B.S. in Education and Public Policy
Program Description
A Bachelor of Science in Education and Public Policy (EPP) is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students to understand, analyze, and improve education systems through informed policy and practice. Students examine how historical, social, economic, legal, and political forces shape schooling and access to opportunity. The program emphasizes:
- Equity and access in education
- Democratic participation and civic responsibility
- Evidence-based decision making
- Policy design and reform implementation
- Community and institutional leadership
Graduates develop skills in research, communication, and analysis that prepare them for careers in education agencies, government, advocacy organizations, nonprofits, research institutes, and graduate school.
Learning Outcomes
Students completing the EPP program will be able to:
- Analyze education policy using social science frameworks
- Evaluate the impact of policy on diverse populations
- Interpret data and research evidence for decision-making
- Communicate policy solutions clearly to stakeholders
- Apply ethical and equity-focused reasoning to public issues
- Design solutions to real educational challenges
Course Requirements
Foundational Core: Understanding Education Systems
Introduces students to education structures and policy context.
| Course Area | Focus | Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Education & Public Policy | Overview of education systems | Systems thinking |
| Foundations of American Education | Historical development | Contextual analysis |
| Sociology of Education | Inequality & demographics | Equity analysis |
| Political Science & Government | Policy formation | Civic literacy |
| Economics of Education | Funding & resource allocation | Cost-benefit analysis |
Policy & Research Methods: Analytical Skills
Students learn how to evaluate policy using research.
| Course Area | Focus | Skills Developed |
|---|---|---|
| Statistics for Social Sciences | Data literacy | Quantitative reasoning |
| Research Methods | Study design | Evidence evaluation |
| Program Evaluation | Policy impact | Assessment tools |
| Data-Driven Decision Making | Using data in practice | Applied analytics |
Policy Application & Specialization: Practice
Students apply theory to real-world issues.
Examples of topical electives:
- Education Law
- Higher Education Policy
- K-12 Reform Policy
- Urban & Rural Education Policy
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Policy
- Global/Comparative Education
- Community & Youth Development Policy
- Leadership & Organizational Change
Professional Preparation: Career Readiness
| Requirement | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Internship / Field Experience | Apply policy in real settings |
| Professional Seminar | Career skills & networking |
| Policy Writing Course | Policy briefs & communication |
| Capstone Project | Solve a real problem using research |
4-Year Program Timeline
Year 1 — Explore & Build Foundations
Goal: Understand education systems and social context
- Intro to Education & Public Policy
- Writing & communication courses
- Social science electives (psychology, sociology, political science)
- Begin career exploration
Milestone: Declare EPP major & meet advisor
Year 2 — Develop Analytical Skills
Goal: Learn research and policy basics
- Statistics & research methods
- Foundations of education course
- Economics or government course
- Join student organizations / policy clubs
Milestone: Choose interest area (K-12, higher ed, equity, community policy)
Year 3 — Apply Knowledge
Goal: Practice policy evaluation
- Policy analysis courses
- Specialized electives
- Begin internship placement search
- Draft first policy brief
Milestone: Internship approved
Year 4 — Lead & Launch Career
Goal: Demonstrate mastery
- Internship / field experience
- Capstone project
- Professional seminar
- Resume & graduate school preparation
Milestone: Present capstone to faculty or community partners
Capstone Experience
Students complete a real-world policy project such as:
- Evaluating a school program
- Writing legislation recommendations
- Designing an equity initiative
- Partnering with a community organization
- Producing a policy report or presentation
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue roles such as:
- Policy Analyst
- Education Program Coordinator
- Legislative Aide
- Nonprofit Director
- Research Assistant
- School District Administrator (with graduate study)
- Graduate School (Education Policy, Law, Public Administration)