Education Policy Studies
Earn a master's or doctoral degree in
Education Policy Studies
Earn a master's or doctoral degree in
Education Policy Studies
Shape policies that foster inclusivity, equity, and excellence in education.
Do you envision a world where every student has access to a quality learning experience? Are you dedicated to closing the achievement gap and improving the quality of instruction? We at the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) share your vision. These are just a few of the critical issues that today’s educational systems face that students, alumni, and faculty of our Education Policy Studies programs are working to solve.
Whether you're an aspiring policymaker, educator, researcher, or advocate, our programs are designed to empower the changemakers of tomorrow. Join us in our nation's capital, where you'll connect with a diverse community, engage with renowned faculty who are at the forefront of education research, and gain hands-on experience through practical projects in examining education reform.
Learn more about the program that fits your career goals:
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Complete the form below to learn more about degree requirements, course descriptions, tuition, and more.
The GW Advantage
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.
Leading Faculty
Learn from nationally recognized researchers and practitioners with extensive hands-on experience impacting education policies as you deepen your knowledge, connections, and skills to expand educational excellence and address complex issues.
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.
Programs at a Glance
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. Courses are scheduled once a week in evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.
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. Courses are offered in evenings to accommodate working professionals.
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. Students who enroll full-time can complete both degrees in four years. 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.
You May Be Eligible
No Application Fee
GRE is Not Required
Scholarships Available
Learn more about benefits that may apply to you, depending on the program you choose >
New: Save 20% with Federal Service Scholarship
If you are a current U.S. federal civilian employee or a federal employee/contractor affected by the 2025 federal workforce reductions, you may be eligible for GSEHD's Federal Service Scholarship, which provides a 20% tuition discount.
- Eligible program: Master's in Education Policy Studies
- Deadline: Apply for Fall 2025 enrollment by June 1
- Additional limitations may apply
Programs at a Glance
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. Courses are scheduled once a week in evenings (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of working professionals, and for internship experiences.
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. Courses are offered in evenings to accommodate working professionals.
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. Students who enroll full-time can complete both degrees in four years. 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.
My program and time at GSEHD has impacted my goals by showing me the many options that exist for future career paths. One of my professors does consulting work for districts, and another does research on the history of policy reform - both careers that I had not previously considered or even been aware of, but that are interesting options for me to consider as I continue my education.
SAMANTHA KAPLAN
M.Ed. ’23 (Education Policy Studies)
