From early childhood to higher education, the academic landscape in the U.S. is rapidly evolving. Shifting ideologies, growing political division, and changes in education policy, along with the impact of natural disasters, public health crises, conversations surrounding mental health, the adoption of new technologies, and the influence of social media have all affected not only the way students learn but their ability to learn. At the intersection of public policy and education are professionals whose pivotal work serves students in communities across the country. Employment opportunities can span from roles within government agencies to jobs at non-profits, within local school districts (e.g., educational administrators), or at any organizations that works to improve educational outcomes for students.
A Master of Public Administration (MPA) with specialization in Education Administration and Policy offers students an advanced understanding of the challenges facing the educational system and the role of government in education. Focusing on key issues, trends, and how to develop and implement effective policies and programs, MPA programs in Education are designed to prepare graduates to navigate the complex educational system, assess issues and obstacles facing educators and students, and craft policies and programs designed to meet the academic needs for all students.
Curriculum Details for Online MPA Programs with a Specialization in Education
The core MPA curriculum focuses on the basic principles of public administration, covering topics such as public policy, administration theory, research methods, strategic planning, government operations, ethical considerations, financial management, and organizational behavior. Following the completion of foundational coursework, online MPA students specializing in Education can enroll in elective courses specific to their interests. Subjects covered within these courses may include education reform, research methods in education, statistics, and political and legal issues in education. Students often explore the frameworks that shape education policy and its intersection with government on the federal, state, and local levels.
Students interested in online MPA programs with a focus on education policy should explore programs with specializations in the following subject areas:
- Administration of Education
- Educational Administration
- Education Policy
- Higher Education Administration
- K-12 Education Leadership
An MPA program usually entails 36 to 48 graduate credit hours of coursework, which a typical student can finish in 16 to 24 months of full-time study or 24 to 36 months of part-time study. These programs often offer a blend of theoretical and practical learning, with both in-class and outside opportunities for hands-on experience. Beyond the classroom, students without significant professional experience may be asked to complete a relevant internship. The number of years of managerial or professional experience varies by university, and a waiver may be offered to those students who meet certain criteria.
Once the majority of coursework is complete, students will often be asked to complete a capstone project. These projects are an opportunity for students to combine their knowledge gained through their MPA courses with real-world problems in education policy, offering solutions and consulting to policy areas in which they are most interested. Conducted individually or in groups depending on the program, this type of hands-on experience is paramount to strengthening a student’s MPA degree.
Note: In order to be included on this page, a program must offer a distinct specialization or concentration in Education Administration, Education Policy, or a related field.
Examples of Education Specific Courses in Online MPA Programs
Courses in Education Policy typically include organizational development, law and legal issues in education, political intersections with education, research methods, and quantitative or statistical analysis. As curricula will vary by faculty, university and individual program, the classes outlined here offer a sample of the type of classes students may encounter in an online MPA program.
- Educational Leadership and Policy for Changemakers: This course critically analyzes the roles and leadership implications of policy and law on public education. Students learn to develop strategies for effective leadership and collaboration. Focusing on education policy development at the federal, state, and local level, students will explore how laws and policies impact education and the role of education leaders as advocates.
- Education Policy and Reform: This course examines major themes in education policy, such as standardized testing, school choice, teacher evaluation systems and the impact of technology on education. Students also learn to evaluate and analyze the similarities and differences between education policy decisions in the United States and other countries.
- Research Methods in Education: In this class, students learn about the various types of research used in education, including data collection and measurement tools, data analysis using statistical techniques, and how to interpret research findings. Students will also explore the ethical considerations made when researching educational topics, including the protection of human subjects and appropriate use of data.
- Statistics for Education Policy: This class teaches students how to use statistical data to evaluate education policy decisions. Students will learn the tools for inferential statistics including hypothesis testing and estimation as well as regression analysis, multivariate analysis, and data visualization. Ethical issues are also explored, including the use of data, privacy protection, and more.
- Political and Legal Issues in Education: Analyzes the political and policy-making processes involved in education, including the role of government, advocacy groups, and the media. Students also learn about the legal and constitutional frameworks around education policy and education as a constitutional right, including the history of the education system and court cases impacting education policy.
- Education Finance and Budgeting: This course outlines the current structure of school financial systems. Students learn to analyze school and system budgets as well as factor in the financial implications of new policies utilizing case studies and simulations. Topics include the role of politics in budgeting, sources of revenue, weighted-student funding, key performance indicators (KPIs), how to conduct cost-benefit analysis, and more.
Outlined below is a sample curriculum for a two-year online MPA program with a specialization in Education. Course titles and the order of instruction will vary by program, so the following curriculum should be viewed only as an example.
Two-Year Sample Curriculum for an Online MPA Program with a Specialization in Education
| Year 1 | Core Courses:
| Core Courses:
| Internship or Field Experience Concentration Course:
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| Year 2 | Concentration Courses:
| Concentration Courses:
| Capstone Seminar / Independent Research Project Concentration Course:
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Instruction Methods for Online MPA Programs
An online MPA program with a specialization in Education can be a more flexible option for professionals seeking to further their education while maintaining full-time employment. Online programs allow students to complete coursework and attend classes from any location worldwide, making it ideal for those who do not live near a physical college or university that offers an MPA program or an MPA program with a specialization in their area of interest. Online master’s programs are also a good option for working professionals who cannot commute to campus for lectures and classes due to work obligations, for professionals who travel frequently for work, and for professionals and members of the armed services and military who may have to relocate while pursuing their degree.
Online MPA programs offer digital classes that can be attended through either live, real-time instruction (synchronous instruction) or self-paced, recorded lectures and class materials (asynchronous instruction). While not all online programs use live instruction, they all have asynchronous components, requiring students to complete coursework and review materials independently while in accordance with set deadlines. For those with professional or personal scheduling constraints, programs that primarily use asynchronous instruction may be the preferred format. Conversely, students who prefer live class discussions that closer simulate an on campus educational experience should look for programs that utilize or incorporate synchronous instruction.
Although online MPA programs don’t provide in-person class discussions or lectures, they still offer dynamic and interactive opportunities for students to network with their peers and faculty. In addition, professors and teaching assistants often conduct weekly live office hours, where students can meet to discuss assignments and questions about class materials. Online programs are often just as demanding as on-campus programs, and can require greater personal accountability to stay on task and keep up with assignments. It is important to note that earning an MPA online is equivalent to earning an MPA through a campus-based program, as online students typically complete the same curriculum as campus-based students and many schools use the same faculty and instructors regardless of the method of instruction.
Admissions Requirements for MPA Programs with a Specialization in Education
The specific prerequisites for online MPA programs vary depending on the institution. However, all MPA programs require the completion of an undergraduate degree to be considered for admission. Certain programs also have minimum undergraduate GPA requirements that often range from 2.5 to 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Additional materials required for admission may include official transcripts from all completed undergraduate and graduate coursework, standardized test scores (e.g., GRE or GMAT scores), professional letters of recommendation, a resume or curriculum vitae (CV), and personal statement. Select programs may also conduct in-person or virtual interviews.
Programs with a specialization in Education may also seek applicants with a demonstrated interest or background in education, be it through undergraduate coursework or professional experience. Students should research specific program admissions requirements and prerequisites prior to applying. Graduate programs often have dedicated admissions counselors available to answer prospective students’ questions, help determine whether the program is a good fit, and assist with the application process.
It is important to recognize that for the majority of MPA programs the admissions process is selective, and schools often keep cohorts small. Even if a qualified candidate meets all the minimum requirements for admission, acceptance to the program is not guaranteed. Therefore, students should research several prospective programs and considering applying to more than one school in case they are not accepted to their program of choice. Finally, students who do not meet minimum requirements for admission should still consider reaching out to a program’s admissions advisors as they will know more about whether students who do not meet the minimum requirements may still be able to gain admission to the program.
Accreditation for Online MPA Programs
Prior to enrolling in an online MPA program with a specialization in Education Policy, prospective students should ensure that the program is accredited by one of the six regional accrediting bodies or the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), which specifically accredits institutions offering mostly online programs. All regional entities and the DEAC are recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Accreditation assures students that the institution they are applying to meets certain academic quality standards and will be recognized nationally by employers as well as other academic institutions if credit transfers are needed. Note that the schools listed on OnlineMPAPrograms.com are all accredited by a commission recognized by CHEA.
Some online MPA programs may choose to receive programmatic accreditation. For MPA programs this optional independent accreditation is provided by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration (NASPAA). NASPAA accreditation means a program has been reviewed and meets the NASPAA standards and is one factor to consider while researching MPA programs. However, some schools may choose to align their curriculum with NASPAA standards while forgoing the formal review process.
Other than accreditation, students should also review an MPA program’s curriculum, faculty, research opportunities, public and private sector partnerships, and student services to ensure that these offerings align with their goals and interests.
Education Policy Organizations and Networking Opportunities
The following organizations are dedicated to shaping and influencing education policy through research, advocacy, and professional development. Students in an online MPA program specializing in Education may want to consider joining some of these organizations for potential professional development opportunities as well as ongoing education and networking.
American Educational Research Association (AERA) — A professional organization of scholars and researchers in the field of education focused on advancing knowledge about education and the factors that impact educational outcomes, and promoting the use of research to improve education policy and practice. The organization’s Graduate Student Council (GSC) offers support services to current graduate students.
National School Boards Association (NSBA) — This organization represents state associations of school boards and serves as a voice for local school boards across the United States. The organization provides support, training, and resources to school board members and district administrators, with the goal of helping them provide quality education for all students.
National Education Association (NEA) — A professional organization for teachers and education support professionals that aims to promote and advance the cause of public education, support the rights and freedoms of its members, and to improve the quality of education. The NEA provides professional development opportunities, advocacy, and lobbying efforts, and offers various services and resources to its members.
American Council on Education (ACE) — This organization’s activities include research and analysis, policy development and advocacy, and collaborations with higher education institutions and organizations. Additionally, ACE serves as a liaison between colleges, universities, and the government, and provides training and professional development opportunities for higher education leaders.
The Online Learning Consortium (OLC) – A community of higher education professionals dedicated to the advancement of online education. Focused on establishing best practices, driving innovation, and designing digitally based instructional experiences to engage today’s student population, members include faculty members, administrators, trainers, and instructional designers, as well as universities, professional societies, and corporate groups.