Master of Education in Education Policy
Our main master’s degree is the M.A. The overwhelming majority of our non-doctoral students enter the Master of Arts degree program.
However, we offer the Master of Education (Ed.M.) for students who have already acquired an M.A. with at least some coursework with education policy content. The Ed.M. degree further develops students’ knowledge and skills by drawing on interdisciplinary policy studies, the social science disciplines of economics, law, politics, and sociology, and substantive content of policies and practice in early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, law and education, and data analysis and research methods. The 60-point degree program of study builds on the required M.A. course sequence with additional work in a policy area relevant to the student’s interests. Up to 30 points of eligible coursework from another graduate institution or program may be applied to the Ed.M. degree.
Student Profiles
Admissions Information
Master of Education
- Points/Credits: 60
- Entry Terms: Fall Only
Application Deadlines
- Spring: N/A
- Summer/Fall (Priority): January 15
- Summer/Fall (Final): April 15
Supplemental Application Requirements/Comments
- Online Degree Application, including Statement of Purpose and Resume
- Transcripts and/or Course-by-Course Evaluations for all Undergraduate/Graduate Coursework Completed
- Results from an accepted English Proficiency Exam (if applicable)
- $65 Application Fee
- Three (3) Letters of Recommendation, one (1) of which should be academic
Application Guidelines and Required Documents
The faculty members of the Education Policy Program collectively make admissions decisions for our Program. We are committed to a holistic review of applicants’ materials and to creating a diverse and inclusive entering class and learning environment. In the application materials, the Statement of Purpose is particularly important. We strongly recommend that applicants describe their intellectual and applied interests in education policy and why they believe our program is a good fit for them given their background, past experiences, and future plans. It is helpful to mention particular specialization areas they’re interested in and/or faculty members they would like to work with. Applicants are also encouraged to describe any personal circumstances that have impacted their prior education and their plans for the future. Regarding letters of recommendation, we ask for three letters, at least one (1) of which should be from a professor or another academic source who can speak to your academic background and strengths.
Requirements from the TC Catalog
The 60-point Ed.M. degree is intended for educators and non-educators seeking careers in education policy in either the private or public sector. This advanced master’s degree is appropriate for students who have already earned an M.A. with at least some coursework related to education policy. The program of study builds on the basic M.A. course sequence and draws on interdisciplinary policy studies, the social science disciplines of economics, history, law, politics, and sociology, courses with substantive content regarding policies and practice in early childhood, K-12, higher education, law and education, and courses in research design and data analysis methods. Students consult with their advisors to select additional courses in a policy area relevant to their interests. Up to 30 points of eligible coursework from another graduate institution or program may be applied to the Ed.M. degree.
Culminating Requirement:
Students will write a substantive essay on a topic in education policy of particular interest to them. The specific nature of the essay will be determined individually, and students will consult with their academic advisor to plan the essay. This is an opportunity to consolidate what students have learned in a topical area of particular interest to them, and it is also an opportunity for students to reflect on their development through the Education Policy program and their future interests and plans.