments like human resources, finance, student services, or academic affairs across multiple schools.
Program Director (Educational Non-Profit/Organization): Leads and manages educational programs for non-profit organizations, community initiatives, or educational advocacy groups, focusing on areas like youth development, literacy, or specific educational interventions.
Educational Consultant: Provides expert advice to schools, districts, and other educational organizations on areas such as strategic planning, curriculum development, teacher professional development, school improvement, or policy implementation.
Dean of Students/Faculty (Higher Education): In colleges and universities, these roles focus on student support, academic policies, faculty matters, and departmental oversight. An M.Ed. in Educational Leadership provides a strong foundation for administrative roles in higher education, though specific experience may also be required.
Instructional Designer (Corporate or Educational Tech): Applies educational theories and leadership principles to design and develop engaging learning experiences, whether for corporate training programs, e-learning platforms, or educational technology companies.
Special Education Director: Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of special education programs and services within a school district, ensuring compliance with regulations and providing support to students with diverse learning needs and the teachers who serve them.
Teacher Leader/Department Head: Experienced educators with an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership can take on formal or informal leadership roles within their schools, such as mentoring new teachers, leading professional development, coordinating subject-specific departments, or driving school improvement initiatives.
