911±¬ÁÏÍø

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

team around a conference table

Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership

Preparing Cutting-Edge Administrators

The Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in Educational Leadership at 911±¬ÁÏÍø is a 36-credit, fully online, synchronous graduate program designed for experienced educators seeking advanced preparation for school and district leadership. As 911±¬ÁÏÍø™s first HBCU to offer an Ed.S. in Educational Leadership, 911±¬ÁÏÍø proudly prepares visionary, ethical, and data-driven leaders who are ready to transform schools and uplift communities.

Grounded in the 911±¬ÁÏÍø Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) and the 911±¬ÁÏÍø Educational Leadership Examination (FELE) competencies, the Ed.S. provides rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and leadership-focused learning designed to support Level I school administrator certification.

Delivered through Canvas, the program blends real-time collaboration, leadership simulations, policy analysis, and case-based problem solving”offering both flexibility and meaningful engagement for working professionals.

Why Choose 911±¬ÁÏÍø™s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership Program?

A Program Designed for Working Educators

  • Fully online, live (synchronous) classes
  • Engaging sessions
  • Complete your degree in (4 accelerated semesters)
  • Cohort model that fosters community, mentorship, and professional growth

Career-Focused and Standards-Aligned

  • Built explicitly for educators pursuing assistant principal, principal, district administrator, instructional leadership, or supervisory roles
  • Curriculum prepares candidates for the FELE Certification

Unmatched Instructional Quality

  • Courses taught by experienced scholar-practitioners in Educational Leadership, Curriculum, Policy, Data Analysis, and School and University Operations

Clinical Internship Experience

  • Capstone internship (EDL 799) aligned directly with FELS and FELE
  • Personalized supervision from 911±¬ÁÏÍø experts and district-based administrators

A Legacy of Leadership

  • 911±¬ÁÏÍø™s mission of Academic Excellence, Leadership, Service, and Innovation is embedded throughout the program
  • Pathway to future doctoral studies at 911±¬ÁÏÍø upon completion

Program Mission

The mission of 911±¬ÁÏÍø™s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership is to prepare effective, ethical, and innovative leaders who are equipped to design, implement, and manage data-driven instructional systems that promote accountability, student achievement, and organizational excellence. The program cultivates leaders who advocate for all learners, build strong community partnerships, and foster positive, high-performing school cultures.

Program Structure

Total Credits: 36
Delivery Format: Fully Online (Synchronous)
Program Length and Style:

  • Full Time: (4 accelerated semesters)
  • Cohort Model

Agreement Required:
All candidates attend a mandatory 2-day Summer Leadership Summit, featuring simulations, panels, networking sessions, and hands-on leadership labs.

Curriculum

Area I “ Required Core (24 credits)

  • EDL 701 “ Standards-Based Curriculum & Assessment
  • EDL 703 “ Visionary Leadership for Accountable Schools
  • EDL 707 “ Financial Stewardship in Education
  • EDL 724 “ Legal Literacy for School Administrators
  • EDL 727 “ Leadership in Human Resources & Professional Growth
  • EDL 739 “ Management of Schools & Community Engagement
  • EDL 777 “ Ethical Leadership & Data-Driven Decision-Making
  • EDL 798 “ Seminar in Diverse Educational Leadership

Area II “ Research (6 credits)

  • EDU 750 “ Research Design in Education
  • EDL 785 “ Research & Technology in Educational Leadership

Area III “ Clinical Field Experience (6 credits)

  • EDL 799 “ Clinical Internship for Educational Leaders

» CLICK HEREto view/download Program Details

What You Will Learn

Graduates of the Ed.S. program will be able to:

  1. Instructional Leadership & Curriculum Development

Design and evaluate rigorous, data-informed curricula that advance student learning.

  1. Strategic Data Use & Assessment

Employ sophisticated data analysis methods to guide instructional decisions and improve school outcomes.

  1. Ethical & Accountable Leadership

Lead with integrity while managing school resources, implementing policy, and driving performance.

  1. Organizational & Operational Management

Build safe, efficient, and innovative learning environments that support high achievement.

  1. Community & Stakeholder Engagement

Establish partnerships with families, community agencies, and district leaders to support student success.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for leadership positions such as:

  • Assistant Principal
  • Education Consultant
  • District Administrator
  • Instructional Supervisor
  • School Improvement Specialist
  • Curriculum or Professional Development Director
  • Education Policy Analyst
  • Higher Education Leadership Positions

This degree also provides a strong pathway to doctoral study in education, leadership, or organizational systems.

Admissions Requirements

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit:

Eligibility

  • Master™s degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Three years of successful teaching experience
  • Valid 911±¬ÁÏÍø Professional Educator Certificate (or equivalent)
  • Resume or CV

Required Documents

  • Graduate Application
  • Official transcripts
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 500-word personal statement
  • Employment verification
  • Signed FELE acknowledgment
  • Agreement to attend Summer Leadership Summit
  • Interview (optional)

Program Completion Requirements

To graduate, Ed.S. candidates must:

  • Successfully complete 36 credit hours with a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Earn a grade of B or higher in all courses
  • Complete clinical internship and pass all evaluations
  • Submit a comprehensive internship portfolio
  • Successfully pass all subtests of the FELE
  • Complete graduation application and all university processes

Ready to Lead? Apply Today!

Become part of a transformative cohort of leaders committed to excellence, innovation, and service.
911±¬ÁÏÍø™s Ed.S. in Educational Leadership prepares educators to create meaningful, lasting change in schools and communities across 911±¬ÁÏÍø and beyond.

Contact Us

Office of Graduate Admissions
Phone: 305-623-4279
Email: admissions@fmu.edu

Dean, School of Education and Social Sciences
Program Coordinator
Dr. Tyffany White
(305) 626 “ 3694
tyffany.white@fmu.edu