Curriculum

You will learn how to analyze the formulation, implementation, and evaluation of education and other social policies.  The program emphasizes quantitative analyses, based on regression analyses, econometrics, and natural research designs such as regression discontinuity or differences in differences. The degree is 38 credits, completed full time in three semesters and culminating in a capstone.

Core Course Sequence 

The curriculum is based on a foundation of education policy, economics and sociology, with a sequence of three courses in quantitative analysis. You will learn how to use econometrics and large databases  to apply sociological and economics concepts to making education policies more equitable and efficient. You will learn theories of education policy along with how to use statistics in studying these policies.  You can focus on domestic or international educational issues such as K-12, higher education, or early childhood education, in addition to courses on race/ethnicity and other social issues.  You can emphasize quantitative methods by using electives to choose further courses.

Our curriculum combines statistical skills with knowledge of policy and practice in the fields of education and social policy. You will acquire the statistical, large data,  and data management skills needed to work with complex and specialized data to inform policy and practice in education research. Most required courses have been chosen from offerings at Steinhardt and the Robert W. Wagner School of Public Administration specifically for the program, to add skills in quantitative methods,  or education, or social policy.  Electives can be taken from around the university to meet the specific needs of your academic and professional goals. Our courses provide the knowledge and skills necessary to start your careers at think tanks and research centers, departments of education, or to pursue a PhD in policy or an educational field. Throughout your studies there are numerous opportunities to work closely with our faculty on actual research projects and program evaluations.

Specialization Sequence 

While the program does not offer specializations, you can choose to focus on domestic or international education or social policy, depending on your career goals.  The international education courses have been chosen in consultation with faculty in our International Education program to provide students with the foundations of international education, while the courses in domestic education policy are taught by faculty across the university. You can focus your electives on more quantitative methods,  K-12 education, higher education, early childhood education, race and equality, or statistical methods. 

Sample Elective Courses

Students have a minimum of three elective courses, which can be taken from the vast array of offerings across NYU.  Some popular elective include: 

• Contemporary Issues in International Education (3 credits)
• Institutions, Governance, and International Development (3 credits)
• Economics of Education and Finance (3 credits)
• Contemporary Politics and Policies of the K–12 Teacher Workforce (3 credits)
• The Politics of Higher Education (3 credits)
• Poverty, Inequality, and Policy (3 credits)
• Evaluating Programs and Policies (3 credits)
• Survey Research Methods (3 credits)
• Data-Driven Methods for Policy Evaluation (3 credits)

Culminating Experience

 The Capstone is EDSP’s culminating experience. It is taken during your third semester, if attending full-time.  Working in small groups, the purpose of this experience is to learn how to design and implement a well-specified, policy relevant empirical research project. You will gain skills in data management, conducting analyses, and documenting the research in a written form that will be understood by and useful for the intended audience. You will also present to their peers in the program and department at the end of the project.