Frequency Part-time, full-time
Format Online with one week in Washington, D.C.
Completion Time 1 to 2 years
Credits 33 to 36

The Johns Hopkins Master of Science in Education Policy prepares education leaders of the 21st century with the wide-ranging skills necessary to shape effective, evidence-based education policies.

Through this 33- to 36-credit program, students learn to navigate complex federal and state regulations; digest new initiatives; draft policy; and conduct financial analysis. They also are expected to come to a deep understanding of today’s educational inequities and the strongest educational models to correct them.

The program is delivered online, except for the first-semester hybrid course, Introduction to Education Policy, which includes an in-person, five-day residency in Washington, D.C. Students can also opt to include a three-credit experiential learning opportunity. The School of Education is unable to provide F-1 visa sponsorship for this program.

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People of SOE

David Steiner, PhD

Professor, Executive Director of the Institute for Education Policy, Former Commissioner of Education, New York State

"Education embodies the future of a nation: In the U.S., education outcomes are flat, and the achievement gap between the haves and the have-nots is growing. Study with us and graduate ready to make an immediate difference in the futures of children in this country and beyond."

David Steiner headshot.

Professor David Steiner is executive director of the Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy. In 2020, he finished serving as a member of the Maryland State Department of Education and the Maryland Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education. Most recently, he was appointed to the Practitioner Council at the Hoover Educational Success Initiative, Stanford University. He previously served as commissioner of education for New York State, as dean at the Hunter College School of Education, and as director of education at the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Upcoming Admissions Events

Have questions about our degree programs, the application, or financial aid and costs? Join us for an inside look at a graduate experience defined by innovation and driven by evidence-based research. Learn more about your area of interest or career path, meet some of our faculty, and connect to the Johns Hopkins School of Education community. Check out our admissions events and register for a virtual information session today.

Core Faculty

  • Alanna Bjorklund-Young, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Institute for Education Policy

    Expertise

    Curriculum Studies, Education Policy & Politics

    Headshot of Alanna  Bjorklund-Young,  PhD
  • Rebecca Cruz, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools, Innovative Teaching & Leadership

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education, Special Education

    Headshot of Rebecca  Cruz, PhD
  • Christine Eith, PhD

    Interim Department Chair, Advanced Studies in Education
    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Headshot of Christine  Eith, PhD
  • Richard Lofton, PhD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

    Headshot of Richard  Lofton, PhD
  • Jonathan Plucker, PhD

    Research Professor
    Faculty Lead, Master of Science in Education Policy

    Affiliation

    Counseling & Educational Studies

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics, Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

    Headshot of Jonathan  Plucker,  PhD
  • Henry M. Smith, EdD

    Assistant Professor

    Affiliation

    Advanced Studies in Education

    Expertise

    Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics

    Headshot of Henry M.  Smith, EdD
  • David Steiner, PhD

    Professor
    Executive Director, Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy

    Affiliation

    Institute for Education Policy, SOE Leadership

    Expertise

    Curriculum Studies, Education Policy & Politics, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

    Headshot of David  Steiner,  PhD
  • Angela R. Watson, PhD

    Assistant Research Professor

    Affiliation

    Institute for Education Policy

    Expertise

    Education Policy & Politics

    Headshot of Angela R. Watson, PhD

Program Overview

This 33-to 36-credit master’s degree program focuses on the changing landscape of education policy in the 21st century. The field needs leaders with sophisticated skill sets who can navigate complex federal and state statutes and regulations, research and report on initiatives, draft policy and regulatory language, conduct financial analysis, and understand the inequities in education. They must combine this knowledge with the strongest educational models to shape effective, evidence-based education policies.

This program comprises 11 or 12 three-credit online courses, except for the first-semester hybrid course: Introduction to Education Policy, which includes an in-person, five-day residency in Washington, D.C. Students can include a three-credit experiential learning internship.

View Curriculum

After SOE

Johns Hopkins prepares exceptional interdisciplinary educational leaders to address pressing policy and practice challenges in America’s schools and contribute effectively to governmental agencies, legislative offices, mayor’s offices, think tanks, and nonprofits.

Careers in Education Policy

  • Education Advocate
  • Lobbyist
  • Education Policy Adviser
  • Educational Nonprofit Director

Institute for Education Policy

The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policy is dedicated to integrating research, policy, and practice to achieve educational excellence for America’s educators — and America’s students.

Three people having a discussion.