BOSTON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
MA in Educational Policy Studies
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
12 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- Prepares students for research roles in think tanks, foundations, nonprofits, and government.Career Focus
- Balances research methods training with policy foundations, design, and implementation.Curriculum Balance
- Offers specialization tracks in K-12, Child & Family, and Higher Education Policy.Specialization Options
- Full-time completion in 12 months.Program Duration
- Encourages attendance at a free statistics workshop before the program begins.Preparatory Workshop
The Master of Arts in Educational Policy Studies program at Boston University equips students for careers in research and policy analysis. This program focuses on understanding the formation, implementation, and evaluation of educational policies at various levels (early childhood, K-12, and higher education). Students will develop skills in policy research, data analysis, and effective communication of research findings to diverse audiences. The curriculum combines core coursework in policy and research methods with guided electives, allowing for specialization in areas like K-12 policy, child and family policy, or higher education policy. Full-time students can complete the degree in one year, while a part-time option is available over two years.
Curriculum
The program requires 22 units of core coursework and 12 units of guided electives. Core coursework is divided into General Policy, Research Methods, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. Electives are chosen in consultation with an advisor and can be used to focus on specific policy areas.
- Year 1
- Public Policy for ResearchWED AP 635
- Child Policy OR Economics of Education Policy OR Educational PolicyWED AP 631 / WED AP 660 / WED AP 753
- Quantitative Research MethodsWED RS 653
- Introduction to Research OR Data as Evidence OR Qualitative Research Methods OR Causal Design in Education ResearchWED RS 600 / WED RS 615 / WED RS 652 / WED RS 753
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion CourseVarious
- Guided Elective CourseworkVarious
Careers
Graduates of the MA in Educational Policy Studies program are prepared for a range of roles in research and policy-focused organizations. The program emphasizes developing skills to analyze and influence educational policy.
- Research firm positions
- Think tank analyst
- Foundation program officer
- Nonprofit policy specialist
- Government research officer
Frequently asked questions
- What are the admission requirements for the MA in Educational Policy Studies program?
- Applicants must have a completed bachelor's degree. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework details are not provided, nor are English proficiency scores for TOEFL or IELTS.
- How long does the MA in Educational Policy Studies program take to complete?
- Full-time students can complete the MA in Educational Policy Studies program in one year. A part-time option is available over two years.
- What are the tuition fees for international students in this program?
- Specific tuition figures for the MA in Educational Policy Studies are not available on the provided pages. The School of Theology notes it has the lowest tuition cost of any graduate program at Boston University and offers generous financial aid to Master's students.
- What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MA in Educational Policy Studies?
- Graduates are prepared for roles in research and policy-focused organizations, such as research firms, think tanks, foundations, nonprofits, and government positions.
- Does the program offer any scholarships or financial aid for international students?
- The program mentions merit scholarships and general financial aid, which can provide partial tuition waivers. Awarding is based on academic excellence and satisfactory academic progress, but specific amounts are not detailed.
- What is the language of instruction for this program?
- The language of instruction is English. Specific English proficiency test score requirements are not provided.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's DegreeA completed bachelor's degree is required for admission. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework details are not provided.
TOEFLNot specified
IELTSNot specified
Boston University's School of Theology mentions financial aid policies for Master's students and PhD students, but specific admission requirements for the MA in Educational Policy Studies, including English proficiency scores, are not detailed on the provided pages.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition rates are not specified for this program.
Tuition (home)Tuition rates are not specified for this program.
LivingEstimated living costs are not provided.
The School of Theology notes it has the lowest tuition cost of any graduate program at Boston University and offers generous financial aid to Master's students. However, specific tuition figures for the MA in Educational Policy Studies are not available on the provided pages.
How to apply
1. Visit the Admissions PortalNavigate to the Boston University School of Theology admissions section to access the online application.
2. Complete the Application FormFill out all required sections of the online application.
3. Submit Required DocumentsUpload all necessary supporting documents, which typically include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and potentially a resume or CV. Specific requirements for this program should be verified on the university's admissions page.
4. Pay Application FeeSubmit the required application fee.
5. Await Admission DecisionAdmissions decisions are typically communicated after the application review period.
Scholarships
Merit ScholarshipsNot specified
General Financial AidNot specified
Accreditation
Not specified
Frequently asked questions
What are the admission requirements for the MA in Educational Policy Studies program?
+
Applicants must have a completed bachelor's degree. Specific GPA or prerequisite coursework details are not provided, nor are English proficiency scores for TOEFL or IELTS.
How long does the MA in Educational Policy Studies program take to complete?
+
Full-time students can complete the MA in Educational Policy Studies program in one year. A part-time option is available over two years.
What are the tuition fees for international students in this program?
+
Specific tuition figures for the MA in Educational Policy Studies are not available on the provided pages. The School of Theology notes it has the lowest tuition cost of any graduate program at Boston University and offers generous financial aid to Master's students.
What career paths can graduates pursue after completing the MA in Educational Policy Studies?
+
Graduates are prepared for roles in research and policy-focused organizations, such as research firms, think tanks, foundations, nonprofits, and government positions.
Does the program offer any scholarships or financial aid for international students?
+
The program mentions merit scholarships and general financial aid, which can provide partial tuition waivers. Awarding is based on academic excellence and satisfactory academic progress, but specific amounts are not detailed.
What is the language of instruction for this program?
+
The language of instruction is English. Specific English proficiency test score requirements are not provided.