A master's program that prepares you for a career in education policy research, evaluation, and analysis.
Preparing future leaders to drive change in education policy and reform.
The M.S.Ed. in Education Policy offers comprehensive coursework and research training in the study of education, reform, and policy for individuals interested in careers in school districts, state and federal departments of education, education policy research institutes, and education-related non-profit organizations.
Rolling Application Deadline
Fall Entry Term
Full or Part-Time Enrollment Format
10 Courses
11 Months Duration (Full-Time)
On Campus Modality
The M.S.Ed. in Education Policy equips students with research expertise across various inquiry methods, allowing them to explore education at all levels, from pre-K through higher education. The program takes a multi-disciplinary approach, examining educational challenges through lenses such as economics, history, public policy, philosophy, and sociology. By focusing on issues at local, state, national, and international levels, students are prepared to tackle the pressing problems facing education policy and reform.
Students must complete the Education Policy Research Practicum during the Spring semester in order to complete the degree.
Application Requirements and Deadlines Tuition and Fees Financial Aid
Jill McLaughlin, M.S.Ed., GED'19
Jill McLaughlin, M.S.Ed., GED'19
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm | Location: Online
The Education Policy, M.S.Ed. program consists of 10 course units along with the successful completion of the Education Policy Research Practicum. As part of these 10 courses, you select 2 electives that allow you to tailor the program of study towards your own specific interests and goals.
For information about courses and requirements, visit the Education Policy, M.S.Ed. program in the University Catalog.
The Education Policy, M.S.Ed. program also offers the following dual-degree options:
We are here to help! Contact the Program Manager, Nakia Gard, edpolicy@gse.upenn.edu.
Education policymakers and practitioners increasingly rely on research to inform federal, state, and local decision-making. With the widespread availability of educational data, there is a growing need for the timely generation of research evidence to support the ongoing work of policymakers and practitioners. The Education Policy Research Practicum is designed to develop an understanding of how educational researchers partner with educational leaders to impact policy.
Through the Practicum, you'll develop valuable skills to partners in policy and practice like empirical analyses, creating policy reports, and delivering presentations. Through the development of these skills, you will be positioned to complete the Practicum with immediate and actionable guidance around how research can inform program implementation, schooling practice, and other key educational issues.
The Practicum offers flexible formats to fit your interests and career goals, including focusing on case study style learning, engaging in the classroom through a large swath of real-world examples and analysis, working in teams and partner with a local school district, or engaging in real-time research to prepare for Ph.D. studies. Each option is designed to teach critical skills tailored to your needs.
In addition to the Education Policy Research Practicum and program coursework, many master’s students pursue extra opportunities to build applied research and policy analysis skills. Each year, a number of students collaborate with faculty or research centers at Penn GSE, such as the Consortium for Policy Research in Education, the Center for Standards, Alignment, Instruction and Learning, and the Institute for Research on Higher Education.
Other students gain valuable experience through off-campus internships and research roles. Recent students have worked with organizations like the School District of Philadelphia, the Mayor's Office for Education, the Philadelphia Education Fund, Research for Action, and KIPP.
2 courses in the Summer 2 Semester Penn Law, Fels Institute of Government, and the Wharton School
4 courses in the Fall Semester
4 courses in the Spring Semester
5 courses in the Fall Semester
5 courses in the Spring Semester
Graduates go on to take leading roles in school districts, federal and state education departments, education policy research institutes, and education-related non-profit organizations. Many continue their studies in prestigious doctoral programs.
A graduate degree from Penn GSE opens up whole new worlds, intellectually as well as professionally. If you are a passionate, innovative, impactful leader—or aspire to be one—Penn GSE is the place for you.
Do you have questions about the application, financial aid, or requirements? We're happy to help!
On May 17, in the Palestra, Penn GSE commemorated the achievements of the roughly 600 master’s and doctoral graduates at this year’s Commencement ceremony.
The McGraw Center for Educational Leadership hosted Obama’s education secretary for public conversation with Dean Katharine Strunk.
A new study from Penn GSE’s Center for Benefit–Cost Studies of Education puts numbers on California's educational challenges.
Weaver examines the broad implications of the evolving role of college athletics and the coming impacts to institutions and students.
This award will support the assistant professor in Penn GSE’s Policy, Organizations, and Leadership division in a five-year research plan on institutional responses to truancy.
In a San Francisco public radio story, Quinn discusses how desegregation-era policies triggered lasting enrollment shifts and funding challenges in San Francisco’s public schools.
From first-time presenters to seasoned scholars, the Penn GSE community showed up big at AERA 2025 with fresh ideas and powerful conversations.
Penn GSE students explored policy, shared research, and burnished their professional development at the recent Comparative and International Education Society conference in Chicago.
Penn GSE alumni from across the academic spectrum have advised politicians, worked in the White House and the statehouse, and spurred change in our nation’s schools and universities thanks to their evidence-backed expertise in education policy.
