University of Washington

Overview

The Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Education Policy, Organizations and Leadership at the University of Washington is designed to equip you with the skills necessary to critically assess and enhance educational systems across various levels, from early childhood to K–12 and beyond. This program emphasizes the impact of policy, organizational structures, and leadership on achieving equitable educational outcomes, culminating in a personalized final project that reflects your individual interests and career goals.

What you'll study

The M.Ed. EdPOL program is structured around a tailored plan of study that allows for flexibility and individual exploration. You will engage in graduate-level coursework covering essential aspects of education policy, organizational theory, and leadership, followed by a final project developed in collaboration with your academic advisor.

Core topic areas may include:

• Economics and educational finance
• Accountability and performance systems in education
• Equity in education, addressing disparities and promoting inclusive practices
• Educator labor markets, staffing dynamics, and effectiveness
• Leadership roles within families and communities
• Strategies for leading equitable educational systems
• Implementation of policies and processes for organizational change
• Political influences on education and institutional behavior
• Improvement and redesign of schools and educational systems

Final project options:

• Thesis option: Ideal for those seeking in-depth research training and potential preparation for doctoral studies.
• Applied final project option: May include internships or field-based applied research relevant to your career aspirations.

Advising and learning community: Throughout your studies, you will be assigned an advisor who will assist you in selecting courses, identifying research opportunities, and engaging with fellow EdPOL graduate students through various events.

Entry requirements

Admission to the M.Ed. program does not require GRE or GMAT scores, and specific GPA requirements are not outlined. Prospective students should refer to the University of Washington's graduate admissions process for detailed information on application procedures.

Career prospects