Modified Educational Leadership
Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership
Stetson University's Modified Educational Leadership Program is a 20-credit Florida Principalship Certification pathway for educators who already hold a master's degree. The program is research and competency-based, built around Florida Principal Standards and FELE requirements. It includes a 180-hour school-site internship and is designed to fit alongside your full-time professional role.
Why Modified Educational Leadership at Stetson University?
This program emphasizes applying theory to practice and offers contemporary content that prepares you to pass the Florida Educational Leadership Examination. Unlike our master's degree in Educational Leadership, the Modified program requires a previously earned master's degree for eligibility. Tailored for educational professionals, this research and competency-based program is designed to accommodate your work and personal commitments. Even if you already hold a master's degree, you can still pursue an additional master's degree through our degree-seeking program.
The cohort model builds meaningful relationships with principals, administrators, and peers that extend well beyond the program. The 180-hour internship takes place at your own school site under the supervision of a school-based principal and Stetson faculty. The skills you develop are grounded in your actual environment, your actual students, and the FELE competencies you need to demonstrate for state certification.
Learn more about Stetson's graduate Education programs.
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“Stetson professors fueled my flame for advocating for underrepresented groups.”
— Madison Miller ’21 MEd
Career Outcomes
With a master's degree and principalship certification, you can earn higher salaries than those with only a bachelor's degree. Graduates often secure positions such as assistant principals, superintendents, deans, district-level administrators, state and federal leaders, academic coaches, and assessment coordinators.
In Stetson's Educational Leadership graduate program, you'll complete a 180-hour internship over three semesters at your school site. This hands-on experience includes coaching from experienced administrators and support from Stetson faculty. Under supervision, you'll perform administrative duties, bridging theory with real-world practice to meet Florida Principal Standards and FELE Competencies for state professional licensure or certification.
Meet the Faculty
As you begin your journey, you will work with some of our distinguished faculty and dedicated professionals who will provide you with personal attention and expert guidance to help you thrive academically and professionally.
- D. Elise Gruber, EdD, University of Florida
- Rajni Shankar-Brown, PhD, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Amy Smith, PhD, University of Colorado
- Debra Touchton, PhD, University of South Florida
- Dywayne Hinds, EdD, University of South Florida; Pinellas County Schools
- Pam Moore, MA, University of South Florida; Pinellas County Schools (retired)
- Drew Olson, EdD, University of South Florida
- Mickey Reynolds, EdD, University of Central Florida; Seminole County Schools
Frequently Asked Questions
Educators who already hold a master's degree and are seeking Florida Principalship Certification.
This program requires the completion of 20 credit hours. For the most current curriculum and degree requirements, please consult the academic catalog.
Yes. The program prepares you to pass the FELE and meet Florida Principal Standards for state certification.
180 hours at your own school site across three semesters, supervised by a principal and Stetson faculty.
Stetson's standard MEd in Educational Leadership is the appropriate pathway and does not require a prior master's degree.
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