Education Policy (M.P.P.)

Education policy refers to the principles, laws and practices that shape education systems, from curriculum and teacher standards to school funding and governance.

For recent graduates with solid academic preparation or for those with experience in education-related roles, including K–12 teaching, research, policy, political work or higher education, an M.P.P. degree in education policy is an ideal path forward.

Learn more in our blog—4 Questions to Ask About a Master’s in Education Policy (M.P.P. Degree).

The M.P.P degree in Education Policy at Peabody College is a cohort-based Master of Public Policy program designed for emerging policy leaders committed to creating a more effective education system. Unlike generalist MPP programs, it focuses on the intersection of education and policy, combining deep policy knowledge with hands-on experience and analytical expertise to drive meaningful change.

This Master’s in Education Policy emphasizes education-specific policy work, including K–12 and higher education policy, while general MPP programs cover public policy broadly. Students gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience to influence education policy decisions at multiple levels.

Students can tailor their studies through three concentrations: K–12 education policy, higher education policy or quantitative methods in education policy. Each track provides specialized coursework and opportunities to address real-world challenges through a practicum.

Graduates develop a unique blend of analytical, policy and practical skills, including quantitative analysis, research methods, policy writing and real-world problem-solving, making them highly valuable in the education policy workforce.

Graduates pursue education policy careers in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, K–12 school districts, higher education institutions and research organizations. Roles include policy analysts, program evaluators, education consultants, school governance liaisons, directors of policy initiatives and more.

Jobs in education policy involve analyzing data, evaluating programs, designing policies and advising decision-makers to improve educational outcomes at local, state and national levels. Alumni have secured positions at organizations such as the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, OneGoal and the Education Trust.

Our program is four semesters and 36-credit hours with three possible areas of concentration: K-12, Higher Education, or Quantitative Methods. Most classes meet for 3 hours once a week. You will be introduced to public and education policymaking through a policy core and research and data analysis sequence. All MPP students complete a field-based practicum to apply the content knowledge and analytical skills derived from academic coursework to professionally based policy work. A policy writing component completes the practicum field experience.

Examples of course offerings include:

• American Education History and Policy
• Urban Education and Social Policy
• Research Design and Data Analysis
• Politics of Policymaking
• Economics of Education
• Program and Policy Evaluation
• State and Federal Government in Higher Education
• Policies to Support Healthy Child Development 
• Education Policy and Global Human Development
• Statistical Inference
• Experimental Design

...and many more!

We are not a licensure program so there are no pre-requisites to apply. Our students come to us with experiences in environments that include, but are not limited to, teaching, research, policy, politics, or higher education settings. The MPP is designed to blend theory, analytics, and practical knowledge at the intersection of education and policy.

We welcome applicants with a range of backgrounds, experiences, and post-graduation goals. Students who thrive are curious, committed to their long-term goals, and eager to grow as education policy professionals. We review each application with an open mind, looking for individuals who are ready to engage deeply and make an impact in the field of education policy.

For full-time students, a typical week includes at least three courses. Seminar-style courses, meet once per week for three hours. Data analysis courses sometimes meet twice per week. Many courses are offered in the late afternoon or early evening, to accommodate engagement in work experiences. You’ll engage in discussion-based classes, practical projects, and targeted readings designed to deepen your understanding and expand your skills in our interdisciplinary field.

Of job-seeking graduates, 92% were employed or attending graduate school within four months of graduation. Recent education policy career placements:

• Associate Legislative Research Analyst, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Nashville, Tennessee
• Director of Policy, Texas Aspires, Austin, Texas
• Director of School Partnerships, OneGoal, New York, New York
• K-12 Data and Policy Analyst, Education Trust, Washington, D.C.
• National Policy Associate, Centerstone, Nashville, Tennessee
• School Governance Liaison, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
• Vice President of Policy, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Nashville, Tennessee

You can start your application now through our application portal. Our admissions page can give you more information about our community at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development and . When you apply for admittance to the program, you’ll automatically be considered for a merit-based scholarship to support your studies.