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The Master of Arts in Educational Policy, offered by the Education Policy Studies and Practice Department in the College of Education, will provide students with an understanding of education policymaking history and process, and develop their skills to analyze data and inform policies. There are numerous opportunities for students who possess the background in education policy that range from Research and Evaluation Analysts in school districts to Directors of Research for policy centers in the state, as well as K-12 and university settings. The program will provide anyone interested in education policy with the necessary background to engage in the policymaking process: classroom teachers, school leaders, university personnel, community members, and those interested in continuing their studies in a doctoral program.
The program offers courses flexibly (e.g., evenings, online, hybrid) that will include research methods, critical topics in education policy, as well as the opportunity to take various elective courses that might include a focus on language policy, privatization and education reform, law, and/or public policy, among other areas of interest.
The 30-credit hour program prepares students to critically evaluate:
In your final semester, you will carry out a research project in consultation with your advisor or engage in a legislative internship to deepen the knowledge you have accumulated during your studies.
Educational Policy Studies and Practice
The Department of Educational Policy Studies and Practice (EPSP) includes Educational Leadership and the Center for the Study of Higher Education. The EPSP department combines the PK-12 focus with postsecondary education to create a P-20 perspective that taps into the dominant discourse of education and policymakers today.
EPSP prepares graduate students at the doctorate and master's levels. Graduate programs in HED include Ph.D. and M.A. degrees. Graduate programs in EDLP include an Ed.D., Ph.D., M.A. and M.Ed. The M.A. degree has a focus on policy. The M.Ed. degree is a standards-driven curriculum leading to both a degree and state certification for the principalship.
The Educational Leadership, M.Ed., program is designed for aspiring educational leaders who are seeking administrative certification. This cohort-based, 36-unit program can lead to principal certification in the state of Arizona and can be completed within two years. The cohort concept has been used successfully by the University of Arizona Educational Leadership Program for several years. In this model, students develop formal and informal relationships with other students that support their journey to successful completion of an advanced degree. It also provides a solid foundation for leaders considering doctoral work at the elementary and secondary levels. In fact, some of the core courses may be applied toward the doctoral program in educational leadership.
The traditional M.Ed. course sequence consists of two courses each fall semester and two courses each spring semester. There are also four courses offered in the summer of the first year of participation in the program. Courses are held in the evenings once per week and are generally offered on the university campus. Off-campus locations may also be utilized at times.
Courses in the program are delivered in a variety of formats, including completely online, hybrid (meaning a combination of in-person and online classes), and in-person. Core coursework of the program includes classes like EDL 560 (Foundations of Educational Leadership: Theory, Research & Practice), EDL 561 (The Principalship), and EDL 562 (Arizona Education Law).
Both the Center for the Study of Higher Education (HED) and Educational Leadership (EDL) maintain their core functions and curriculum, consistent with professional career paths and state standards for certification leading to licensure. However, the combined unit more broadly facilitates and encourages research, instructional, and service and outreach initiatives consistent with a policy development and analysis focus.
College of Education
Arizona Global Direct - Online
University of Arizona - Main - Tucson
Arizona Online - Online
Required test(s):
TOEFL or IELTS (international applicants only)
Minimum TOEFL: 79
Minimum IELTS: minimum composite score of 7, with no subject area below a 6
The University of Arizona institution code is 4832.
International applicants may be considered for conditional admission to this program at the department's discretion.
4832
30
Required Core (9 credit hours)
Applied Project (3 credit hours)
EDL 599 (3) Applied Project
Electives (18)
Students may take courses from the following list in consultation with their advisor:
None.
Please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook for students who are pursuing this program of study.
| Program-level Information | |
|---|---|
| Application Acceptance Rate | 100% |
| Med. Time-to-degree (years) | n/a |
| Department-level Information | |
| Enrollment Percent Male | 30% |
| Enrollment Percent Female | 70% |
| Enrollment Percent International | 0% |
| Enrollment Percent URM | 40% |