ece top online masters education policy 01

“Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time.”- Mother Teresa. This great humanitarian understood the notion of reaching out to help in ways that are small. Her methods ultimately drew in vast numbers over the course of her life. Though the road for positive change in education will always be a paved by the individual who cares, the path that road takes is largely dictated by education policy.

With an online master’s degree in education policy, you can open doors for advancement for your career. You’ll have the potential to carve the way for future generations of learners. If you have the desire to enact how change happens, for the long-run and for many individuals, then it is time to begin your online masters in education policy.

While earning your masters in education policy online, you will learn valuable skills that have the potential to change the course of education in the United States. You take courses that touch on policy areas related to areas like school finance and program evaluation.  You’ll grapple with your own leadership responsibilities while learning models of leadership that incorporate diversity.  Education policy students will analyze education policy from the past and conduct research for policy change for the future.

We understand that returning to school means an investment of both time and money.  To complete our ranking of the top online masters education policy programs, we selected programs that were not only highly prestigious but offer affordable tuition rates. If you are ready to support students of all backgrounds, inspire staff, and ultimately shape education policy for positive change, our top 10 ranking of the best education policy master’s programs is a great place to start.

1.) Boston University – Boston, Massachusetts

Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies

Boston University online masters education policy

Boston University is a private institution founded in 1839. There are 36,104 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 11:1. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges accredits BU to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as professional certifications. Carnegie classifies BU as having the highest research activity.  As one of the top universities in the world, it may come as no surprise that BU offers state-of-the-art education in a wide range of areas including Asian Civilization and Education Policy. Their online offerings have grown to include programs in social work and criminal justice.  For a top-notch university that offers great academic programming to both traditional and nontraditional students, BU is one of the best.

Boston University offers a Master of Education (EdM) in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies with a concentration in higher education administration. We selected this online education policy masters degree for the high academic quality as well as the top value this program has to offer.

The program focuses on decision-making and strategic planning, as well social justice perspectives. You will learn about governance and decision-making through of an examination of historical and modern roles of faculty, trustees, and administration as they pertain to the governance process. You will learn how to strategically plan and implement programming to lead schools and organizations.  All students will participate in research and examine current issues in higher education and administration. If you are looking for a high-quality master’s degree that will set you apart in the field of education policy, the online master’s of education in educational leadership and policy studies is a phenomenal option.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $58,560/year

2.) University of Texas at Arlington – Arlington, Texas

Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

University of Texas Arlington online masters education policy

The University of Texas at Arlington is a public university located in Arlington, Texas. There are 45,949 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 24:1. The Southern Association of College and Schools accredits UT Arlington to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as professional certificates. Academic offerings are robust including over 180 diverse programs like interior architecture and linguistics. Currently, UT Arlington offers 20 online degrees for undergraduate and graduate students including an online master’s degree in aerospace engineering and an online master’s in education policy. If you are looking for an accelerated and affordable online degree, UT Arlington is a great option.

University of Texas at Arlington offer a Master of Education (MEd) in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies. We selected this program for its affordable tuition rate and for the convenient accelerated format. This online educational policy masters degree requires 30 credit hours for completion. Each course is just 7 weeks in length and this entire degree may be completed in 16 months. This degree covers areas like:

  • curriculum design
  • education policy research and evaluation
  • leadership in the instructional setting
  • leadership theory
  • diversity in educational settings
  • political and legal aspects of education
  • the principalship
  • resource management in education
  • administrative leadership

Students complete the program with a capstone experience. For a fast and straight-forward degree that will help you rise to the top, the Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is the way to go.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $9,015/year in-state and $22,167/year out-of-state

3.) Seton Hall University – South Orange, New Jersey

Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management and Policy

Seton Hall University online masters education policy

Seton Hall University is a private college located in South Orange, New Jersey. There are 9,881 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 15:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Seton Hall University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs along with professional certifications.  There are a wide range of high-quality academic offerings at Seton Hall for a diverse student body including programming like molecular biology and public relations. Additionally, Seton Hall awards online degrees that work well for today’s professional. Whether heading back to school for business, health, education or more, Seton has nearly 20 online offerings available to undergraduates and graduates alike.

Seton Hall University offers a Master of Arts in Education Leadership, Management and Policy. We selected this program for the high academic quality and high value of the program. This online degree requires 39 credit hours for completion. Students may complete this degree with either a culminating project or an internship depending on desired career.

The curriculum includes courses in:

  • supervision of instruction
  • technology for administrators
  • leadership dynamics
  • education policy research in administration and supervision
  • school law
  • curriculum development
  • administration

For a high-quality comprehensive program that will set you up for success in myriad leadership roles, this master’s in education policy and management is a fantastic pick.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $25,218/year

4.) Dakota Wesleyan University – Mitchell, South Dakota

Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration

Dakota Wesleyan University online masters education policy

Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU) is a small private university located in the remote town of Mitchell, South Dakota. There are 926 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits DWU to award associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees as well as professional certifications. When it comes to supporting its students, DWU does a fantastic job- offering credit for life experience, remedial help, and even on-campus day care. The academic offerings include programming in the liberal arts and sciences as well a visual and performing arts. These well-rounded degrees are suitable to all types of learners whether traditional on-campus students or nontraditional students and those seeking an online degree. When it comes to online offerings DWU awards degrees in the fields of business, health, and education.

Dakota Wesleyan University offers a Master of Arts in Educational Policy and Administration. This online master’s degree was selected for the affordable tuition rate, the high-quality academics, and for the accelerate format. This education policy masters online requires just 36 credit hours for completion. This MA prepares you for myriad of educational leadership careers in higher education and in K-12 education that include:

  • leading roles in school districts
  • jobs in program evaluation
  • education policy research institutes
  • government agencies

The online master’s degree culminates with a capstone experience. The curriculum focuses on areas like:

  • statistical analysis in education
  • human relations
  • multiculturalism
  • public policy issues
  • assessment and teaching
  • learning

If you are looking for an affordable route towards advancement in your career, this online masters in educational policy is a great option.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $15,300/year

5.) University of Louisville – Louisville, Kentucky

Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

University of Louisville Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration

The University of Louisville is a public 4-year institution located in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 22,140 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 13:1. It is regionally accredited- the highest level of accreditation- by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award a comprehensive degree offering and professional certifications.  Traditional and nontraditional programming is extremely robust including 10 fully online degrees and professional certifications. The most popular online degrees by enrollment are in the fields of criminal justice, social work, and education.

The University of Louisville offers a Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration. We selected this program for its flexible and convenient accelerated format and for the quality of the academic programming. This online degree requires just 36 credit hours for completion and courses are only 8-weeks in length. This masters in education policy may be completed in as little as two years. The degree is divided into four components:

  • the core
  • advanced core
  • specialization
  • exit requirements

Graduate students study areas like:

  • program development and assessment
  • organization and administration of Higher Education
  • legal issues
  • diversity in higher education

The program culminates with a course on organizational improvement in higher education. This best online masters in education is a great option for students who are looking to rise to the top at an accelerated pace.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $13,524/year in-state and $27,638/year out-of-state

6.) American University – Washington, DC

Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership

American University Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership

American University is a private university located in Washington, D.C. There are 14,852 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits American University to award comprehensive degree programming and professional certifications. As a top university, AU is known for myriad of academic offerings including from their famous school of international service, school of public affairs, and business school. AU offers a wide array of online degrees as well including a master’s in international relations and affairs and a master’s in education policy. The student support services are generous including on-campus day care and academic and career counseling. If you are looking for a great academic experience for a high value, American University is a fantastic choice.

American University offers an online Master of Education in Education Policy and Leadership. We selected this education policy degree for the high quality of academic programming. Though our most expensive pick, this is one of the best value schools in the nation.

As a student you will have the opportunity to learn from DC-based policy makers and walk away with a connected and supportive network Additionally, you may earn your degree in as little as 20 months. The curriculum includes an in-depth look into law, policy, economics and how it pertains to the education system. This online master of education policy degree requires 30 credit hours for completion. The core focus of the program will be on education policy. For a top-notch and accelerated degree in education policy and leadership, AU is a great pick.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $53,334/year

7.) The University of Missouri – Columbia, Missouri

Master of Education in PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration

University of Missouri Master of Education in PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration

The University of Missouri is a public research university located in Columbia, Missouri. There are 31,401 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Higher Learning Commission accredits UM to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees as well as professional certifications. The student body represents all 50 states and over 150 nations. When it comes to academics UMC offers over 300 degree offerings from 18 colleges and schools including – a law school, medical school, and veterinary medicine school. It may be of no surprise that the online offerings offer a vast range of opportunities where that is an online bachelor’s in natural resources, or an online MEd in education policy.

University of Missouri offers a Master of Education in PK-12 Educational Leadership and Administration. This program does lead to elementary and secondary principal certification. We selected this program for the affordable tuition rate and high-quality academics.

This online educational policy graduate program requires 31-37 credit hours for completion. During this two-year degree you will complete core course material as well as complete an internship. The curriculum focuses on:

  • school leadership
  • supervision of learning environments
  • leadership for data driven change
  • learning curriculum and assessment for school leaders
  • learning cultures
  • professional development
  • school law and finance for principal leadership

This comprehensive online master’s degree in education policy is a great option for anyone who is ready to become a PreK-12 school principal.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $9,950/year in-state and $27,245/year out-of-state

8.) Hofstra University – Hempstead, New York

Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Hofstra University Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

Hofstra University is a private institution located in Hempstead, New York. There are 10,243 students enrolled and the student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1. The Middle States Commission on Higher Education accredits Hofstra University to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees. It may be of no surprise that Hofstra offers extremely robust on-campus and online degree programming. Some of the most robust program offerings come from their school of education, school of health, and school of business. There are 7 fully online programs including their MBA and master’s degree in computer science.

Hofstra University offers a Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Higher Education Leadership and Policy. We selected this as one of our best education policy programs for its convenient online format and for the high-quality academic offerings. This is a great option for any individual who is looking to gain insights into leadership specifically in higher education.

You will learn about the historical context surrounding issues in higher education.  Graduate program students will also analyze leadership styles in education-specifically colleges and universities in the United States. Furthermore, you will learn how from the inside out how to govern and operate an institution of higher education. If you are looking for a leadership role in a college or university in the United States, a master’s degree in higher education leadership and policy from Hofstra University is a great option.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $27,180/year

9.) SUNY at Albany – Albany, New York

Master of Science in Higher Education with a core in Educational Policy and Leadership

SUNY at Albany Master of Science in Higher Education with a core in Educational Policy and Leadership

SUNY at Albany is a public 4-year institution located in Albany, New York. There are 17,075 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 18:1. The Middle State Commission on Higher Education accredits SUNY Albany to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctor’s degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certificates and post-master’s certifications. SUNY at Albany offers degrees that reflect the diverse study body such as their master’s program in City/Urban planning and doctorate in Spanish language and literature. There are 6 fully online degree programs including their master’s in public health and master’s degree in educational instructional technology.

SUNY at Albany offers a Master of Science in Higher Education with a core in Educational Policy and Leadership. We selected this education policy program for the high-quality academics. This 36-credit hours program opens up a number of opportunities for employment.  It is a great fit for any individual who is looking to take on a leadership role in:

  • school districts
  • colleges
  • nonprofit organizations

This degree includes an education policy and leadership core and concentration courses.  Graduate school students can tailor the degree to meet their needs with nine credit hours of elective courses.  The concentration areas include:

  • school leadership
  • educational policy analysis
  • global comparative education policy

For a versatile degree in education policy the Master of Science in Educational Policy and Leadership from SUNY Albany is a great option.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $11,310/year in-state and $23,100/year out-of-state

10.) University of Hawaii at Manoa – Honolulu, Hawaii

Master of Education in Educational Foundations with an Emphasis in Global Perspectives on Educational Policy and Practice

University of Hawaii Manoa Master of Education in Educational Foundations with an Emphasis in Global Perspectives on Educational Policy and Practice

The University of Hawaii at Manoa is a public university located in Honolulu, Hawaii. There are 19,098 students enrolled and the student to faculty ratio is 14:1. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges accredits Manoa to award bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees as well as postbaccalaureate certificates.  Manoa provides a number of exciting degrees and some of their strengths certainly lie in areas like volcanology and tropical medicine.  Though well-known for their regional programming, Manoa offers something for everyone whether an undergraduate on campus or a graduate student thousands of miles away studying through one of their online degrees. Online degrees include their master’s in human resources and online master’s in curriculum and instruction.

The University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a Master of Education in Educational Foundations with an Emphasis in Global Perspectives on Educational Policy and Practice. We selected this education policy program because of the accelerated format and high-quality academics.

The curriculum is very unique and focuses on the effects of globalization on educational policy and practice. This online master’s degree will explore the impact of globalization across the lifespan. The curriculum includes:

  • introduction to education policy studies
  • foundations of curriculum
  • a seminary on the education system
  • cultural diversity

This online master’s degree culminates with a capstone project. Education leaders looking for a unique degree that take a global perspective of education policy will appreciate this program.  This online master’s degree from the University of Hawaii Manoa is one-of-a-kind.

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  • Average Graduate Tuition: $15,600/year in-state and $33,648/year out-of-state

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