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Educational Policy, MA

Educational Policy, MA

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Educational Policy, MA

Curriculum, edute, foundation, philosophy, social, sociology, teachers college

Prepare yourself to bring people and ideas together to improve the performance of education systems. This program is for ambitious changemakers who want to be leaders in thought and action.

Program description
Degree awarded: MA  Educational Policy

The MA program in educational policy is suited for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of how to translate research to policy and practice, communicate and engage with stakeholders, and propose effective research-based policies. Students also develop fundamental skills in analyzing and interpreting educational data.

This program is designed as a cohort model. It provides a supportive environment for students to take a sequence of core courses with their peers and to learn from professors who are experts in their fields. The program also provides students with the flexibility to select elective courses and individualize their experience to suit their specific interests and aspirations.

In the culminating experience in the final semester, students design and execute an individual or group project that utilizes their new knowledge and applied research skills.

At a glance
Accelerated program options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Degree requirements

30 credit hours including the required applied project course (EPA 593)

Required Core (15 credit hours)
EPA 532 Becoming an Informed Consumer of Education Research (3)
EPA 555 Translating Research for Educational Change (3)
EPA 556 Data Analysis for Education Decision Makers (3)
EPA 559 Systematic Inquiry for Problem Solving (3)
EPA 565 Critical Topics in Education Policy (3)

Restricted Elective or Research (12 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
EPA 593 Applied Project (3)

Additional Curriculum Information
For electives or research, students should see the academic unit for the approved course list.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. three letters of recommendation
  4. personal statement
  5. resume
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

The letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can speak to the applicant's potential for success in a graduate program, and the personal statement should describe the applicant's interests and reason for seeking this degree.

GRE scores are not required for admission.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Career opportunities

Graduates are prepared to expand or pursue careers that involve the use and interpretation of data. This program is also suited for students who want to pursue doctoral degrees in education after graduation.

Examples of possible positions graduates might pursue include:

  • grants administrator
  • policy analyst
  • program and project manager
  • research and data analyst
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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