Why Earn Your Education Degree at Saint Leo University?
Accelerate your career with a Masters in Educational Leadership in a fully online program that blends the convenience of online learning with the relationships that you would expect to build in a face-to face program. In this program we prepare educators who want to become school, district or diocesan leaders. Our courses are based on the Florida Educational Leadership Standards (FELS) and the National Educational Leadership Preparation Standards (NELP) and we prepare you to pass the Florida Educational Leadership Exam or the Praxis School Leadership Licensure Assessment.
You will get to know your instructors and classmates through weekly, voluntary zoom sessions. Our small cadre of instructors have extensive leadership experience in leading schools, districts, and diocese and partner with your administrative team to ensure you have extensive leadership opportunities through fieldwork experiences at your school or work site.
This program is offered:
Online
The curriculum for the educational leadership degree is aligned with the national Professional Standards for Educational Leaders. Coursework in this program emphasizes three core areas of study: instructional leadership, school operations, and school leadership.
Est. Time to Complete:
8-18 Months
Credit Hours:
30 hours
Master's in Education: Educational Leadership Program Details
The Master's in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Educational Leadership prepares educators who hold a valid teaching certificate to lead an educational institution, emphasizing the core knowledge and skills required to fully participate in educational governance at the school, district, and community level.
Candidates must pass the required Florida educational leadership certification examination to gain eligibility for degree conferral for the Florida State approved program. Students in the multistate program will take the test in their respective state after degree conferral.
Learn More: View Our Information Session
Flexible Learning, Focused on Your Success
There are two versions of the educational leadership program. The State approved program is geared primarily for Florida educators who need to add educational leadership to their professional educators certificate. The multistate program is geared for those who:
- Work in schools that are either out of state or do not require certification
- Do not work in a K-12 organization.
While the courses taken are the same, alternative assignments are provided to address different organizational needs. You can take one class every 8 weeks and finish in 19 months or you can double up in terms and finish in as fast as 9 months. We customize your journey based upon your goals.
Online
Convenient Online Learning, Empowering Your Future
Saint Leo University provides flexible and convenient online programs designed for busy students. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world expertise. Students can access coursework anytime while balancing personal and professional commitments. Support services, career resources, and virtual engagement opportunities ensure a well-rounded online learning experience.
Discover Online Learning-
What are the benefits of earning your educational leadership degree online?
Saint Leo University’s online learning experience provides a well-rounded education with the flexibility to tailor your course of study to meet your individual needs. We know our students have lives outside school, and we seek to meet them where they are. Online students can count on receiving excellent academics as well as opportunities for hands-on learning.
-
Program Partnerships
At Saint Leo, we have fostered strong relationships with our partnership districts and dioceses. Our diocesan and district specific cohorts benefit from collaboration between the faculty and district or diocesan staff where guest speakers present in various courses on relevant topics and webinars are developed that highlight district and diocesan leadership. We have additional professional development modules in each course that focus on catholic school leadership and soon we will have professional development modules that focus on charter school leadership. Our goal is that by the time you finish our program, you are well versed in your district or diocesan policies and procedures and ready for your first day as a school administrator.
Career Outlook
No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.
-
![Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom]()
-
What skills you will learn?
- Ethical Leadership
- School Management, Operations and Safety
- Recruitment and Professional Learning
- Vision and Mission
- Building Leadership Expertise
- Learning Environment
- Student Learning and Continuous School Improvement
- AI implementation
How will you gain real experience?
Florida Certification
The state approved program meets Florida requirements for adding educational leadership to your professional certificate. Embedded preparatory sessions for the Florida Educational Leadership Exam are provided throughout the coursework.
Preparation for School Administrator Licensure or Certification
Coursework meets national standards for educational leadership set by the Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium
Field experience:
Those in the state approved program will be involved in over 120 hours of leadership opportunities in all of the areas identified by the Florida Educational Leadership Standards. Those in the multistate program will also be involved in fieldwork within their organization that promotes the leadership skills necessary to be successful where they work.
Innovative Instruction
Discover how to guide teachers in enhancing their instruction with best practices for teaching and learning. Learn more about AI innovations and how to ethically use it in leadership and instructional activities.
Co-curricular activities
Join Kappa Delta Pi, the International Honor Society for Educators.
What can you do with a master's in educational leadership degree?
Educational leadership degree programs prepare you to serve in leadership roles in primary and secondary schools, community colleges, universities, technical schools, governmental and adult schools. Some educational leaders put their skills to use in the business world, developing training programs for Fortune 500 companies.
What are the top educational leadership degree jobs?
| Career | Growth | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Education Administrator | 7% (As fast as average) | $93,830 per year |
| School Principal | 8% (As fast as average) | $98,490 per year |
| Postsecondary Administrator | 8% (As fast as average) | $97,500 per year |
From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.
Where are Saint Leo educational leadership graduates now?
Our students find success as certified teachers, principals and administrators in school districts throughout Florida and outside of the state, thanks to interstate agreements the Florida Department of Education negotiates. Graduates of our programs consistently receive recognition and awards including the coveted “Teacher of the Year” and “Administrator of the Year” awards in their districts.
News
- Congratulations to Lashakia Moore, 2017 graduation of Saint Leo's Educational Leadership program who is now Superintendent of Flagler School District! Learn About the Superintendent
- In January 2025, Saint Leo entered into a unique partnership with Hernando County Schools. The school district is providing full scholarships to 10 of their employees to earn their masters with Saint Leo. During that time, Saint Leo faculty have partnered with the leadership development office in the district so the students will be completing the district required aspiring leadership program concurrently with their masters level courses. The result is that we are able to reduce the time between when they start their masters to when they are eligible to be hired into an administrative position in the district. This also ensure that the content taught in all courses is geared to preparing future Hernando administrators. This is helping the district address the current need for administrators and build a healthier pool of prepared administrators to fill vacancies as they arise.This program will begin a second cohort with the same model in May 2026.
- In May 2025, Saint Leo entered into a partnership with the leadership development team in Hillsborough County School District to co-prepare a group of 18 employees from Hillsborough who will work on their masters and the district required Future Leaders Academy at the same time. This is an exciting pilot program that is geared to helping the district reduce the time between when an employee finishes their masters and when they can be accepted in the administrative pool and be eligible to apply for administrative positions.
Student Testimonials
My time at Saint Leo University changed the course of my career and shaped the educator I am today. The flexibility of scheduling and the mentors you gain with the professors is invaluable. Highly recommended to those seeking to grow in their love of education.
Alyssa De Jesus ,Assistant Principal, Masters of Educational Leadership
The Master’s in Educational Leadership program at Saint Leo University thoroughly prepared me for both certification exams and the realities of the job. The online program allowed me to continue working and advancing in my field while earning my degree. The coursework pushed me to think critically, apply research to real school settings, and build practical leadership skills that I use every day. The professors are amazing! They were personable, helpful, understanding, and genuinely invested in my success, which made a rigorous program both manageable and meaningful. I loved it so much that I came back for my EdD!
Tricia Taylor
Earning my master's in educational leadership at Saint Leo University was a transformative experience. The program not only gave me the tools to lead with confidence as an assistant principal, but it also taught me the importance of collaboration and relationship-building. Working closely with peers and professors helped me grow as a leader and build connections that continue to shape how I support my school community today.
Matthew Hayes, Wesley Chapel 12th grade Assistant Principal, Pasco County School District
The Master’s in Educational Leadership Program at Saint Leo is more than just a career path. It was an unforgettable experience for which I’m truly grateful. The professors create a learning environment that maximizes learning, with unwavering support to all students.
Jodi Slone, 2021 graduate, Assistant Director of Safe Schools, Hernando County School District
Accreditation
Saint Leo University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees.