Choosing the right master’s program can be challenging. Not only should you ensure the post-graduation career opportunities justify the investment of time and money but also that the program will provide a fulfilling experience aligned with your interests.
By researching the career goals, looking into the required coursework, and speaking with alumni or admissions staff members, you can confidently decide on the program that aligns with your aspirations.
With all that in mind, is a Master's in Education Policy the right choice for you? Let’s dive in.
What is an MPP Degree in Education Policy?
A Master of Public Policy (M.P.P.) allows graduates to influence today’s educational landscape at the policy level. It equips students with the analytical tools they need to evaluate, reform and create effective policies and the social, historical, political and economic contexts relevant to education today.
This degree stands out in the policy sphere due to its unique emphasis on education. It also stands out in the education sphere through its robust focus on analysis. Obtaining your M.P.P. signals to prospective employers that you possess the tools to analyze potential large- and small-scale changes within their institutions and have a comprehensive understanding of the broader context crucial for informing their decision-making.
Many graduates become policy analysts and research analysts in educational institutions. However, an M.P.P. will serve you in nearly any setting, from the finance office in a higher education institution to a nonprofit advocating for K-12 policy reform.
What Should You Know Before Pursuing a Master’s in Education Policy?
Before committing to an M.P.P. program, you must consider what you want in your career, from your passions to what job you envision for your future.
What Education Policy Careers Interest You?
Often, it’s best to start with your ultimate goal and work backward. Are you aiming for a particular job or area within higher education policy? Do you hope to work with research and data?
Some graduates of master's in education policy programs become policy analysts and directors of policy at various institutions. Others find jobs as research analysts or choose to work in particular areas, such as a university's Title IX office.
What is Your Education Policy Master’s Timeline?
Typically, an education policy master’s program will require two years and 36 credit hours. Depending on the university, some students may continue their studies to complete an Ed.D. in a related field.
Graduates of the program are competitive candidates in the job market, with many securing positions in the field upon graduation.
What Types of Education Policy Are You Drawn To?
Is there a particular area of policy that ignites your passion or a population you hope to serve?
Some graduates choose to focus on influencing policy to promote equal opportunities. For example, one graduate might concentrate their work on improving educational opportunities and outcomes in economically disadvantaged communities. Others may focus on supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds.
What Education Policy Concentrations Are You Interested In?
The M.P.P. in Education Policy at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development allows students to choose from three concentrations in education policy:
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K-12 Policy
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Higher Education Policy
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Quantitative Methods in Education Policy
Depending on your interests, one of the three concentrations may stand out. Quantitative methods will equip you for research; K-12 policy will serve you if you hope to influence public education and improve outcomes for underserved populations. Higher education policy will qualify graduates for several higher education administration jobs, such as student affairs coordinator, institutional researcher or academic program director.
Peabody’s Master’s in Education Policy: Helping You Change Education Policy
The Master’s in Education Policy program at Peabody College has a track record of success: 92% of job-seeking graduates were employed within four months of graduation.
Take it from graduate Laura Moore, chief of staff in the Office of the CEO at the Obama Foundation:
“My Peabody degree prepared me to be a critical consumer of research and data to inform the initiatives that we lead.”
With courses like Politics and Policymaking, American Educational History and Policy, Education Law, Urban Education and Social Policy and beyond, students graduate well-prepared to make a difference in their chosen area. Students may also pursue a joint degree program within Vanderbilt Law School or the Owen Graduate School of Management.
You can make a difference in education. Get started today.
