Education & Social Policy (M.S.E.) Curriculum & Admission
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Coursework
Project/Thesis
Program Curriculum
Upon completion of 27 graduate credit hours, the student will complete a capstone project under the guidance of their academic advisor. This project typically takes the form of a website portfolio in which the student displays the culmination of their learning throughout the coursework.
Course Requirements
A sample program plan is provided below (Electives should be chosen in consultation with the student's advisor).
| EPSY 715 | Understanding Research in Education | 3 |
| ELPS 757 | Education in American Society | 3 |
| Or an ELPS History Class | ||
| ELPS 830 | Foundations of Multicultural Education | 3 |
| or ELPS 782 | Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Higher Education | 3 |
| or C&T 807 | Multicultural Education | 3 |
| or ELPS 960 | Leading Diverse Communities | 3 |
| ELPS Class on Education Policy/Social Science Research | 3 | |
| ELPS or Non-ELPS Law or Policy Class | 3 | |
| ELPS Elective | 3 | |
| Non-ELPS Elective | 3 | |
| Flexible Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Flexible Elective 2 | 3 | |
| PROJECT - Additional Requirements | ||
| ELPS 898 | Master's Project | 3 |
| Project Defense | ||
| Total credit hours | 30 |
Capstone Project: Students will select one of two options for a capstone project:
1. Policy report: The policy report option gives students an artifact they can use on the job market. The report will analyze a contemporary educational policy issue and may include policy origin, intended objectives, surrounding debates, potential outcomes, unintended consequences, and other policy features.
2. Online portfolio: The online portfolio option allows students to create a portfolio of their learnings in the master’s program. The online portfolio may include a page for curriculum vitae, research, teaching and learning, service, and other educational projects.
Graduate Admission
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) with at least a 3.0 grade point average on a 4.0 scale from a regionally accredited institution or a foreign university with substantially equivalent bachelor’s degree requirements. International applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the application process well in advance of the application deadlines in order to ensure adequate time for processing of visa-related paperwork. Meeting minimum admission standards does not guarantee admission to the program.
Fall Application Deadline
Spring Application Deadline
Summer Application Deadline
Application Checklist
M.S.E. in Education & Social Policy
Applicants are required to submit the following materials and meet the following requirements before the application deadline:
List
Online application
Complete through the KU Office of Graduate Admissions
Transcripts
One official copy of academic transcripts from each college or university attended
English translation of transcripts
Official transcripts from an international university must include an English translation
Statement of purpose
1-2 page statement that describes your interests related to educational policy and governance. It is recommended that you address your personal and academic background and your professional goals. In addition, please address any life experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue a master’s degree, along with personal experiences or achievements that would help you contribute to the ELPS program; to KU’s mission for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion; and to your professional aspirations once you complete the degree.
Resume or CV
Letters of recommendation
Names and email addresses of two persons to be asked to complete letters of recommendation who can provide a thorough evaluation of one’s abilities at the graduate level.
Proof of English proficiency
Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency with full proficiency scores.
Application fee
$65 for U.S. Residents; $85 for international applicants.
Admission & Curriculum Resources
The online application is designed to give applicants the ability to submit all supporting documents in one form. We invite you to explore our graduate degree information, review our student resources, and learn more on our knowledgeable faculty and the vibrant community of Lawrence, Kansas.
Program Faculty
Lena Batt
Jennifer Bessolo
Barbara Bichelmeyer
Dallas Doane
Zak Foste
Rick Ginsberg
Stephen Jackson
Lei Jiang
Bryan Mann
Amanda Mollet
Jennifer C. Ng
Gene T. Parker III
Susan B. Twombly
Lisa Ellen Wolf-Wendel