Graduate Education Programs within the College of Arts and Sciences

Stetson University's Graduate Education programs are designed to meet the needs of the twenty-first century schools and create exceptional educational leaders and classroom practitioners. We focus on teacher leaders who are vested in culturally-responsive schools; using research-based practices to enhance learning for all students, while progressively closing the academic achievement gap for diverse populations in our schools. Stetson's graduate programs are approved and accredited at the state and national levels.

Program Format

All of our graduate programs are research-based, "theory to practice" and competency-based, designed with a schedule that fits the work and personal needs of educational professionals. Candidates proceed through the coursework in cohorts, starting in the summer, fall and spring semesters depending on the program of study. Our programs encourage candidates to build meaningful relationships with their principals, administrators and their peers in each cohort. Alumni of our programs are empowered to become leader-scholars, reflective decision-makers who use research and validated models to enhance their knowledge, skills and professional and ethical dispositions involved in dynamic leadership for effective schools.

Program Offerings

Course Descriptions

Q: When are classes offered?
A: Depending on your program, we offer Saturday and evening classes.
 
Q: Where are the Academic Calendars posted?
A: Each Program has unique needs calling for their own Academic Calendar. You can find your program's calendar on the Registrar's website under the Calendar section on the navigation bar on the left side of the page.
 
Q: Are the programs taught face-to-face or online?
A: Depending on the program, we offer a blended face-to-face and online modality.  Further information is discussed during our Admissions Information Sessions.  To check out when those are offered, you may navigate to the Information Session page and select your program of interest.
 
Q: How do I update my Professional Teaching License after graduation?

A: After your degree has been conferred, and you've successfully passed all FELE subtests, you will complete a transcript request and send your transcripts to the Florida Department of Education. In addition to sending the state your transcripts, you'll also need to submit the Addition of Subject to Educator Professional Certificate application and fee. For additional information, please contact the Educator Certification Department directly at 800-445-6739.

 
Q:  How long will it take for me to graduate?
  • Educational Leadership - three semesters or one academic year/30 credit hours
  • Modified Educational Leadership (Certificate Program only) - two semesters/19 credit hours
  • Educational Specialist in Cirriculum and Instruction - generally takes three semesters or one academic year/30 credit hours
  • Exceptional Student Education - three semesters or one academic year/30 credit hours
  • Higher Education in Administration and Supervision - six semesters or two years/36 credit hours

Below you'll find a few scholarship and grant opportunities offered either by Stetson or the Department of Education.

1. Stetson Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Teacher-Scholar Grant for Incoming Students

Stetson University Graduate Education programs value equity, diversity, inclusion, and strong school-university partnerships. Although students of color represent more than 50 percent of the entire K-12 student population, educators (school administrators and teachers) continue to be significantly underrepresented in the U.S. education system, and disparities are particularly visible in the state of Florida. With increasing diversity in today's schools and the critical need for diverse representation in education, Stetson's Graduate Education programs seek to address this imbalance and help advance equity.

Research demonstrates that all students benefit from having highly-qualified, diverse educators. The Teacher-Scholar Grant provides financial assistance to diverse educators in our Educational Leadership, Modified Leadership, Exceptional Student Education, and Education Specialist graduate programs. This grant aims to strengthen graduate pathways by creating more opportunities for certification, graduate degree completion, professional skills development, and knowledge enrichment through Stetson University's graduate education programs.

Each award covers tuition for one three-credit-hour course for post-baccalaureate credit. A certificate will be sent to each award recipient and may be presented as tuition payment for the course; a total of eight grants are offered each academic year. Applicants must be entering their first term within one of the above-mentioned graduate education programs to be eligible. Additionally, they should be a currently practicing educator. School and/or self-nominations are accepted.

The Stetson Graduate Diversity and Inclusion Teacher-Scholar Grant is not transferable and must be used within the academic year it is awarded.

  • Fall awards:
    • Application deadline: July 1
  • Spring awards:
    • Application deadline: December 1
  • Summer awards:
    • Application deadline: May 1

Apply Now!

2. Teacher Education Assistance for College or Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

The Federal Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant provides up to $4,000 per year to students who plan to complete a degree program in pursuit of becoming a teacher. Conditions for receiving the grant include: teaching in a high-need field; at an elementary, secondary or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families; students must teach for at least four complete academic years within eight years of completing or ceasing enrollment in their degree program.

Steps to apply for the TEACH Grant:

  1. Complete a FAFSA
  2. Complete the Stetson TEACH Grant Application
  3. Complete the Agreement to Serve
  4. Complete the TEACH Grant Counseling

More Information

3.  Arts and Sciences In-Service Tuition Scholarship

Stetson University, College of Arts and Sciences, offers a 40% tuition scholarship for graduate-level and post-baccalaureate students enrolled in the Counselor Education and Education programs (excluding the MS Higher Education and Administration). Eligibility is determined at the time of admission. Requirements to qualify are:

  • Employed full-time at a nonprofit or a private school as a teacher, academic coach, school counselor, paraprofessional, dean, or leadership position within the school or district;
  • Employed full-time at a non-profit counseling center or rehab facility as an intake specialist, behavioral technician, or a position with direct patient contact and mentorship responsibilities;
  • Employed full-time as a clergy member under contract.

Proof of employment is required and will be requested by and submitted to the Office of Admissions.

Special Note: A student who believes they are now eligible for the In-Service Scholarship after being admitted to the program should contact the Office of Graduate Studies at [email protected] or 386-822-7037.

4. Federal Loan Forgiveness Program

Under the Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program, if you teach full-time for five complete and consecutive academic years in a low-income school or educational service agency, and meet other qualifications, you may be eligible for forgiveness of up to $17,500 on your Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans and your Subsidized and Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loans.

If you have a Direct Consolidation Loan or a Federal Consolidation Loan, you may be eligible for forgiveness of the outstanding portion of the consolidation loan that repaid an eligible Direct Subsidized Loan, Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Subsidized Federal Stafford Loan or Unsubsidized Federal Stafford Loan.

Deadline and Eligibility: See the Teacher Loan Forgiveness website.

Value: Up to $17,500

Every Stetson student must complete a graduation application at the beginning of their final semester.  There will be a graduation fee of $100.00 charged to your student account upon completion of your application. Please note, the graduation fee will be charged regardless of your participation in the commencement ceremony. Regalia orders are placed separately.

Note, Stetson does not automatically send your transcripts to the state, your district, employer, or your school of record. Students are responsible for sending their transcripts to these individual parties. You are encouraged to visit the Florida Department of Education webpage for information regarding updating your Educator Certificate. Please make sure the necessary language has been applied to your transcripts before completing your transcript request.

  • Apply to Graduate
  • Transcript Request: Note, Stetson does not automatically send your transcripts to the state, your district or your school. Students are responsible for sending their transcripts to these individual parties.
  • Information surrounding commencement can be found on the Commencement homepage