phd in new education policy

Education Policy PhD

Doctor of philosophy in education policy.

In the rapidly changing and increasingly complex world of education, a crucial need exists for better knowledge about how schools and school systems, higher education, and early childhood education can be organized and led most effectively. We need to reach deeper understandings of how policies, politics, and the law can advance the twin goals of excellence and equity, how educational institutions and systems can best acquire and use resources, how leaders can support teacher development and student achievement, and how education policymakers and leaders can make best use of information from student assessments, program evaluations, and analytical research. This knowledge should be based on thoughtful reasoning and solid evidence; it should be theoretical in scope but also have clear implications for education practice.

The campus-based Ph.D. degree in Education Policy responds to these knowledge demands by focusing on the scholarly study of education policy. This degree program provides the opportunity to develop expertise in many interconnected subject areas and preparation for careers in academic research and teaching or in applied policy development and research. Graduates of the Ph.D. program are able to build new knowledge, teach new leaders, and craft new policies.

In the Education Policy program, students will consider how laws and policies 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, social, economic and legal dynamics that affect policy development and implementation.

The program may be completed in 75 credits, of which up to 30 credits may be transferred from another graduate institution. In addition to study in education policy, the program requires extensive preparation in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in one of the cognate social sciences offered by the University, for example, Political Science, Sociology, Economics, or Law. For information, please contact Gosia Kolb at [email protected] .

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Admission Information

Displaying requirements for the Spring 2025, Summer 2025, and Fall 2025 terms.

Doctor of Philosophy

Points/Credits: 75
Entry Terms: Fall
Enrollment Formats: Full-Time Campus-Based

Application Deadlines

Select programs remain open beyond our standard application deadlines , such as those with an extended deadline or those that are rolling (open until June or July). If your program is rolling or has an extended deadline indicated above, applications are reviewed as they are received and on a space-available basis. We recommend you complete your application as soon as possible as these programs can close earlier if full capacity has been met.

Application Requirements

For admission-related inquiries, please contact [email protected] .

Application Guidelines and Required Documents

The faculty members of the Education Policy Program collectively make admissions decisions for our Program. We are committed to a holistic review of applicants’ materials and to creating a diverse and inclusive doctoral cohort and learning community. In the application materials, the Statement of Purpose is particularly important. We strongly recommend that applicants describe their intellectual and applied interests in education policy and why they believe our program is a good fit for them given their background, past experiences, and future plans. It is helpful to mention particular specialization areas they’re interested in and/or faculty members they would like to work with. Applicants are also encouraged to describe any personal circumstances that have impacted their prior education and their plans for the future. Doctoral study culminates in a research dissertation, and while applicants are not expected to enter our program with a fully conceived research plan, it would be helpful to know about prior research experience and current general thinking about an eventual topic area. While we ask for GRE scores, they are not the decisive factor and we do not have any particular cut-off point for admission. Regarding letters of recommendation, we ask for three letters, at least one (1) of which should be from a professor or another academic source who can speak to the applicant’s academic interests and strengths.

Requirements from the TC Catalog (AY 2024-2025)

Displaying catalog information for the Fall 2024, Spring 2025 and Summer 2025 terms.

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In the rapidly changing and increasingly complex world of education, a crucial need exists for better knowledge about how policies can support early childhood education, elementary and secondary education, and higher education while advancing the goals of efficiency, excellence, and equity. The Ph.D. degree in Education Policy responds to these knowledge demands by focusing on the scholarly study of education policy. This degree program provides the opportunity to develop expertise in many interconnected subject areas as preparation for careers in academic research and teaching or in applied policy development and research.

The degree program may be completed in a minimum of 75 points. Up to 30 points of eligible coursework may be transferred from another accredited graduate institution. In addition to study in education policy, the degree program requires extensive preparation in quantitative and qualitative research methods and in one or more of the social science disciplines, including economics, history, law, political science, and sociology. Students must complete a doctoral certification process and a research dissertation.

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Ph.D. in Education - Education Policy Concentration

Set the standard for education reform.

Contemporary education systems face an extraordinary range of complex problems that pose daunting challenges for policymakers and researchers. Closing the achievement gap, increasing access to college for marginalized communities, examining the equity consequences of education reform, and improving the quality of instruction are some of the most critical issues our faculty, students, and alumni work to solve.

The Ph.D. in Education's Education Policy Concentration is designed to foster the methodological skills and conceptual understanding needed to systematically address complex and multi-faceted education issues. Students develop expertise in examining and assessing education problems and their interaction with their broader social environments.

Learn more about the role of education policy experts in shaping the future of education >

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How to Apply

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A Cross-Disciplinary Education The program relies on interdisciplinary paradigms and methodological tools (including public policy, economics, sociology, political science, and psychology) to train students in evidence-based problem-solving research that informs policy and practice.

Leading Faculty Learn from nationally recognized researchers and practitioners with extensive experience leading professional organizations and research in education policy.

Small + Diverse Our students come together from around the world, bringing a wide range of professional experience and viewpoints that result in dynamic dialogue. The small class size ensures individualized learning and mentorship from faculty, as well as substantive engagement.

Accommodating Classes are scheduled once a week in the evening (Monday-Thursday) to accommodate the schedules of those who work and hold internships.

Our Location is Your Advantage

Uniquely situated in the heart of Washington, D.C.—with proximity and connections to several think tanks, federal agencies, and professional associations—students are exposed to a rich environment to advance and hone their research skills in the field. Benefit by examining education reform in the policymaking capital of the world.

As a Carnegie R1 institution, the George Washington University is home to world-class faculty that are leading cutting-edge research, along with diverse labs, cross-collaborative initiatives with GW programs, schools, and local organizations, and unparalleled educational and employment opportunities.

Program at a Glance

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education, Education Policy Concentration

Course Delivery:

Foggy Bottom Campus

Program Entry:

The aims of the PhD program are to:

Use multiple modes of scholarly inquiry to conduct rigorous research and develop new theory related to problems that require the integration of multiple disciplines and fields of study, in which education and/or human development play a major role.
Build theoretical and conceptual foundations of key fields of study within the larger domain of education and human development.
Contribute to the improvement of policy and practice.
Promote research in partnership with other organizations (e.g., think tanks, research institutes, both in the U.S. and abroad).
Create a highly valued educational experience at GSEHD through innovation, increased collaboration, and research.

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 60 credits, including 36 credits in core courses, and 24 credits in the concentration, successful completion of a second-year research project, successful completion of the comprehensive examination; oral defense of both the dissertation proposal and the dissertation.

During the first year of coursework all students complete a program evaluation course in which they conduct an evaluation project and formally present their findings. In their second year, students design and execute course-based analytical papers that follow a dissertation research design. In the third year, students complete a project which are is tied to the Advanced Proseminar where students present and execute a complex research design that addresses a policy problem. Once students successfully pass the comprehensive examination, they move into completing their dissertations.

Program graduates and faculty in regalia pose for group photo at commencement 2022

Through a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum and rich research environment, students develop skills and conceptual understandings needed to systematically address complex and multi-faceted education problems.
Students are exposed to multiple perspectives on various contemporary education problems such as urban schooling reform , student achievement , education funding and its equity implications , teacher quality and effectiveness , inequality and equal opportunity , access to higher education , and accountability in educational systems .
Students expand on their research skills through continual engagement with faculty and researchers in teams of active projects with hands-on research training and expectation to produce publishable research products.

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Guide to Applying
Admission Requirements
Application Deadline

GSEHD’s Office of Admissions invites you to apply for a spot in our program. Please review the following admission and financial information. Ready to take the next step in your career? Review our step-by-step guide to applying to GSEHD > To learn more about the program, admission process, and upcoming events, please connect with the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283.

To be considered for admission, applicants must submit the online application form as well as the following required supporting documents. There is no application fee.

Prerequisite: Master’s degree in a field relevant to the program
Curriculum Vitae
Statement of Purpose: An essay of less than 1200 words, in which the candidate states his/her purpose in undertaking cross-disciplinary graduate study including: (a) rationale for seeking a Ph.D. in Education Policy and any particular focus; (b) articulation of personal research interests; and (c) how his/her background and related qualifications have prepared him/her for this work and will align with long term goals.
3 Letters of Recommendation: At least two must be from a professor or advisor in the applicant’s prior Master’s degree program. Recommenders should indicate the applicant’s academic ability and potential for pursuing a Ph.D. degree.
Writing Sample: Candidates shall submit a current writing sample that demonstrates their analytical skills. The sample should reflect the candidate’s ability to frame and conduct analysis. The sample should also provide an example of the candidate’s research skills, as well as her/his engagement with scholarship in pursuing his/her research interests. An already published work, a master's thesis, or an academic research paper would be sufficient.
Transcripts: From all previously attended colleges or universities
Interview with Faculty: Applicants who meet the program’s qualifications will be interviewed. A candidate is expected to give a presentation on her/his specific interests and aspiration to pursue the degree. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a solid ability to clearly articulate how her/his skills and prior training/experiences prepare her/him to undertake a Ph.D. study.
Additional information may be requested to assist in application review.

Please note: The GRE is not required.

*Additional application requirements may exist for international applicants .

Applications are now being accepted for Fall 2025 . We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

For more information or to inquire about the next admissions cycle, contact the GSEHD Admissions Team at [email protected] or 202-994-9283. We encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Tuition Overview

We know embarking upon graduate school is a big decision - due in part to the costs of attending. At GW, we understand the time and thought behind making graduate school work for you. Please take a moment to learn more about the options and opportunities available to help fund your graduate education.

Learn more about scholarships, grants & financial aid

Graduate tuition is charged per credit hour, unless otherwise noted. Rates vary by program and location.

The tuition rate* for the PhD in Education - Education Policy Concentration program is $1,905 per credit hour .

This program requires 60 credits .

Please note: Additional fees may apply for international students, late fees, etc. Current tuition rates may be updated during the year.

*Summer 2024, Fall 2024 and Spring 2025

View the current fee chart

Scholarships are available to eligible admitted students. Review eligibility requirements and learn more about funding your education >

The doctorate program at GSEHD enabled me to dive deep in my focus on school system improvement and its connecting on outcomes of our most vulnerable students. The knowledge gained was critical to my personal and professional growth.

SCOTT JOFTUS (PhD '02) PhD in Education, Education Policy and Leadership Founder and President, FourPoint Education Partners

Career Outlook

Graduates assume positions in think tanks, academic institutions, non-profit national organizations, government agencies, and international organizations.

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Graduates have assumed the following positions:

Senior Policy Analyst, Congressional Research Service

Senior Associate for Education, Annie E. Casey Foundation

President and Co-Founder, Four Points Education Partners (research-consult group)

Senior Study Director, Westat

Senior Researcher and Policy Analyst, National Education Association

Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research

Director, Core Knowledge Foundation

Assistant Professor and Director, EAP program, GWU

Assistant Professor, University of Delaware

Assistant Professor, Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan

Associate Professor, Lahore School of Economics-Pakistan

Associate Professor, Sun Yet Sen University-China

Associate Professor, University of Kragujevac, Serbia

Evaluation and Assessment Director, Alexandria City Public Schools

Associate Partner for Policy and Evaluation, Bellwether Education Partners

Chief Technical Advisor, USAID Nepal

Vice President of Strategy, Complete College America, Washington, DC

Alumni have also received positions for the following organizations:

Aspen Institute
DC State Board of Education
Institute for Public Research-CNA
Inter-American Development Bank
Massachusetts Dept of Education
National Board Prof Teaching Standards
National Governors Association
Save the Children
The Urban Institute
U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Labor, and U.S. Congress

Education Policy (PhD) Faculty

Dean, Graduate School of Education and Human Development; Professor, Education Policy

Associate Professor, Education Policy

Research Professor, Education Policy

Associate Professor, Educational Leadership and Administration

Additional Faculty

The interdisciplinary design of the program provides students with rich opportunities to work and collaborate with several faculty in various GW departments and Institutes (such as the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy & Administration), as well as researchers in various think tanks in the greater DC area.