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Leadership, Policy and Politics/Education Policy
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University

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Degree Requirements > Degree Programs

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Degree Programs

M.A., Leadership Policy and Politics (ELPL) - for continuing students only
This 33-point degree is intended for educators and non-educators considering entry level positions in education policy or management who do not want building-level certification. The policy and politics concentration requires a sequence of courses including introduction to economic, political, and legal policy perspectives, education leadership, and a research methods sequence. Students also complete a policy analysis project. Degree requirements may be completed in one year of intensive study or on a part-time basis.

M.A., Education Policy (EPOL) - applicable for students starting Fall 2012 and later
The 33-point degree aims to build a cadre of education policy experts whose deep grounding in a range of educational policy issues is matched by their understanding of the policy process and the tools of policy analysis. The Masters of Arts (M.A.) degree offered by the Education Policy Program is focused on the preparation of policy analysts, policy advocates, and education researchers. The program develops students’ knowledge and skills by drawing on interdisciplinary policy studies, the social science disciplines of economics, law, politics, and sociology, and substantive content on policies and practice in early childhood education, K-12 education, higher education, and law and education.

Ed.M., Leadership Policy and Politics (ELPL)
The 60-point degree is intended for educators and non-educators seeking careers in education policy in either the private or the public sector. The program of study builds on the required M.A. course sequence with additional work in a policy area relevant to the student’s interests. Up to 30 points of eligible coursework from another graduate institution or program may be applied to the Ed.M. degree.


Ed.D.,  Leadership Policy and Politics (ELPL) 
The 90-point degree in Leadership Policy and Politics, intended for aspiring experts in the political, economic, or legal analysis of educational issues, emphasizing the practice of education leadership as policy analysts, researchers, or advisors. The program anti-cipates strong commitments to education from applicants, and prepares candidates to excel in the integration of theory and practice. It requires the completion of the Leadership Policy and Politics master’s degree core curriculum, a substantial methodological strand, and a two-part (theory and practice) advancement to candidacy process before students may begin a research dissertation. Applicants experienced in the practice of education are expected to focus on developing their skills in policy analysis, while those with policy-related experience are expected to develop a solid understanding of the unique ways that schools function and are governed. Up to 40 points of acceptable credit may be transferred from another graduate institution with an advisor’s approval, and required coursework may be completed on a full- or part-time basis.


Ph.D., in Education Leadership with a concentration in Leadership, Policy and Politics (ELSR)

In this concentration, students will consider how laws and policies can impact the reform of educational systems and how they support or impede improvements in curriculum, teaching, and student achievement.   Furthermore, students will analyze the political and legal dynamics that affect policy development and implementation. The program may be completed in 75 points of which up to 30 acceptable credits may be transferred from another graduate institution.  This program is housed within the Education Leadership Program in the Department of Organization and Leadership but is overseen by faculty in the Department of Education Policy and Social Analysis. For information, please contact Professor Luis Huerta, (212) 678-4199, lah2013@tcolumbia.edu