Not Accepting Applications
To best meet the needs of our students, we have decided to suspend applications for admission to the MA in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy. We encourage you to explore our MA in Education Policy.
About This Degree
Change the future of education through leadership, politics, and advocacy. Explore the evolving landscape of educational politics and policy, and the vital role of organizations partnering with schools and communities locally, nationally, and globally. Develop the knowledge, skills, and critical perspectives to analyze and address complex educational challenges using data-driven and participatory methods, while effectively communicating and advocating for equity-driven change.
- Official title
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy
With the combination of course work and internship experience in our master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy, you’ll gain:
- The ability to critically analyze issues in educational leadership, policy, and advocacy through interdisciplinary and equity-centered lenses
- Skills to apply descriptive and participatory data analysis methods to real-world educational challenges
- Proficiency in communicating effectively with diverse audiences, stakeholders, and community partners
- Practical experience advocating for systemic, equity-driven change in schools and educational organizations
Each course you take examines multiple theoretical perspectives, themes of equity and social justice, a focus on the needs and experiences of low-income urban children and youth, and implications for leadership within and outside of educational settings. You'll study education advocacy, organization and leadership theory, the politics of education, participatory action research, and demographic analysis, and pursue additional study based on your chosen focus: leadership, politics, or advocacy.
Fieldwork and Internships
As part of your graduate studies, you will participate in an internship in community-based advocacy organizations, schools, or policy centers. Thirty-nine percent of our graduates’ internship placements resulted in a paid position within the organization.
Flexible Study
The curriculum offers flexibility in creating a program of study that you and your advisor can tailor to fit your professional goals and interests. You can choose to study full time or part time; full-time students can complete the degree in three semesters.
This degree prepares you for roles including:
- Program director
- Career and internship coordinator
- Manager of economic opportunity program
- Director of admissions and recruitment
- Development and communications director
- Program or data analyst
Our graduates work in and lead child and community advocacy organizations; policy and research centers; private, charter, and independent schools; nonprofits; and international NGOs. Others have gone on to pursue doctoral study.
Our graduates have directed programs in places such as Harlem Village Academies, several city and state Departments of Education including the NYC DOE, Annenberg Institute for School Reform, San Diego Youth Development Office, The Highlander Center, Brooklyn School for Music and Theater, Good Shepherd Services, Points of Light Foundation, Hunts Point Alliance for Children, Young Women’s Leadership Network, the After School Corporation, Year Up, and Posse Foundation.
Program Benefits for International Students
If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization.