Education Policy Analysis: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Education Policy Analysis equips students with the analytical frameworks and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to critically evaluate how educational systems are shaped by public policy across diverse geographic and socio-political contexts. This program emphasizes evidence-based decision-making, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in equity, access, and system effectiveness within education.
- Social and cultural issues in education: Explores how identity, race, class, and cultural norms influence educational experiences and outcomes across different communities.
- Contemporary educational policies: Examines current legislative and administrative initiatives shaping curriculum, funding, assessment, and accountability in schools and institutions.
- History of education: Traces the evolution of educational institutions, ideologies, and reforms from foundational developments to modern-day structures.
- Economics of education: Investigates resource allocation, cost-benefit analysis, and financial mechanisms that impact educational access and quality.
- International and comparative education: Compares education systems, policies, and outcomes across nations to identify best practices and systemic differences.
- Education and social change: Analyzes how education functions as a catalyst for societal transformation, including its role in promoting inclusion, civic engagement, and economic mobility.
- Educational research and evaluation methods: Develops proficiency in qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches to assess policy impacts and program effectiveness.
- Applications to specific public policy topics: Applies theoretical and methodological knowledge to real-world issues such as school funding equity, special education rights, higher education access, and education technology integration.
Education Policy Analysis Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Education Policy Analysis Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Education Policy Analysis degrees, including Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary and Education Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 146,170 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other 19-3099 | $100,340 | $62,570 - $160,810 | 36,970 | $48.24 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1065 | $94,680 | $50,490 - $173,380 | 17,170 | N/A |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1081 | $72,090 | $38,650 - $126,450 | 59,090 | N/A |
| Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
Education Policy Analysis Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $62,037 in Tennessee to $92,933 in Virginia—a 50% difference. The highest-paying states include Virginia, New York, and District of Columbia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 146,170 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Education Policy Analysis by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 13 institutions offering Education Policy Analysis programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Education Policy Analysis is found at Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (26 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (13 graduates), University of Notre Dame (ND) (11 graduates), Boston University (BU) (11 graduates), and Harvard University (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 104 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) |
Master's
|
26 | New York, New York | Private | tc.columbia.edu |
| Johns Hopkins University (JHU) |
Master's
|
13 | Baltimore, Maryland | Private | jhu.edu |
| University of Notre Dame (ND) |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Notre Dame, Indiana | Private | nd.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
11 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Harvard University |
Doctorate (Research)
|
9 | Cambridge, Massachusetts | Private | harvard.edu |
| Arizona State University Campus Immersion (ASU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
8 | Tempe, Arizona | Public | asu.edu |
| Vanderbilt University (VU) |
Master's
|
8 | Nashville, Tennessee | Private | vanderbilt.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Master's
|
6 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| West Chester University of Pennsylvania (WCU) |
Postbac Cert.
|
5 | West Chester, Pennsylvania | Public | wcupa.edu |
| Brigham Young University (BYU) |
Master's
|
3 | Provo, Utah | Private | byu.edu |
| Saint Louis University (SLU) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
2 | Saint Louis, Missouri | Private | slu.edu |
| George Mason University |
Postbac Cert.
|
1 | Fairfax, Virginia | Public | www2.gmu.edu |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison |
Other Award
|
1 | Madison, Wisconsin | Public | wisc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Education Policy Analysis programs
How much can I earn with a Education Policy Analysis degree?
Salaries for Education Policy Analysis graduates vary by role and location. Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other earn a median of $100,340 annually, while Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $94,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Virginia average $92,933 compared to $62,037 in Tennessee. Approximately 146,170 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Education Policy Analysis programs?
Currently 13 accredited institutions offer Education Policy Analysis degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Teachers College at Columbia University (TC) (26 graduates), Johns Hopkins University (JHU) (13 graduates), and University of Notre Dame (ND) (11 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Education Policy Analysis growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 13 in 2010 to 104 in 2023-24. This represents a 700% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Education Policy Analysis degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other, Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary, and Education Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 146,170 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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