The policy concentration provides TC students from any Department and Program at Teachers College with a literacy in the educational policy making and implementation process. The concentration requires a total of 12 points of coursework. The courses may be taken in any sequence, although the Foundation courses provide a solid introduction to and broad overview of federal education policy in the U.S. and how it has shaped state and local policy. For Sociology and Education program students, this optional Policy Concentration overlaps with many of your degree requirements.
(1) Required courses
One course from each of the following three categories is required:
I. Foundational Studies in Education Policy
II. Policy Analysis
III. Program Evaluation
IV. Topics in Education and Social Policy
Choose one of the following more specialized policy-related courses to fulfill this fourth required section with the approval of your main advisor. Suggested courses are listed below.
Students interested in fulfilling the policy concentration should first talk to their academic advisors to see how the four courses fit into their program of studies. After they get an approval from their advisor, they should submit to Prof. Pallas their declaration of interest in the policy concentration, including the list of four courses they plan to take. Academic advisor's approval is required on the declaration.
Students from any TC Department or Degree Program who are interested in completing the Policy Concentration should contact Professor Aaron Pallas at pallas@tc.columbia.edu or Katherine Y. Chung at kc2610@tc.columbia.edu for any additional information.