Application Details
Prerequisites to Apply
Applicants to this master’s program must have a earned a four-year bachelor’s degree by the time of their matriculation. Earned minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) in all previous undergraduate and graduate studies (including for incomplete programs of study and for programs still in progress).
Format
This program is delivered in a hybrid cohort format requiring a limited in-person attendance for five days in Washington, D.C., in the Summer term, after which all required courses in the program will be offered online.
Application Requirements and Deadlines
| MS in Education Policy | ||
|---|---|---|
| Application Deadline | April 30, 2025 | |
| Admissions Offer Response/Enrollment Deposit Deadline | $250 Enrollment deposits will be accepted on a rolling basis until the program reaches capacity or the start of classes for the first term. | |
| Application Requirements | Online application form | |
| $80.00 application fee | ||
| Resume/CV | ||
| Essay: To be uploaded to your online application form. An 800-word essay in which you discuss the reasons you wish to pursue this degree program at Johns Hopkins School of Education, focusing on your long-term goals and how your academic program will complement those goals. | ||
| Three Letters of Recommendation: Applicants are required to submit three recommendations using the online application system. After entering the contact information for three recommenders on your application, each will receive an email with instructions about logging onto our system. At that time, they will have the opportunity to fill out the Recommendation Form and upload a recommendation letter. Applicants should request recommendation letters that directly address their candidacy for admission to SOE and the MS in Education Policy program. Ideally, individuals selected to provide letters should include those from both academic and professional settings. For candidates who have not been enrolled post-secondary level courses for many years, it is acceptable to substitute letters from professional contexts. | ||
| Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended. | ||
| GRE Admissions Test: The GRE is not required for admission to this program. | ||
| Interview: While a structured interview is not required for admission, the Admissions Review Committee(s) may contact you to schedule a virtual interview to discuss your application. | ||
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are subject to change for ensuing academic years and will be updated on the School of Education website accordingly.
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More Information
Baltimore, MD 21209
Suite M-500
What to Expect
Goals
The goal of our program is to provide comprehensive, research-based, real-world, and work-environment-ready skills and knowledge for students and professionals interested in the field of K-12 education policy.
Program Requirements
A strong emphasis is placed on the provision of opportunities for students to develop the skills and competencies necessary to be successful in the field of education policy. Students have the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the policy world and its complexities. This includes a weeklong residency during the introductory course in which students are introduced to various professionals in the policy world. This program culminates in a capstone course that offers students real-world work scenarios in which they will apply knowledge and skills gained during the program.
Applicants who have not successfully completed a college-level, introductory statistics course as part of their previous college coursework will be required to enroll in Introduction to Statistics in the first term enrolled.
Applicants who have completed an introductory-level statistics course with an earned grade of B or better in the past five years may petition to substitute another graduate-level course for the Johns HopkinsEd Policy Introduction to Statistics course upon approval from the faculty director.
For applicants who have completed a statistics course more than five years ago or who never completed an introductory-level statistics course, the Johns Hopkins Ed Policy Introduction to Statistics course is required.
Student Outcomes
The primary educational outcomes of the program is to prepare graduates to analyze and evaluate education research, translate research into policies, and contribute effectively to governmental agencies, legislative offices, mayor’s offices, think tanks, and nonprofits that focus on education.
Upon successful completion of the program, we expect students to be prepared to:
- Analyze and evaluate education research
- Analyze the structures that comprise public education in different states within the U.S. and in peer nations around the world
- Analyze national and international educational assessment data
- Translate research into policy recommendations for different stakeholders (e.g., states, local education bodies, city governments, or nonprofits/think tanks)
- Analyze current or proposed federal and state legislation and regulatory language for their potential impact
- Analyze existing education budgets and funding streams
- Evaluate proposed policies in terms of their potential impact on underserved or marginalized populations
- Compose reports, policy memos, op-eds, and policy briefings on educational issues in strong, clear, and empirically based language
What is educational policy?
Educational policy refers to the set of principles, rules, and guidelines that govern the operation and management of educational systems.
Educational policy encompasses decisions and regulations made by governments, institutions, and other stakeholders to shape various aspects of education, such as curriculum, funding, assessment, teacher training, and school administration.
Is a master's in education policy worth the cost?
Yes, a master's in education policy can be worth it for students seeking policy-related opportunities in education.
Weigh the program's cost against potential career benefits to determine if it’s the right choice for you. A master's in education policy from the Johns Hopkins School of Education can provide valuable insights into the complexities of education systems and policy making, leading to opportunities in research, policy analysis, and leadership roles.
What can you do with a master's in education policy?
With a master's in education policy, you can pursue various career opportunities.
As a Johns Hopkins School of Education graduate, you can work as an education policy analyst, researcher, consultant, curriculum developer, education program evaluator, policymaker, educational advocate, or in leadership roles within government agencies, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or research institutions.
How do you get into education policy?
There are several things you can do to get into the field of education policy.
To get into education policy, consider earning a relevant bachelor's degree in fields like education, public policy, or political science. Gain experience through internships or research positions with education-focused organizations or government agencies. Pursue a graduate degree in education policy or a related field to enhance your expertise. Also, network with professionals in the field and actively engage in education policy discussions to increase your opportunities.
International Applicants
This program is delivered in a fully online format and does not offer F-1 or J-1 visa sponsorship for international students. International students interested in applying to a program at the Johns Hopkins School of Education must follow the same application process and submit the same general application materials as their peers, along with some additional requirements. Because of the structure of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is designed only for traditional full-time residential programs, international students are not eligible to apply for an I-20 and F-1 study visa for the limited-residency Education Policy course offered in Washington, D.C., during Summer term. If you hold a different type of nonimmigrant visa, please email the Johns Hopkins University Office of International Services at [email protected] to verify whether you are eligible to participate in the in-person residency course. Arrangements will be made for international students residing outside the U.S. to participate in this course using a virtual platform.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.
International Student Admissions
Please visit the International Student Admissions webpage for additional application requirements or information.
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State-Specific Information for Online Students
Students should be aware of additional state-specific information for online programs.