The Education Policy Specialization
The education policy specialization prepares leaders with the vision, knowledge and skills necessary for advancing education policymaking at the local, state, national and international levels.

The program focuses on:

• the social, political and economic contexts that influence education
  
• policy development, analysis and implementation
  
• the research and evaluation methods that are used to inform policy
  
• a substantive area of expertise chosen by each student

The EdD degree typically requires 42-45 credits of coursework plus a minimum of 12 credits of dissertation research.

An interdisciplinary approach helps students understand the conditions of current education systems and alternatives for improving them. The program allows the student to concentrate on key policy issues at the elementary, secondary or higher education levels, and examine these in the context of local, state, federal or international education policymaking. Upon approval, students may take courses offered by other schools in the University or several other Washington-area universities. The doctoral degree culminates in the writing of a scholarly dissertation that contributes to the body of knowledge in the student’s area of emphasis. This is undertaken with considerable guidance from the faculty.

The University’s Washington, DC location provides unparalleled opportunities for internships, attendance at policy conferences and meetings, and contacts with key policymakers and education leaders. Students gain experience in formulating policies, implementing education reforms, and conducting research and evaluation designed to improve education policies and programs.

The education policy specialization is part of the educational administration and policy studies doctoral program, which prepares leaders to advance knowledge and practice for the purposes of promoting excellence, equity and efficiency in education. Analysts, researchers and practitioners who aspire to improve educational systems will develop their leadership skills through an interdisciplinary field of study.

Students
Students come from the Washington, DC area, across the country and around the world, bringing a wide range of professional experience, skills and contacts. Many students work full-time in national and international organizations while undertaking their studies. To accommodate working students, classes meet once a week for two hours in the late afternoon or evening. Most of the course materials are posted on the Web, and all faculty members are available by e-mail.

Alumni
Graduates of the program assume professional leadership positions in federal agencies, advocacy organizations, research organizations and state education agencies where they are involved in policy analysis, program planning and implementation, research and evaluation. Graduates are employed by a broad spectrum of organizations including the U.S. Congress, Council of Chief State School Officers, the American Institute of Research (AIR), The Urban Institute, the U.S. Department of Education, the American Federation of Teachers, Maryland and Virginia State Departments of Education, and education ministries of other nations.

Policy Institutes
GSEHD’s Institute for Education Studies and the GW Institute of Public Policy engage in research, development and technical assistance. These institutes, and others on campus, provide unique opportunities to enhance the educational experience of students and serve as sources of employment for some students.

The Faculty
The nationally-recognized faculty have extensive professional experience working in key policy and research organizations including the U.S. Congress, U.S. Department of Education, American Council on Education, National Science Foundation, and National Education Association.