The Educational Policy Studies concentration within the Instructional Leadership MEd program allows students to design their own programs of study toward deepening understandings of how to support underserved communities in Chicago and beyond. The MEd in Educational Policy Studies provides students with knowledge and resources to support historically marginalized populations gain access to increased educational opportunities.
Housed within the Educational Policy Studies Department, this master’s degree offers students the flexibility to select a strand of study related to their personal and professional goals. Strands include:
- Social Justice and Education
- Education Policy and Policy Analysis
- Educational Leadership and School Improvement
Graduates of the MEd in Educational Policy Studies are prepared to work in:
- Community-based educational organizations
- Teacher leader roles in K-12 schools
- Educational policy organizations
- Government agencies
- K-12 classrooms
- Not-for-profit organizations
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What can I do with a degree in Educational Policy Studies?
Graduates of the program often work in formal and informal educational spaces. This includes working as a teacher leader in K-12 schools, at an educational policy analysis organization, or an educational non-for-profit.
What is the focus of the MEd in Educational Policy Studies?
The program focuses on preparing students to support equitable change in educational organizations (schools, governmental organizations, community-based organizations, etc.) and create transformative learning experiences for youth from historically marginalized communities.
How long does the program take?
This is a 32-hour master’s degree program. Students who take two courses per fall and spring term plus one additional course in the summer will complete the program in two years. Students may complete the program more quickly by taking more courses each term, including the summer.
Is transfer of course credit allowed?
Transfer of course credit is not automatic and requires approval of program faculty. The UIC Graduate College permits no more than 25 percent of the hours to be transferred into the degree. The MEd in Urban Higher Education will only transfer 8 credit hours of relevant coursework if approved by the program coordinator. For more information about credit transfer procedures, please consult the UIC Graduate Catalog.
Can I hold a job while in the program?
Yes, many students in the program hold jobs in various types of educational organizations. Evening course meeting times help to reduce conflicts between work and academic schedules.
When do courses meet?
College of Education courses typically meet once a week in the evenings (5 p.m.–8 p.m.) Monday through Thursday.
Is the GRE required?
No, the GRE is not required.
Do I need an undergraduate degree in education to apply for the program?
Students are welcome from a variety of academic backgrounds. What is critical is an interest in one of the three strands of the degree.
Can I afford the degree?
UIC makes every effort to help students pay for the cost of going to college. Our College Financial Aid page can help answer your questions.
Review the UIC tuition and fee schedule and find out more about billing and payment options.
The University of Illinois at Chicago offers six basic types of financial aid for graduate students: fellowships, assistantships, tuition-and-selected-fee waivers, traineeships, loans, and employment. Applicants for these types of aid must be admitted to a graduate degree program or have a completed application pending. Eligibility for loans is determined by the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applicants for loans should go directly to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Applications for fellowships, assistantships, and tuition/fee waivers are available in the department office, the Graduate College Office, and on the Graduate College website. In the administration of these programs and in selecting students for participation in them, the University of Illinois at Chicago adheres to the Nondiscrimination Statement on the Office for Access and Equity website.
Can I get housing on campus?
Yes. It is best to apply as soon as you know you want to live on campus, because applications are prioritized by date of application. Visit campus housing to find out more and submit your application.
What student support does the College of Education provide?
questions you can stop by the Office of Student Services or make an appointment to see a faculty advisor. The College encourages a good working relationship between students and their advisors. You can also find support from your professors and fellow students. UIC offers many support programs and opportunities that encourage academic success. Your program advisor can help you connect to UIC resources.