Education Policy

Mason’s Education Policy Program trains students to produce thoughtful and relevant research that examines the policies and practices of school practitioners and educational leaders at various levels of government.

The interdisciplinary program in education policy brings together scholars and students from the College of Education and Human Development and the Schar School of Policy and Government to understand how education policy is debated, created, and implemented. We draw from multiple disciplinary traditions to provide rigorous training so that students can meet self-defined professional goals and gain the skills and experience necessary to inform evidence-based decision-making.

Our courses can be applied to a Graduate Certificate in Education Policy, an emphasis area in education policy in the Master's in Public Policy (MPP) program, or a specialization in education policy in the PhD in Education program. The Graduate Certificate in Education Policy and the MPP emphasis area are designed for students who want to enter the field for the first time as well as for those who already have experience in education policy and policy analysis and wish to dive deeper, expand their skill sets, and advance professionally. The specialization within the PhD in Education program is designed for students who want to conduct original research on education policy. As part of doctoral student training, education policy students will have the opportunity to contribute to the policy research of EdPolicyForward: The Center for Education Policy at George Mason University (EPF). The center is guided by the core belief that every student should be given the opportunity to thrive through a world-class education.