Education Policy and Leadership (MEd)

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Offered by the School of Education , the Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership provides teachers and other professionals with the knowledge and skills to transform schools and school systems. The Policy Studies program prepares teachers and other professional to serve as leaders in organizations - including federal and state education agencies, school districts, and nonprofits - that implement education policies and programs. In addition to leadership, policy, legal, economic, and research skills, the program emphasizes the data analysis and performance management skills needed to administer education programs and policies. Students in the program also participate in a consultancy project with an educational organization through which they can apply the knowledge and skills learned through their coursework.

Admission to the Program

Students must meet the minimum university requirements for graduate study for admission to the program. Up to 6 credit hours may be transferred from work completed at other institutions and approved by the program director at time of admission.

Degree Requirements

30 credit hours of approved graduate work
Capstone Experience: EDU-686 Proseminar in Education Policy and Leadership (3)

Course Requirements

Core (12 credit hours)

Policy Studies (18 credit hours)

Required

Electives

Complete 6 credit hours from the following, or other graduate-level coursework as approved by program advisor:

Online Education Policy and Leadership (MEd)

The online Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership provides teachers and other professionals with the knowledge and skills to transform schools and school systems. The Policy Studies track prepares teachers and other professionals to serve as leaders in organizations - including federal and state education agencies, school districts, and nonprofits - that implement education policies and programs. In addition to leadership, policy, legal, economic, and research skills, the track emphasizes the data analysis and performance management skills needed to administer education programs and policies. Admission requirements are the same as for the full-time program. Degree and course requirements are also the same as the full-time program. Courses are offered in the traditional fifteen-week semester. Students are expected to take two courses each semester and complete the program within a twenty-month period. Students must be accepted into the online program to enroll in online courses.

Combined Bachelor’s Degree and Education Policy and Leadership (MEd)

American University offers students the opportunity to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees through its combined bachelor’s/master’s programs. See Admission to a Combined Bachelor’s / Master’s Program and Combined Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees for more information.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for combined bachelor’s/master’s programs:

Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.00 or higher in major and minor courses
Students seeking the combined BA/MA option must complete both degrees on-campus