Master's in Education Policy Studies

Create Change on a Broader Scale

Leading students on a path to a brighter and more successful future through a positive impact in the classroom starts with education policy analysis and reform. Today’s education systems face a wide range of complex problems that pose daunting challenges for policymakers and researchers, including closing the achievement gap, increasing access to higher education for marginalized communities, the equity of school funding, and improving the quality of instruction.

These are just some of the most critical issues that faculty, students and alumni of our Education Policy Studies master’s program are working to solve. Join us to develop your skills in analyzing the political, social, and organizational environments affecting the education landscape. Learn to develop, analyze, implement, and evaluate policy options to tackle these key education problems.

Learn more about the role of education policy experts in shaping the future of education >

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Hands-On Analysis
Our interdisciplinary program goes beyond the textbook to provide engaging, hands-on research and analysis experiences in the design, implementation, advocacy, and impact of educational policies.

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Small + Diverse
Our students come together from around the world, bringing a wide range of professional experience and viewpoints that result in dynamic dialogue. The small class size ensures individualized learning and mentorship from faculty, as well as substantive engagement.

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Convenient Schedule
Courses are scheduled once a week in late afternoons and evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.

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Leading Faculty
Learn from nationally recognized researchers and practitioners with extensive experience leading research and professional organizations in education policy.

 

 

 

 

Our Location is Your Advantage

Uniquely situated in the heart of Washington, D.C.—with proximity and connections to several think tanks, policy organizations, federal agencies, and professional associations—students are provided unparalleled access to gain experience in the field through internship and career opportunities.

Tap into the rich GW scholarly community to hone your research skills, and benefit by examining education reform in the policymaking capital of the world.

 

 

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 Program at a Glance

Degree Awarded:

Master of Arts in Education and Human Development in the Field of Education Policy Studies

Department:

Educational Leadership

Course Delivery:

Main Campus

Program Entry:

Fall

Our Mission

We aim to provide program graduates with the necessary skills to carefully assess and analytically examine education problems in complex settings that interact with their broader social environments, at the international, national, state, and local levels.

Curriculum

Analytical skills are developed through curriculum and applied research experiences that include core policy analysis designs/approaches, techniques of applied research methods, and hands-on experience in analysis of contemporary education problems.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 36 credits, including 24 credits in required courses and 12 credits in elective courses.

  The flexibility to choose 1/3 of the courses as electives provides students with the opportunity to develop skills in a specific area of expertise and applied research.

 
Required:
EDUC 6114Introduction to Quantitative Research
or EDUC 6116Introduction to Educational Statistics
EDUC 6314History of American Education Reform
EDUC 6368Leadership and Education
EDUC 6371Education Policy
EDUC 6381Program Evaluation: Theory and Practice
EDUC 6388Analysis of Education Policy Issues
EDUC 8122Qualitative Research Methods
One of the following:
EDUC 6601International and Comparative Education
EDUC 6602Regional Studies in International Education
EDUC 6610Programs and Policies in International Education
EDUC 6650Education and National Development
Electives
12 credits in elective courses selected in consultation with the program advisor. 
Program Outcomes
program graduates and faculty in regalia pose for group photo at commencement
  • Students are exposed to multiple analytical perspectives in addressing various contemporary education problems such as urban schooling reform, student achievement, education funding and its equity implications, teacher quality and effectiveness, inequality and equal opportunity, access to higher education, and accountability in educational systems.
  • Graduates of the degree program develop skills to:
    • Evaluate contemporary education policies and programs, as well as their intended and unintended consequences
    • Conduct research in the field of education policy
    • Analyze the factors that shape policy decisions, such as political and social environments, and the link between research and policy decisions
    • Understand the policy process and the context in which policies mature
    • Develop policy options, analyze their potential, and select the most promising
    • Implement policies effectively and evaluate their impacts
    • Inform better practice
    • Advocate on behalf of policies
    • Analyze the implementation of policies and assess their impacts
    • Understand the technical, political, and managerial aspects of education policy
Example Research Questions

The following are examples of extensively analyzed education policy problems:

  • Do standards-based reforms like NCLB and ESSA reduce or exacerbate the achievement gap in school systems?
  • Do charter schools educate students better?
  • Should pre-schooling be universally provided and funded by governments?
  • Are teachers adequately paid?
  • Does reducing class size lead to better student outcomes?
  • Do affirmative action policies lead to better access and success in college?

To help them understand the complexities of such questions and seek answers to them, policymakers rely on a cadre of analysts who possess the necessary skills to systematically and carefully provide potential answers to such questions and assess the conditions in which the answers may differ so that decision-makers are best informed while constructing policies that often have lasting impacts.

GSEHD's Education Policy program prepares students to develop those skills and to attain positions at various policy organizations.

Supreme Court Building

Dual Degree Option: Juris Doctorate + Master's in Education Policy

Public policy is inherently linked with the legal community, leading law students and education students to seek a cross-disciplinary educational background. GSEHD has partnered with GW Law to address the cross-section of education policy and law issues and problems. Students who enroll full-time in the joint program should be able to complete both degrees in four years.

Learn more about the joint program >


 

 

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 Apply Now

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information.

Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD >

To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

Apply Now  Schedule Consultation with Admissions Counselor  

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

  • Prerequisite: Bachelor's Degree
  • Resume (Educational Attainment, Job Skills, Experiences)
  • Statement of Purpose: State your purpose in undertaking graduate study in Education Policy at GW (describe academic objectives, research interests, career plans- in relation to your qualifications, and accomplishments.
  • Two Letters of Recommendation from an academic instructor/advisor or someone who can speak to your academic capabilities.
  • Transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants.

View more details about requirements    

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Application TimelineFall
Priority DeadlineNov 1
Round 1 DeadlineDec 15
Round 2 DeadlineJan 15
Round 3 DeadlineMarch 1
Round 4 DeadlineMay 1

 

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at education@gwu.edu or 202-994-9283.

 

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 Tuition & Financial Aid

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about financing your education   

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the Master's in Education Policy Studies program is $1,905 per credit hour.

This program requires 36 credits.

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart    

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

 

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My program and time at GSEHD has impacted my goals by showing me the many options that exist for future career paths. One of my professors does consulting work for districts, and another does research on the history of policy reform - both careers that I had not previously considered or even been aware of, but that are interesting options for me to consider as I continue my education.

SAMANTHA KAPLAN (Current Student)
Master’s in Education Policy Studies

 

Samantha Kaplan

 

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 Career Outlook


Graduates assume positions at think tanks, non-profit national organizations, government agencies, and international organizations providing support and analysis for education-related decision-making. They are involved in developing, analyzing, implementing, and evaluating education policies.

Education Policy Career Opportunities
GSEHD faculty member speaks to auditorium class

For example, alumni of the program have assumed the following positions:

  • Director and Research Fellow, Fordham Foundation

  • Senior Policy Analyst, National Governors Association

  • Director and Principal Researcher, American Institutes for Research

  • Deputy Director, Learning First Alliance

  • Senior Policy Associate, Alliance for Excellent Education

  • Research Analyst, Institute for Public Research-CNA

  • Assistant Director, Institute for Education and Social Policy, New York University

  • Director of Development, Bellwether Education Partners

  • Vice President , After-School All-Stars

Potential Employment Settings
Tempietto in Kogan Plaza at dusk

In addition to the organizations above, graduates have assumed positions at various agencies providing support for education, including:

  • Congressional Research Services
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • U.S. Congress
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • The American Council on Education
  • The Aspen Institute
  • Annie E. Casey Foundation
  • Center on Education Policy
  • Council of Great City Schools
  • Council of Chief State School Officers
  • Maryland Department of Education
  • SRI International
  • The Urban Institute
  • USAID
  • Washington State Legislature
  • World Bank
  • Inter-American Development Bank

 

 

Education Policy Studies Faculty 

Dr. Michael Feuer headshot
Dr. Michael Feuer

Dean, Graduate School of Education and Human Development; Professor, Education Policy

(202) 994-6161
Dr. Joshua L. Glazer headshot
Dr. Joshua L. Glazer

Associate Professor, Education Policy

(202) 994-8724
Dr. Yas Nakib

Associate Professor, Education Policy

(202) 994-8816
Dr. Iris Rotberg headshot
Dr. Iris Rotberg

Research Professor, Education Policy

(202) 994-2735

 

Affiliated Faculty

Dr. James Williams headshot

Dr. James Williams

UNESCO Chair in International Education for Development; Program Director and Professor, International Education and International Affairs, GWU

Scott Joftus headshot

Dr. Scott Joftus

Adjunct Faculty of Education Policy, GWU; Co-Founder and President, FourPoint Education Partners

Close up of "America's Gate" entrance to GW campus

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There are also several other collaborating faculty and researchers at GW and the greater DC area who contribute to the program.
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