MA, Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy

Change the future of education with a career in leadership, politics, and advocacy. You will explore educational politics and policy and the burgeoning role of educational organizations working with schools and communities, both nationally and internationally; learn to lead cross-sector; create collaborative networks; and engage in research and policy analysis.

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Degree Details

Official Degree Title

Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy

Format

Full-time or Part-time

Credits

Start Date

Fall

Application Deadline

February 1

With the combination of course work and internship experience in our master’s degree in Educational Leadership, Politics, and Advocacy, you’ll gain:

The skills to critically analyze and act effectively on issues of leadership and policy
Competencies to lead cross-sector
The ability to employ multiple approaches to inquiry, research, and analysis
Enhanced knowledge in your area of focus

Work to Achieve Social and Educational Equity

If you are an educator or have some experience working with children and youth or community-based organizations, this degree will prepare you to lead in educational nonprofits, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and advocacy organizations.

This program does not lead to New York State certification as a school building leader (assistant principal or principal). If you are interested in obtaining state certification through a master’s degree, see our MA in Educational Leadership: School Building Leader.

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.