Master of Arts in Education Policy University of Pittsburgh School of Education

Become an education policy expert and gain the tools you need to work toward equitable change in society with the Master of Arts in Education Policy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education. Our 36-credit program is distinctive because of its focus 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.

Core and Affiliated Faculty

Our excellent faculty offer training in diverse expertise and perspectives that prepare students for careers in education policy. Core faculty, who advise students in our Ed Policy programs, are marked with an asterik.

• Eleanor Anderson*
• Joshua Bleiberg
• Shanynce Campbell
• Linda Deangelo
• Gina Garcia
• Mike Gunzenhauser*
• Sean Kelly*
• Mauren McClure*
• Darris Means
• Leigh Patel
• Jill Perry
• Maureen Porter*
• Najeeb Shafiq*
• Hayley Weddle*

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