Skip to Main Content
Silverfield College of Education and Human Services
oneColumn

Educational Leadership, School Leadership Without FELE (M.Ed.)

The University of North Florida’s Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Leadership prepares aspiring professionals for impactful roles in schools and educational organizations. Designed for those who do not intend to pursue Florida certification, this non-FELE track offers flexibility to explore leadership in K-12, higher education or educational technology. With a blend of core leadership coursework and customizable electives, this program equips educators with the skills and experience to lead with confidence and purpose.

A principal talks with parents and students in her office.

Program at a Glance

  • Degree: Master of Education (M.Ed.)
  • Concentration: School Leadership without FELE
  • Credit Hours: 33
  • Location: UNF Campus, Online or Hybrid
  • Application Deadline: Fall Term - August 1; Spring Term - December 1; Summer Term - April 15
  • Related Programs: M.Ed. in School Leadership; M.Ed. in Athletic Administration

Apply Now!

Program Description

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Leadership is a flexible graduate program designed for experienced educators and professionals who want to advance their leadership skills without pursuing Florida certification. Whether you aspire to lead within K-12 schools, educational organizations, higher education or technology-enhanced learning environments, this program offers the preparation to help you reach your goals.

Grounded in leadership theory, organizational change and research-based best practices, the program emphasizes real-world application, equity-minded leadership and reflective practice. Core coursework covers topics such as instructional leadership, school operations and strategic planning. Students also complete nine credit hours of concentration electives, with the option to explore areas like higher education leadership or instructional technology for a personalized experience aligned with their professional aspirations.

With a 33-credit hour structure and flexible delivery options, this program supports the busy schedules of working educators. Students engage in meaningful discussion, applied projects and collaborative learning experiences that bridge theory with practice. The curriculum prepares students to address complex challenges in educational settings and lead with clarity, empathy and strategic insight.

Graduates of the program are equipped for leadership roles such as instructional coach, program coordinator, academic advisor or administrator in non-certification-required roles within K–12 schools, higher education and other learning organizations. Whether you're expanding your leadership in your current context or pursuing new opportunities, the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership—School Leadership concentration offers the tools, insight and support to help you lead with purpose.

CAEP accreditation program logo

Lead with Purpose. Grow with UNF.

Discover how UNF’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership empowers educators to take the next step in their careers. Whether you're leading in a school, district or educational organization, our program equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to make a lasting impact. Hear from current students and graduates as they share how the program has shaped their journey as leaders in education.

  • Course Catalog

    Explore the graduate courses that will strengthen your leadership skills and prepare you to make a meaningful impact in today’s schools and educational organizations. The course catalog outlines the required coursework for the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership – School Leadership concentration, including studies in instructional leadership, school operations, organizational change, and strategic decision-making. Each course is designed to deepen your understanding of effective leadership practices and equip you to support student success, lead collaborative teams, and navigate the challenges of educational leadership with confidence.

  • Year One

    FALL:

    • EDA 6061 Intro to Ed Leadership

    • EDF 6480 Foundations of Educational Research

    SPRING:

    • EDA 6196 Leadership and Learning Organizations

    • EDS 6050 Instructional Leadership

    SUMMER:

    • EDA 64XX Data Driven Decision Making in Educational Leadership

    • EDA 6215 Developing School/Community Resources

    • Option to take another course here for three courses

  • Year Two

    FALL:

    • EDS 6130 Human Resource Development

    • Another course chosen by student

    SPRING:

    • EDA 6945 Practicum in Educational Leadership

    • Another course chosen by student

Career Outlook

There is a growing need for education professionals with the leadership skills to drive improvement and innovation in schools and learning organizations. Graduates of the M.Ed. in Educational Leadership with a concentration in School Leadership are well-prepared for roles such as instructional coach, program coordinator, academic advisor or school-based administrator in positions that do not require Florida certification. Many also use this degree as a stepping stone to doctoral study or to advance in roles within higher education, educational nonprofits or district-level leadership, contributing to meaningful change across the educational landscape.

A principal stands outside of a high school.
  • University Requirements

    A baccalaureate degree from an accepted institutional accreditor, or its equivalent from a foreign institution, with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in all work attempted in the last 60 credit hours of undergraduate study.

    Application and Fee

    Prospective students are required to use our online system to create an account and submit an application. The application opens approximately one year in advance and is only good for the term and program in which it is submitted. Applicants who have submitted their application and wish to change their admission term or major/concentration may submit a new application and associated application fee. If you would like to cancel an open application, please contact us.

    A $30 (USD) application fee is required regardless of previous enrollment. The application fee is non-refundable and cannot be waived. Undergraduate application fees cannot be used for a graduate application, and vise versa. The application fee must be submitted prior to the review of an application.

    Current students who would like to add or change a major, concentration or certificate should submit the Change of Concentration or Major form.

    College Transcripts

    All applicants must provide transcripts from a U.S. institution accredited by an accepted institutional accreditor or its equivalent from a non-US institution that awarded the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree, if applicable, and transcripts from institutions where any post-baccalaureate and/or graduate credits were earned.

    All admits must provide official transcripts.

    All international transcripts will require a course-by-course evaluation by an approved third-party credential evaluation agency unless a graduate program has established an alternative credential evaluation procedure that is approved by the graduate school. To be accepted, the evaluation must be:

    1. Translated to English and be the U.S. equivalent
    2. Evaluated course-by-course
    3. Include the overall academic GPA
    4. Be from an approved third-party accredited evaluation service. Recommended evaluation agencies: 

    Important Notes

    • The UNF Graduate School cannot request transcripts on an applicants behalf.
    • Unofficial transcript copies are accepted for admissions but must clearly state the institution name, student name, course information, terms, grades, and credits. Degree audits are not accepted. Admitted students will be prompted to provide official transcripts. 
    • If currently enrolled in courses, an incomplete transcript must be submitted before the posted deadline. 
    • Applicants who also have to apply through systems such as ATCAS or PTCAS, must submit separate transcripts to UNF. 
    • Official transcripts must:
      • Must be less than one year old from the date of printing
      • Must be submitted in a sealed envelope from your institution, or emailed through official electronic means.
    • When requesting college transcripts, please verify with your institution(s) whether or not they are able to submit electronic transcripts in the proper EDI format. Institutions can submit transcripts via e-mail to graduateschool@unf.edu from an approved vendor such as ScriptSafe, Credentials, or Parchment. 
    • Former or current UNF students should not request UNF transcripts. After application submission, the UNF requirement will be updated to a "waived" status.

    Where do I send transcripts?

    Mail

    UNF Graduate School
    1 UNF Drive
    Jacksonville, FL 32224

    Email

    graduateschool@unf.edu

  • Program Requirements
    • Resume
    • Letter of intent 
      • Describe professional and career goals
      • Aspiration
    • Three letters of recommendation
      • Address applicant’s qualifications for success in graduate school
      • Must be on official letter head (if applicable) and have an original signature (electronic signatures are not acceptable)
    • A valid professional, not temporary, teaching certificate 

  • International Requirements

    Deadlines and Documents

    The program application deadlines below are for international students who are seeking F1/J1 visas. While these deadlines are not mandatory, we encourage students to complete their applications and submit all immigration documents at least two months prior to the regular program deadlines to ensure timely visa processing. For most programs, the international deadlines are:

    • Fall: June 1
    • Spring: October 1

    For programs with fall deadlines earlier than June 1 and spring deadlines earlier than October 1, the international deadlines are the same as the program deadlines. Please direct questions to the International Center.

    According to U.S. immigration regulations, immigration documents can only be issued for students who are fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program. F-1/J-1 students cannot pursue online degree programs, part-time enrollment, or certificate programs; please see the list of F-1 Non-Qualifying Degree Programs and contact the International Center for more information. This list is subject to change. 

    English Language Proficiency

    All international applicants, except those from an English-speaking country, are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency by meeting the indicators listed on the English Language Proficiency page.

    Affidavit of Financial Support and Bank Certification

    The Affidavit is a legal document which is signed by the sponsor (the person who will be providing the funds) stating the amount of funds that she/he will provide for the educational expenses of the student applicant and then certified by a bank official that the sponsor does have that amount of funds in their account. This form represents an obligation on the part of the sponsor to provide the required amount of funds as indicated on the form. Please review the Estimated Cost of Attendance for International Students to determine the amount of funds needed to be written on the Affidavit.

    All documentation and immigration inquiries should be sent to the UNF International Center.

    Immunization Documentation Form and Health Insurance

    All international students are required to submit proof of required vaccinations and health insurance. Please refer to the Office of Medical Compliance with any questions.

    *International students must be fully admitted to a full-time, on-campus, in-person, degree-seeking program at the University of North Florida. Please contact the International Center for more information. 

Program Contacts

headshot of Laura Boilini wearing glasses and a floral shirt

Dr. Laura Boilini
Clinical Associate Professor and Program Director

View Dr. Boilini's Bio

Email Dr. Boilini

Alyssa Elaskari Headshot

Alyssa Elaskari
Coordinator of Graduate Recruitment and Communications

Email Alyssa Elaskari

osprey bird logo

Resources

Explore valuable resources including program information sessions, leadership development through the Taylor Leadership Institute and support services offered by the Student Accessibility Center.
A UNF student on her computer smiling

Information Sessions

Join an upcoming M.Ed. information session to learn more about the program and its three specialized concentrations. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the program director, Dr. Laura Boilini.
Teressa Nichols holding a microphone and smiling among other panel presenters

Taylor Leadership Institute

The Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI) offers dynamic events and workshops designed to cultivate leadership skills, knowledge, and real-world application.
A college students smiles while studying in the library.

SAC

The Student Accessibility Center (SAC) promotes and facilitates partnership among UNF students with disabilities and the UNF community. Registration and services are voluntary, confidential and free of charge to all UNF students with documented disabilities.
A UNF student on her computer smiling

Information Sessions

Join an upcoming M.Ed. information session to learn more about the program and its three specialized concentrations. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the program director, Dr. Laura Boilini.
Teressa Nichols holding a microphone and smiling among other panel presenters

Taylor Leadership Institute

The Taylor Leadership Institute (TLI) offers dynamic events and workshops designed to cultivate leadership skills, knowledge, and real-world application.
A college students smiles while studying in the library.

SAC

The Student Accessibility Center (SAC) promotes and facilitates partnership among UNF students with disabilities and the UNF community. Registration and services are voluntary, confidential and free of charge to all UNF students with documented disabilities.