Education Policy, MSEd
The M.S.Ed. in Education Policy equips students with the knowledge and methodological tools to understand, evaluate, and implement programs and policies that impact students and communities across the country and around the world. Our graduates go on to take leading roles in such organizations as school districts, federal and state departments of education, education policy research institutes, and education-related non-profit organizations.
For more information: https://www.gse.upenn.edu/ep/msed
Curriculum
M.S.Ed. students in Education Policy must complete 10 course units, in accordance with the curriculum outlined below, including the Education Policy Research Practicum (which fulfills the Comprehensive Examination requirement) and the Distribution Requirement. All degree candidates must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.
Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by completing the Education Policy Research Practicum. The Practicum serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review, integrate, and apply what they have learned over the course of their degree.
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Disciplinary Foundations Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Philosophical Aspects of Education Policy | ||
| School and Society in America | ||
| American Education Reform: History, Policy, Practice | ||
| Sociology of Education | ||
| Politics and Education | ||
| Economic Aspects of Educational Policy | ||
| Required Methods Course | ||
| EDUC 591 | Applied Research Methods to Inform Policy and Practice | 1 |
| Additional Methods Course | ||
| Select one of the following: | 1 | |
| Introductory Statistics for Educational Research | ||
| Introduction to Applied Quantitative Methods for Education Research: Pre-K to 20 (Recommended) | ||
A higher-level methods course as approved by your faculty advisor | ||
| Education Policy Courses | ||
| Select three of the following: | 3 | |
| Economics of Education in Developing Countries | ||
| Sociology of Education | ||
| Economic Aspects of Educational Policy | ||
| Child Development and Social Policy | ||
| Education Finance Policy | ||
| Education Policy Issues | ||
| Politics of School Reform | ||
| Schools as Organizations | ||
| Teachers and Teaching Policy | ||
| Risk, Resilience, and Prevention Science | ||
| Education Policy Research Practicum | ||
| EDUC 711 | Education Policy Research Practicum 1 | 1 |
| Distribution Requirement 2 | ||
| Elective Courses | ||
| Select 3 electives 3 | 3 | |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
Required Milestones:
Comprehensive Examination (or Portfolio or Thesis)
Master’s degree candidates must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the field of specialization by passing a comprehensive examination in their area of study. The examination/portfolio/thesis serves an educational and evaluative purpose through which students are expected to review and integrate what they have learned in their coursework and fieldwork. Comprehensive formats vary.
| 1 | Fulfills MSEd Comprehensive examination |
| 2 | Candidates for the M.S.Ed. degree must demonstrate knowledge of the field of education beyond the area of specialization. This requirement is met by satisfying the distribution requirement. To meet the distribution requirement, students must complete one approved graduate level (500 and above) GSE course outside the student’s area of specialization, earning a grade of “B” or better. Students should check with their program manager for a list of courses approved to fulfill the distribution requirement. |
| 3 | Elective courses may be taken at any school at Penn. Any of courses listed in #1, #3 and #4 can qualify as elective courses as long as they are not fulfilling other degree requirements. Courses must be at the 500 level or above and taken for a letter grade (no pass/fail). Students must consult their academic advisor before enrolling in any course outside of the GSE. |
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2020 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.