Education Policy
Shape Education Policy. Produce Impactful Research. Influence Practice.
Effective education policy has the power to shape futures, strengthen communities, and address society's most pressing challenges. At GMU, our education policy program operates at the crucial intersection of practice, research, and politics. We train students to be critical thinkers and effective leaders who don't just study policy but actively learn how it is debated, created, and implemented to improve educational opportunities and outcomes for all.
We provide a clear pathway for professionals at every level. Whether you are seeking to enter the field, advance your career, or become a leading scholar, our programs offer the specific training you need. Our flexible offerings include the Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in Education Policy, the Master of Public Policy (MPP) in Education, and the Education Policy Graduate Certificate. Through all of our programs, you will gain the rigorous research skills and practical policy-analysis tools necessary to build a successful and impactful career.
Why Choose George Mason CEHD
Proven career outcomes. Our students have gone on to influence local, state, and national education policy in careers at organizations like the District of Columbia Public Schools, the National Council on Teacher Quality, and the Brookings Institute.
Focus on evidence-based practice. We train you to understand, produce, and strategically apply research to inform real-world policy and practice.
Versatile pathways. Our programs are designed with a clear focus on preparing you for influential roles in government, nonprofit organizations, think tanks, K-12, and higher education, research, and advocacy.
Flexible program options. We offer distinct pathways designed for newcomers seeking foundational knowledge (Graduate Certificate, MPP) and experienced practitioners and advanced researchers (Ph.D.)
Practical policy engagement. You will learn to effectively engage with policymakers and stakeholders, mastering the process of how policy is successfully debated, developed, and implemented.
What Sets Us Apart?
Interdisciplinary partnership. Our program is a unique collaboration with the Schar School of Policy and Government, merging deep education domain knowledge with rigorous policy and analysis skills.
Flexible online format. Most education policy courses are offered 100% online synchronously, so students can balance work and coursework while engaging directly with faculty and peers.
Strategic D.C. location. Our Arlington campus gives you direct access to the policymakers, think tanks, and federal organizations in the D.C. metro area that are shaping national education policy.
Dedicated research center. Ph.D. students have direct access to research opportunities through EdPolicyForward: The Center for Education Policy at GMU, allowing them to conduct original research alongside leading faculty.
