MS Education Policy at University of Rochester

Programme overview

A 30-credit interdisciplinary master's that prepares students to influence, design, implement and evaluate education policy at local, state, national and international levels. Coursework draws on philosophy, politics, economics, finance and law, and a fully online option is available.

Faculty: Warner School of Education and Human Development | Department: Education Policy | Duration: 30 credits; full-time students finish in three semesters; part-time available | Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Rochester, NY, United States

What you will study

Core and specialization courses plus electives tailored to career goals, ending in a master's thesis or a field-based internship or research experience. Optional advanced certificates (Program Evaluation, Urban Teaching and Leadership, Online Teaching) add as little as 3 credits.

Career pathways

Policy analyst, research analyst, policy researcher, program analyst, policy or program evaluator, policy advocate and institutional researcher; also preparation for doctoral study. Recent employers include American Institutes for Research, WestEd, Child Trends and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (Washington, D.C.).

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Programme requirement: bachelor's degree in any field. Warner School graduate applications (master's and certificate): bachelor's degree; two recommendation letters (at least one preferably from a former professor); 2-4 page statement of purpose; resume or CV; writing sample of at least five pages; transcripts from all post-secondary institutions; GRE not required for many programmes; TOEFL or IELTS required for international applicants with a non-U.S. Priority deadline November 1, 2026; start any semester.

Requirements published at faculty level.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Intake: Start in any semester; priority application deadline November 1, 2026

Duration: 30 credits; full-time students finish in three semesters; part-time available

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