Education and Social Policy (MA)

Program Description

The MA Program in Education and Social Policy aims to prepare students to use theories and concepts from the fields of economics and sociology in conjunction with quantitative statistical skills to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of education programs and policies. Students obtain specific knowledge of education issues, guided by advisement, including pre-K/childhood education, K–12 education, or higher/comparative education.

The degree is distinguished from other master’s degrees in education policy by its strong emphasis on using quantitative methods to ascertain causal effects of programs and policies. Building on a first course in statistics, students progress through more rigorous analytical courses, including regression and econometrics, to a final directed team research project in which they produce a professional study of an educational intervention or policy. Students gain experience in working with large, longitudinal education databases; with using economic and sociological principles to analyze K–16 education; and with principles of policymaking in the public and nonprofit sectors, which draw on the expertise of faculty in NYU’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. The program places strong emphasis on understanding the context, purpose, unintended effects, and, finally, the actual impact of alternative education policies and programs. Students, through close advisement, use elective choices to gain knowledge of policy issues.

Research Opportunities and Fellowships — All incoming students receive consideration for the Education and Social Policy Fellows program, which offers five promising students a $5,000 stipend to participate in faculty-led research teams at the Institute for Education and Social Policy.

An alternate Capstone-Practicum experience is offered in conjunction with the Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL), which brings together upper-level graduate students in education, policy, business, and law from NYU, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Michigan, Stanford, and other universities. Education and social policy students may apply for this interdisciplinary fellowship in their second year. James Liebman, Columbia law professor and former senior official at the New York City Department of Education, leads the course and conducts its intensive academic seminar in the institutional and programmatic design. Experienced education researchers, former K–12 educators and leaders, or consultants help guide the projects.

Admissions

Admission to graduate programs in the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development requires the following minimum components:

• Résumé/CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Proficiency in English

See NYU Steinhardt's Graduate Admissions website for additional information on school-wide admission. Some programs may require additional components for admissions.

See How to Apply for admission requirements and instructions specific to this program.

Program Requirements

Sample Plan of Study

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will:

1. Use principles of economics and sociology to analyze K-12 and higher education policies.
2. Interpret and identify causal effects of programs and policies and apply conclusions to make policy recommendations.
3. Apply principles of management, planning, and policymaking in the public and nonprofit sectors.
4. Evaluate existing policies and provide evidence on the possible effects of new policies.
5. Conduct descriptive and inferential statistical analyses using large longitudinal education databases.

Policies

STEM OPT Benefits for International Students

If you’re an international student, you may be able to work in the United States after graduation for an extended period of time. Most students studying on F-1 visas will be eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) off-campus work authorization. F-1 students in this program may also be eligible for the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics) OPT extension, allowing you to extend your time in the United States to pursue degree-related work experience for a total of 36 months or 3 years. For more information on who can apply for this extension visit NYU’s Office of Global Services: STEM OPT.

NYU Policies

University-wide policies can be found on the New York University Policy pages.

Steinhardt Academic Policies

Additional academic policies can be found the Steinhardt academic policies page.