The Project LEAD online specialist degree option is an advanced master’s, 30-credit degree designed to develop leadership, analytical, and reflective skills that will facilitate professional practice as well as success in National Board Certification. It is also appropriate for already National Board certified media specialists who want to enhance their leadership skills. The specialist degree is intended to develop increased expertise among people who already have some experience, rather than to introduce new professionals to the field. Completion of the specialist option also qualifies candidates for pay raises in some states.

Leadership – 12 credits

*LIS 5916 Information Leadership or EDA 5192 Educational Leadership (3 credits)

*LIS 5524 The Instructional Role of the Information Professional (3 credits)

LIS 5916 Leadership in Reading (3 credits)

LIS 5916 Leadership in Technology (3 credits)

*Students who have taken The Instructional Role of the Informational Professional or Information Leadership at the master’s level will complete a 1-credit independent study per course.

Independent Study – 6 credits

LIS 5916 (Main-Campus)/5900 (Distance) National Board Portfolio Development (for those pursuing National Board Certification)

LIS 5916 (Main-Campus)/5900 (Distance) Mentoring (for those who are already National Board Certified and who want to mentor other Project LEAD students)

LIS 5916 (Main-Campus)/5900 (Distance) Supervised Research (for those who are seeking other leadership options)

Recommended Electives – 12 credits

EDA 5542 Applied Data Analysis for Educational Leaders

EME 5601 Introduction to Instructional Systems (usually offered online in the spring)

EDF 5461 Introduction to Program Evaluation

EDF 6925 Instructional Materials Development

EDF 5445 Assessing Learning Outcomes

LIS 5566 Multicultural Literature and Information Resources for Youth

LIS 5567 International Literature for Youth

Students may select other electives from FSU offerings or elsewhere with permission of their specialist advisor.

Download the required applications

Specialist Degree College Application
University Graduate Program Application 
Project LEAD Essay Requirement