University of Pittsburgh School of Education
Master of Arts in Education Policy
Pittsburgh, USA
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
About: The Master of Arts in Education Policy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education focuses on equity-driven policy analysis and system redesign. You'll study policy systems, implementation, social contexts, research methods, disciplinary study, and electives. The program is 36-credit. Students can add an Area of Concentration (ARCO), a 9-credit specialization in Comparative and International Education or Higher Education Policy at no extra cost.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work as evaluators in nonprofits and research firms, legislative staff, policy analysts in departments, coordinating bodies, districts, ministries, and intermediary organizations, and as research and policy analysts in higher education, and beyond.
Our Master of Arts in Education Policy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education focuses on equity-driven education policy analysis and transformation.
As a student, you will explore how the (re)design of educational systems can improve learning opportunities for students of all ages. You will also learn how policy and systems can be used to improve your own organizations.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education Policy is a 36-credit degree program that provides students with a foundational grounding in equity-driven education policy analysis. Core content areas include education policy systems and implementation, the social contexts of education, policy analysis methods, disciplinary study, and electives exploring specific policy topics and issues.
Choose a Specialization
To satisfy the elective requirement, students have the option of completing an Area of Concentration (ARCO) as part of the degree. An ARCO is a University of Pittsburgh credential that provides additional specialization within a specific discipline of education policy. The ARCO pathway is 9 credits and does not result in any added cost, time, or credit hours.
- Comparative and International Education ARCO
- Higher Education Policy ARCO
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Education Policy is a 36-credit degree program that provides students with a foundational grounding in equity-driven education policy analysis. Core content areas include education policy systems and implementation, the social contexts of education, policy analysis methods, disciplinary study, and electives exploring specific policy topics and issues. Our program is designed to accommodate part-time and full-time students. Full-time students can complete the program in as little as three semesters.
Flexible Curriculum
Students have the flexibility to choose courses that match their interests. Many options for customization exist within the curriculum and through the students’ choice between electives or the Area of Concentration (ARCO) option.
Specialization Options
To satisfy the elective requirement, students have the option of completing an Area of Concentration (ARCO) as part of the degree. An ARCO is a University of Pittsburgh credential that provides additional specialization within a specific discipline of education policy. The ARCO pathway is 9 credits and does not result in any added cost, time, or credit hours.
- Comparative and International Education ARCO
- Higher Education Education Policy ARCO
Curriculum Overview
Minimum of 36 credits required
- Policy Foundations (6 credits)
- Social Contexts of Education (3 credits)
- Psychological Perspectives on Education (3 credits)
- Methods Sequence (9 credits)
- Electives (9 credits) or optional Area of Concentration (9 credits)
- Capstone (6 credits)
Degree Requirements
- Completion of all coursework
- Literature-based policy brief that serves as a comprehensive exam
- Capstone experience through either an applied policy project or a thesis
Prerequisites
- Bachelor’s degree in any subject
- Interest in a career related to education policy and in exploring how policy can contribute to more just and equitable education systems
The program prepares students for many different opportunities for career advancement, including:
- Evaluators in nonprofits and in research firms
- Legislative staff at the municipal, state, or federal level
- Policy analysts in coordinating and/or governing bodies such as state departments of education, state higher education coordinating bodies, local school districts, ministries of education in other countries, and other intermediary organizations with a topical focus
- Research and policy analysts in higher education institutions
