The MPPA/MEd is for students interested in policy issues that affect higher and postsecondary education, such as state governance and coordination, financial aid funding, and affirmative action in admissions and hiring. Graduates will be ready for research, policy analysis, and management positions at federal and state governmental agencies, consulting organizations, education research groups, and nonprofit organizations working on education issues.
Students enrolled in dual degree programs may begin their studies in either program. It is best to complete a full year in one program before beginning the second program. During the second year, students fulfill the core requirements of the other program. Students fulfill the remaining requirements of both programs in the third year of study.
Learn more in our FAQs.
Year 1: Fall
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| Educ 643 | Foundations of Higher Education | 3 |
| Educ 641 | Assessment, Evaluation, and Research in Higher Education | 3 |
| Educ 678E | Confronting Oppression in Education | 3 |
Year 1: Spring
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| Educ 644 | Critical Perspectives on Equity and Justice | 3 |
| Educ 647B or 621A | Higher Education Policy or Higher Education Finance Policy | 3 |
| Higher Education Specialization Course | ||
| Higher Education Specialization Course |
Year 2: Fall
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| Educ 698ED | Professional Practice and Career Development | 3 |
| SPP 601 | Politics and Policy Process | 3 |
| SPP 605 | Economics and Public Policy | 3 |
| SPP 614 | Professional Development Seminar | 1 |
| SPP 607 | Policy Methods | 3 |
Year 2: Spring
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| Educ 675 | Master's Integrative Seminar | 3 |
| SPP 603 | Public Policy Analysis | 3 |
| SPP 608 | Statistics for Public Policy | 4 |
| SPP 697AA | Statistics for Public Policy Lab |
Year 3: Fall
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| SPP 602 | Public Management | 3 |
| Public Policy Elective Course | ||
| Public Policy Elective Course |
Year 3: Spring
| Course # | Course name | Credits |
| SPP 609 or 610 | Policy Workshop or Capstone | 4 |
| Public Policy Elective Course | ||
| Higher Education Specialization Course |
To Apply
While applicants must meet both the School of Education’s and the School of Public Policy's admission standards, students only need to submit one application to the graduate admissions office.
Deadline
Priority deadline: December 1
Final deadline: January 2
For More Information
- Michael Marr
Recruitment and Admissions Manager
School of Public Policy
[email protected]
(413) 577-2396 - Ryan Wells
Professor, Higher Education
Director of the Center for Student Success Research
[email protected]
(413) 545-0871