The road to positive change in education will always be paved by the individual who cares, but the path that road takes is largely dictated by education policy. If you want to be the change that you want to see, your decision to earn an online master’s degree in Education is an excellent step.
Originally published: December 2017
Last updated: March 2024
While earning your Master’s in Education Policy online, you will learn valuable skills that have the potential to change the course of education in the United States. You’ll take courses that touch on policy areas related to areas like school finance and program evaluation. As with navigating the tricky academic waters of an Educational Leadership graduate program, you’ll grapple with your responsibilities while learning models of leadership that incorporate diversity.
Similarly, if you have a Education Specialist background for principal and superintendent positions, you are poised for leading change. A Master’s in Education Policy focuses on analyzing education policy from the past and conducting research for policy change in the future.
If shaping education policy for positive change is your calling, here are the 10 Top Master’s in Education Policy online degrees that you should consider.
Table of Contents
- The 10 Best Online Masters in Education Policy Programs
- Boston University
- University of Texas at Arlington
- Seton Hall University
- Dakota Wesleyan University
- University of Louisville
- American University
- The University of Missouri
- Hofstra University
- SUNY at Albany
- University of Hawaii at Manoa
Related Rankings and Valuable Resources:
- Best Online Master’s in Educational Degree Programs
- Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration Degree Programs
- Most Affordable Online Master’s in Early Childhood Education
- Most Affordable Online Master’s in Educational Leadership Degrees
Methodology:
- Affordability (1/3): We considered the tuition and fees for in-state and out-of-state students of each program in combination with the available financial aid options, such as scholarships and grants.
- Flexibility (1/3): We considered the flexibility-enhancing features of each program, such as their learning format (i.e., synchronous or asynchronous classes), access to learning materials, transfer credits for graduate-level courses, prior learning, work and life experiences, and military credits. Many of these programs also offer self-paced or accelerated formats as well as personalized student support services.
- Academic Prestige (1/3): We considered the rankings and reviews made by prominent education-related organizations, such as The Princeton Review and the US News & World Report.
The Top 10 Online Masters in Education Policy Programs
1.) Boston University
Boston University offers a Master of Education (EdM) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with a concentration in Higher Education Administration. We selected it for its high academic quality and top value.
Students can choose between full-time and part-time enrollment. The program focuses on decision-making and strategic planning, as well as social justice perspectives.
You will learn about:
- Governance and decision-making through an examination of the historical and modern roles of faculty, trustees, and administration
- Best practices in strategic planning and implementation of programming related to educational and organizational leadership
All students will participate in research and examine current issues in higher education and administration, too. Students benefit from the asynchronous modules delivered in seven-week terms and thrive because of the personalized student support services.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Requirements: 36 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Tuition: $997 per credit plus student services fee and graduate program fee at $70 per semester
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Graduation Rate: 83%
- Retention Rate: 94%
PROS:
- Full-time students can choose between a graduate assistantship or an internship
- Professors possess excellent credentials and contribute diverse perspectives on education policy
- Financial aid is available
CON:
- High tuition and other costs
- A lack of a strong sense of school tradition and spirit
2.) University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Texas at Arlington offers a Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. We selected it for its affordable tuition rate and the convenient accelerated format.
Each accelerated course lasts for seven weeks, with the time-to-completion ranging between 12 and 14 months, depending on your admission date. The courses include:
- Curriculum Design
- Education Policy Research And Evaluation
- Leadership In The Instructional Setting
- Leadership Theory
- Diversity In Educational Settings
- Political And Legal Aspects Of Education
- The Principalship
- Resource Management In Education
- Administrative Leadership
Students must also complete approved administrative work as a culminating requirement. The intensive didactic coursework and hands-on training prepare students for success as assistant principals and entry-level school principals, among other leadership positions in K-12 schools.
- Location: Arlington, Texas
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online courses and hands-on training
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 24:1
- Tuition: As low as $11,000 with scholarships
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Graduation Rate: 31%
- Retention Rate: 74%
PROS:
- Prestigious AAQEP programmatic accreditation
- Fast time-to-completion suitable for working professionals
- Extensive preparation for the (PASL) 368 exam
CON:
- Accelerated coursework may be more challenging for some students
3.) Seton Hall University
Seton Hall University offers a Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management, and Policy program. We selected it for its high academic quality and value.
The comprehensive curriculum features courses in:
- Curriculum Development and Evaluation
- Finance in Administration
- Education Law
- Technology for Administrators
- Curriculum Design and Engineering
Completion of research courses is also required. Students without graduate-level research courses will be required to complete at least 42 credits for graduation purposes.
Students are required to undergo a series of non-graded leadership activities that will determine their knowledge and skills based on the current National Education Leadership (NELP) Standards. Their culminating requirement is a year-long administrative leadership experience in and out of their respective school districts. Students must also participate in two one-day in-person, on-campus residencies.
The online program features challenging coursework and other degree requirements that prepare them for success in leadership positions. Graduates are qualified for jobs as assistant principals and principals, district administrators, and department supervisors, among others.
- Location: South Orange, New Jersey
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online courses and in-person activities
- Requirements: 39 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
- Tuition: $1,465 per credit
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 66%
- Retention Rate: 83%
PROS:
- Designed for working professionals
- Two-year completion time
CONS:
- Residencies can be a challenge for out-of-state students
- Financial aid options may not be as wide-ranging as expected
4.) Dakota Wesleyan University
Dakota Wesleyan University offers a Master of Education in Educational Policy and Administration program. We selected it for its affordable tuition, high-quality academics, and accelerated format.
Students prepare for a wide range of leadership positions in PreK-12, K-12 and higher education institutions. These include school districts, government agencies, education policy research institutes, and more.
The accelerated format involves seven-week courses that allow students to develop relevant skills within a short period. The challenging didactic coursework includes:
- Public Policy in Education
- Educational Leadership
- Advanced Educational Psychology
- Education Law
- Statistical Analysis in Education
- Assessment, Planning, and Evaluation
- Legal and Ethical Issues in Education
Students can choose between completing a master’s thesis or passing a comprehensive exam as their capstone experience. Students can also choose between full-time enrollment with a 15-month completion time or part-time enrollment for more work-life balance.
- Location: Mitchell, South Dakota
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Requirements: 36 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
- Tuition: $400 per credit hour/total of $14,400
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Graduation Rate: 52%
- Retention Rate: 69%
PROS:
- Students start classes at their convenient time
- DWU graduates with a minimum of 3.0 undergraduate GPA are automatically accepted into the program
CON:
- No practicum requirements for hands-on learning (Although it can also be an advantage)
5.) University of Louisville
The University of Louisville offers a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration online program. We selected it for its flexible and convenient accelerated format and the quality of its academic programming.
The intensive curriculum features four distinct sets of courses:
- The practice core courses that establish the foundation of knowledge and skills in higher education administration, such as Program Development and Assessment in Higher Education, The Organization and Administration of Higher Educational Institutions, and Professional Project in Higher Education.
- The advanced core courses include Legal Issues in Postsecondary Education and Educational Resource Management in Postsecondary Education.
- The concentration elective courses allow students to choose between two specializations – Higher Education Administration and Sports Administration.
- The exit requirement course differs depending on your chosen concentration – either completion of the Organizational Improvement in Higher Education course or an internship in Sports Administration.
Note that the courses are offered in a condensed format that allows students to take one class at a time. The course duration varies – three-week, six-week, and eight-week courses are common.
- Location: Louisville, Kentucky
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
- Tuition: $791 per credit hour (Military discounts are available)
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Graduation Rate: 43%
- Retention Rate: 79%
PROS:
- No GRE scores required
- 24/7 access to learning materials
- Up to 6 transfer credits are allowed
- 24-month completion time for full-time students
CONS:
- Less resources for funding for out-of-state learners, according to some students
- Campus safety leaves room for improvement
6.) American University
The Master of Education (ME) in Education Policy & Leadership offered at American University is a reputable online program. We consider it a top-value option despite it being the most expensive program on our list.
As a student, you will have the opportunity to learn from DC-based policymakers and enjoy the benefits of a connected and supportive network. The curriculum is considered among the most challenging because of its emphasis on the program’s four pillars – System Change, Personal Leadership, Social Justice and Anti-Racism, and Policy and Research.
The courses include:
- Educational Leadership and Organizational Change
- Quantitative Research in Education
- Education and Public Policy
- Economic Inquiry in Education
- Education Law and Policy
In addition to the didactic courses, students must also complete a 3-hour capstone experience in their final semester.
- Location: Washington, DC
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 11:1
- Tuition: $57,540
- Accreditation: MSCHE
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 41%
- Graduation Rate: 74%
- Retention Rate: 87%
PROS:
- 20-month time-to-completion for full-time students
- Cohort learning means students benefit from collaborative peer learning
- Low faculty-to-student ratio
CONS:
- Accelerated format (i.e., two courses every semester) can be challenging for working professionals
- Outdated facilities are a concern among many students
7.) The University of Missouri
The University of Missouri offers a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with an emphasis in PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration program. The program also includes an elementary and secondary principal certification credential. We selected this program for its affordable tuition and high-quality academics.
Students who want to earn the master’s degree in 14 months must complete two or three classes every semester, including the summer terms. The curriculum features 27 credits of didactic courses and three credits of internship. The courses include:
- Introduction to Ethics and PK-12 Policymaking
- Learning Curriculum and Assessment for School Leaders
- Supervision of Learning Environments
- School Improvement
- Foundations of School Leadership
Note that the selective admissions criteria include at least a 3.0 GPA in the last 60 hours of your bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online courses plus internship
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 18:1
- Tuition: $535 per credit hour
- Accreditation: HLC
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Graduation Rate: 55%
- Retention Rate: 89%
PROS:
- No GRE scores are required for the application
- Affordable tuition fee at $535/credit and financial aid available
- Approachable and competent professors
CONS:
- The student body isn’t diverse enough
8.) Hofstra University
Hofstra University offers a Master of Science in Education in Higher Education Leadership and Policy Studies program. We selected this as one of our best education policy programs for its convenient online format and high-quality academic instruction. This is a great option for any individual who wants to gain insights into leadership in higher education.
The comprehensive curriculum consists of three areas:
- The 27-credit courses under the Leadership in Higher Education Settings category, such as Economics and Finance of Higher Education, Governance in Higher Education, and Student Affairs Leadership in Higher Education.
- The 6-credit electives where students can choose from exciting courses like Leading Change in Higher Education, Public Policy in Higher Education, and Organizational Theory and Decision Making.
- The 3-credit completion project serves as the culminating requirement.
Students must earn at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in their coursework to earn the master’s degree.
- Location: Hempstead, New York
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Fully online or on-campus or hybrid options
- Requirements: 36 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 13:1
- Tuition: $1,630 per credit hour
- Accreditation: MSCHE
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Graduation Rate: 59%
- Retention Rate: 82%
PROS:
- No particular bachelor’s degree is required for admission purposes
- Diverse student body (i.e., students consist of practicing education professionals, fresh college graduates, and non-education professionals)
- Internship opportunities are available
CONS:
- Meeting the GPA requirement for graduation can be challenging
9.) SUNY at Albany
SUNY at Albany offers a Master of Science in Educational Policy and Leadership program. We selected this education policy program for high-quality academics.
Graduates possess the professional competencies for leadership positions in K-12 and higher education settings and to pursue doctoral degrees. Students prepare for the challenges ahead through an intensive core coursework in:
- Introduction to Organizational Leadership
- Introduction to Social Analysis
- Quantitative Methods in Educational Leadership
Students also choose from three concentrations that allow them the opportunity for more specialized competencies in one of these areas:
- The Educational Policy concentration is suitable for aspiring professors, policymakers and advocates, and government leaders.
- The Global and Comparative Educational Policy concentration has produced education professionals working in foreign education ministries and international nonprofits.
- The School Leadership concentration prepares students for leadership roles in K-12 and higher education institutions.
The result is a comprehensive education based on the best principles and practices in educational policy and leadership.
- Location: Albany, New York
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Fully online
- Requirements: At least 36 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 17:1
- Tuition: $12,852 per academic year (in-state); $15,112 per academic year (out-of-state)
- Accreditation: MSCHE
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 68%
- Graduation Rate: 58%
- Retention Rate: 82%
PROS:
- Affordable tuition and fees combined with financial aid options
- Supplemental credentials, such as Community College Leadership CGS or Teacher Leadership CGS, are available with the master’s degree.
- Designed for working professionals
CON:
- The program doesn’t lead to School Building Leader (SBL) certification
10.) University of Hawaii at Manoa
The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Master of Education in Educational Foundations with an Emphasis on Global Perspectives on Educational Policy and Practice. We selected this education policy program because of the accelerated format and high-quality academics.
The unique curriculum focuses on the effects of globalization on educational policy and practice, as well as allows students in-depth explorations of the impact of globalization across an individual’s lifespan. The courses include:
- Introduction to Education Policy Studies
- Cultural Diversity in Education
- Approaches to Educational Inquiry – Policy Analysis
- Global Higher Education
- Foundations of Educational Theory
This online master’s degree culminates with a capstone project. Students earn a master’s degree in 20 months, on average.
- Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
- Program Website
- Delivery Format: Online
- Requirements: 30 credit hours
- Student-to-faculty ratio: 14:1
- Tuition: $650 per credit hour
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
School Stats:
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Graduation Rate: 37%
- Retention Rate: 80%
PROS:
- Affordable tuition and fees combined with financial aid options
- Intended for current education professionals
- Adds an international perspective to education policy
CON:
- It may not be the best option for students who want a guided college experience.
Sources:
- US News & World Report
- Niche.com
