Education Policy Studies
WHERE
PURPOSE
MEETS
Policy
Disrupt inequality.
Rewrite the rules of education.
Earn an advanced degree in Education Policy Studies
Do you envision a world where every student has access to quality education? Are you dedicated to closing the achievement gap and improving the caliber of instruction? At the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD), we share your vision. These are just a few of the critical challenges our Ed Policy students, faculty and alumni are working to solve.
Whether you're an aspiring policymaker, educator, researcher, or advocate, our programs prepare you to drive real change. Join us in the U.S. capital to engage with renowned faculty, connect with a diverse community, and gain hands-on experience examining education reform.
Access Washington, D.C.
Located in the heart of the policymaking capital of the world—with proximity and connections to think tanks, federal agencies, policy organizations, and professional associations—GSEHD students have unparalleled access to hands-on experiential learning through independent research, internship and career opportunities.
Learn from the Experts
Program faculty are nationally recognized researchers and practitioners with extensive hands-on experience impacting education policies.
Join a Small but Diverse Community
Our students come together from around the world, bringing a wide range of professional experience and viewpoints that result in dynamic dialogue. The small class size ensures individualized learning and mentorship from faculty, as well as substantive engagement.
A History of Excellence
GSEHD's programs offer a rich history of training students to analyze the political, social, and organizational environments affecting education policy. Join a network of alumni who are transforming the future of education.
Explore Our Ed Poli Programs to Find the One that Matches Your Career Goals
- Master's in Education Policy Studies
Analyze the political, social and organizational environments affecting education policy. Learn how to develop policy options, explore their potential, implement them effectively, and then evaluate their impact.
- On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
- 36 credits
- Juris Doctorate / Master's in Education Policy Studies
Earn a joint degree by combining GSEHD's Education Policy master's program with GW Law School's JD program. During their first year, students are in residence at the GW Law School, taking exclusively first-year law courses. Thereafter, students take a mix of classes in both the Law School and GSEHD.
- On-Campus (Foggy Bottom)
- Full-time students can complete both degrees in 4 years
- Ph.D. in Education - Education Policy
This cross-disciplinary PhD program is designed to foster the methodological skills and conceptual understanding needed to systematically address complex and multi-faceted education issues. Develop expertise in examining and assessing education problems and their interaction with their broader social environments.
- On-Campus (Foggy Bottom - Classes in evening to accommodate working professionals)
- 60 Credits
As a Fulbright scholar from Chile, GW's Education Policy PhD program has been a life-changing experience. It has deepened my understanding of how research can inform education policy and opened doors to collaborate with faculty, peers, and organizations committed to educational equity. This journey has helped me connect my previous work in Chile with global conversations on assessment and policy design.
- Sandra Cruz Fuentes, Current Student
As a Fulbright scholar from Chile, GW's Education Policy PhD program has been a life-changing experience. It has deepened my understanding of how research can inform education policy and opened doors to collaborate with faculty, peers, and organizations committed to educational equity. This journey has helped me connect my previous work in Chile with global conversations on assessment and policy design.
- Sandra Cruz Fuentes, Current Student
GRE is Not Required
The GSEHD Admissions team completes a wholistic review, considering extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
No Application Fee
There’s no risk to applying to GSEHD, only reward! So what are you waiting for? Apply today!
Funding Available
Explore opportunities for GW, GSEHD, and external scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options.
What makes GW’s Educational Policy Studies program stand out?
Get the inside scoop from one of your future professors.
Your Future in Education Policy
An advanced degree in Education Policy prepares graduates to analyze, develop, and implement policies that improve educational systems at local, state, national, and global levels. Career paths typically fall into sectors like government, nonprofits, think tanks, education agencies, and advocacy organizations. Potential positions include:
- Education Policy Analyst
- Legislative Aide or Policy Advisor
- Policy Researcher or Research Associate
- Advocacy Manager or Coordinator
- Program Director
- Director of Policy & Planning (School District or University)
- Education Program Specialist
- University Professor
