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Curriculum

MA, Education Policy

How to Apply
MA, Education Policy

This interdisciplinary program bridges diverse subject areas to cultivate innovative, versatile policy leaders. Drawing on expertise from education, psychology, applied statistics, leadership, and public administration, the 30-credit curriculum provides a common foundation in policy, leadership, social and cultural studies, and research strategies. 

Core Course Sequence

Unique areas of study allow you to specialize in one of four distinct fields: Educational Leadership and Advocacy, Higher Education Policy, Human and Social Development, or Quantitative Policy Analysis. Alternatively, you can create an individualized area of study—such as early childhood or international education reform—under the guidance of a faculty advisor. The curriculum culminates in an internship or an applied research project tailored to your professional goals. This specialized structure ensures you develop the technical and leadership skills necessary to drive meaningful change in policy and practice across an evolving global landscape.

CourseTitleCredits
Foundations 
EDPLY-GE 2030Education and Social Policy3
EDLED-GE 2305Leadership for Educational Change3
EDLED-GE 2343Data, Inquiry, and Decision Making3
EDLED-GE 2355Educational Policy Analysis3
SOED-GE 2325Social and Cultural Studies in Education3
HPSE-GE 2088Research Approaches & Techniques3
Area of Study15
By advisement, students choose an area of study; they can select from one of the specific areas articulated below or create their own focus. 
Education Leadership and Advocacy 
EDLED-GE 2205
Advocacy and Education 
AMLT-GE 2053
Organizational Theory 
EDLED-GE 2342
Critical Multiculturalism in Schools: Theory and Practice 
RESCH-GE 2143Participatory Action Research3
Electives, by advisement
 
Higher Education Policy 
Complete three of the following four courses: 
HPSE-GE 2090
Foundations of Higher Education 
HPSE-GE 2011
How Colleges Work 
HPSE-GE 2135
The Politics of Higher Education 
HPSE-GE 2136
Higher Education Finance and Public Policy 
Electives, by advisement
 
Human and Social Development 
APSY-GE 2271
Survey of Developmental Psychology 
APSY-GE 2826
Intervention and Social Change 
APSTA-GE 2001
Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences I 
or APSTA-GE 2003
Interm Quantitative Methods: General Linear Model
Electives by advisement
 
Quantitative Policy Analysis 
Select 12 credits of concentration electives, by advisement 112
APSTA-GE 2110
Large Databases in Applied Research 
Choose Option 1 (6 credits) or Option 2 (3 credits): 
Option 1: 
APSTA-GE 2001
Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences I 
PADM-GP 2902
Statistical Methods II: Multiple Regression and Introduction to Econometrics 
Option 2: 
APSTA-GE 2003
Interm Quantitative Methods: General Linear Model 
Electives, by advisement
 
Individualized Area of Study 
Electives, by advisement 
Culminating Experience 
EDLED-GE 2160Internship: Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy3
or EDPLY-GE 2050Capstone:Applied Rsch in Education Policy
Total Credits30
Plan of Study Grid
1st Semester/TermCredits
EDLED-GE 2205Advocacy and Education3
RESCH-GE 2143Participatory Action Research3
AMLT-GE 2053Organizational Theory3
EDPLY-GE 2030Education and Social Policy3
SOED-GE 2325Social and Cultural Studies in Education3
Area of Study Course3
 Credits9
2nd Semester/Term
EDLED-GE 2355Educational Policy Analysis3
EDLED-GE 2343Data, Inquiry, and Decision Making3
EDLED-GE 2305Leadership for Educational Change3
HPSE-GE 2088Research Approaches & Techniques3
Area of Study Course3
 Credits9
3rd Semester/Term
EDLED-GE 2342Critical Multiculturalism in Schools: Theory and Practice3
Area of Study Course3
Area of Study Elective3
Area of Study Elective3
 Credits9
4th Semester/Term

EDLED-GE 2160
 

or EDPLY-GE 2050

Internship: Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy
 

or Capstone:Applied Rsch in Education Policy
3
EDLED-GE 2305Leadership for Educational Change3
Elective3
 Credits3
 Total Credits30

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