M.P.P. Program | Education Policy and Practice

Are you passionate about creating change at the highest levels? Do you want to be in the room when decisions are made about education policy at the district, state or even national level?

The Master of Public Policy in Education Policy is designed for changemakers and policy leaders who want to dedicate their careers to creating a more effective education system for young people and future generations.

Graduates of Peabody’s program have gone on to do incredible things as education leaders, researchers and policymakers.

One of the benefits of the master’s degree in Education Policy, like other programs in this guide, is that there is a wide range of career paths you can explore.

If you have solid academic preparation and are a recent college graduate, or have engaged in an education-related job after graduation, such as in K-12 teaching, research, policy or political settings, higher education positions and others, you’d make a great fit for the degree program.

The M.P.P. in Education Policy supports and encourages students to engage in practical experience while taking classes, and provides both a foundation of content knowledge in education and analytical and quantitative skill sets that are associated with the degree.

Whatever it is that drives your passion and interests, earning your master’s degree can help you get there. Alumni of the MPP program are prepared to make an immediate impact and are currently serving in a variety of education policy-focused roles including:

Associate Legislative Research Analyst, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, Nashville, Tennessee
Director of Policy, Texas Aspires, Austin, Texas
Director of School Partnerships, OneGoal, New York, New York
K-12 Data and Policy Analyst, Education Trust, Washington, D.C.
National Policy Associate, Centerstone, Nashville, Tennessee
School Governance Liaison, Atlanta Public Schools, Atlanta, Georgia
Vice President of Policy, Nashville Chamber of Commerce, Nashville, Tennessee

What makes Peabody’s policy degree unique is its focus on the intersection of education and policy. Graduates of the program emerge with a skill set that blends theory, analytics and practical knowledge, which makes them invaluable in the workplace.

Unlike many other public policy programs, Peabody’s is not a generalist degree. Our program is designed for those who are looking to drive change in a specific area.

Joint degree programs are also available with both Vanderbilt Law School and the Owen Graduate School of Management.

Education Policy allows you to decide the pace of your program, enabling students to earn their degree while continuing their careers. Typically, the program offers 9 credits a semester for two years, however, you can choose to accelerate this, taking more courses per semester. Some courses are also offered online, ensuring convenience. Students who wish to, can complete a master’s degree within a calendar year if that’s what works best for their schedule, but students who want to enroll part-time and year round can choose that path.

We understand that many of our students have jobs, families and commitments, and have set up the program to help them balance their studies with their other responsibilities. Many of the courses take place in the evening, and some weekend courses are also offered. Courses are also offered in the summer for those pursuing their master’s degree.

Peabody’s unique cohort model enables students to work closely together throughout the term, which allows for greater collaboration, deeper learning and an increased sense of community with your peers.

On top of your courses, you’ll take a hands-on practicum, which offers a fulfilling opportunity to apply your coursework to tackling real-world challenges.
All students choose from a selection of core courses, including Politics and Policymaking and Economics of Education, as well as courses that enable you to narrow your focus.

Here’s a sample of courses that you may take in the Education Policy program:
- EDP 6110 Politics and Policymaking
- EDP 6120 Education Policy and School Reform
- EDP 6130 American Educational History and Policy
- EDP 6140 Economics of Education
- EDP 6210 Teacher Policy
- EDP 6220 Urban Education and Social Policy
- EDP 7500 Education Law
- LPO 7200 Grants Policy and Administration
- HEA 6010 College and University Management
View our full course curriculum
Jason Grissom

Patricia and Rodes Hart Chair

Professor of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations

Professor Grissom’s research examines the governance of K-12 education, including its leadership, management and political dimensions. He is particularly interested in the effect of school and district leaders on teacher and student outcomes, with emphasis on principal effectiveness, school-level hiring decisions, turnover of school personnel and district leaders and school board governance. Grissom’s research appears in outlets such as American Educational Research Journal, Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, Educational Researcher, Education Finance and Policy, Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Journal of Politics, Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Public Administration Review, and Teachers College Record. He concluded his presidency of the Association for Education Finance and Policy in 2023, having played an important role in diversifying voices within the organization.

Meet our world-class faculty

M.P.P., Education Policy:

Make An Impact

What Can You Do with an M.P.P. in Education Policy?

Of job-seeking graduates, 96 percent were employed or attending graduate school within four months of graduation.

The M.P.P. Program at Peabody: Where Policy Meets Education

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