Educational Administration and Policy

Educational Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia is a comprehensive graduate program designed to prepare future leaders in education, policy development, and school management. The program offers students the opportunity to explore the complexities of educational systems, policies, and leadership strategies that shape learning environments across diverse settings. Through a combination of rigorous coursework, research, and practical experiences, students gain the knowledge and skills necessary to influence educational change and improve student outcomes.

Curriculum components include foundational courses in educational theory, leadership, organizational management, educational law, and finance. Advanced coursework focuses on policy analysis, advocacy, school improvement, and community engagement. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, data-driven decision-making, and ethical leadership, ensuring graduates are equipped to navigate the challenges of modern education systems. In addition to academic coursework, students engage in internships, practicum opportunities, and collaborative projects with local schools, districts, and educational agencies, fostering real-world understanding and network-building.

The program is tailored for individuals aspiring to roles as school administrators, district leaders, policymakers, and researchers in education. Faculty members bring extensive expertise in educational leadership, policy analysis, and research methodologies, guiding students through scholarly inquiry and practical application. The University of Georgia’s commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a rich educational environment where students learn to develop equitable policies and practices that serve diverse student populations.

Graduates of the Educational Administration and Policy program are well-prepared to assume leadership positions in a variety of educational settings, influence policy development at local, state, and national levels, and contribute to scholarly research that advances educational theory. The program also provides a foundation for those interested in pursuing doctoral studies in education. With its strong emphasis on leadership, policy, and community collaboration, the University of Georgia’s program equips its graduates to become effective agents of positive change in education.

The MEd in Educational Administration and Policy includes studies in:

• Law, policy, and administration
• Ethics
• Finance
• Data management and use
• Leadership in a diverse society

The program culminates in the presentation of a problem of practice that holds specific interest for you. This gives you the opportunity to explore your unique interests, to integrate all of your coursework into a plan for your career, and to create a professional portfolio.

The MEd in Educational Administration and Policy allows you to tailor your studies to your academic and professional areas of focus. Within the 36-semester hour program, you will take:

• 12 hours of major concentration and core courses
• 3 hours of research courses
• 3 hours in an applied project
• 18 hours of electives

Courses cover topics such as:

• School law
• Educational policy analysis
• Organizational leadership
• Human resource administration
• School business and resource management
• Research in educational administration and policy
• Applied projects in educational administration and policy

1. Submit an online application to the Graduate School
2. Transcripts. Documents must be submitted in both Russian and English. Russian documents must bear the original institution stamp. The English translations must bear the original institution stamp or the original stamp/signature of the certified translator.
3. 4-5 year Diplom from a recognized institution.. An official copy of the Diplom, which bears the original stamp of the issuing institution. The English translation is required and must bear the original stamp of the issuing institution or the original stamp/signature of the certified translator.
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. Curriculum vita (CV) or resume
6. Statement of purpose (short essay)
7. Certification of finances forms (international applicants)
8. Minimum TOEFL score requirement: overall score of 80 with at least 20 on speaking and writing
9. Minimum IELTS score requirement: overall band-width of 6.5, with no single band (score) below 6.0.

The University of Georgia offers a comprehensive approach to financing studies within the Educational Administration and Policy program. Students seeking financial assistance can explore a variety of funding options to support their academic pursuits. Graduate students are often eligible for multiple types of financial aid, including teaching assistantships, research assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships specifically targeted toward students in education leadership and policy. These assistantships typically provide a stipend along with in-state or out-of-state tuition waivers, enabling students to focus on their studies while gaining valuable professional experience.

In addition to university-based funding, students can access federal and state financial aid programs, such as the Federal Direct Loan Program, which offers subsidized and unsubsidized loans with flexible repayment options. The university also provides information on external scholarship opportunities from foundations and educational organizations committed to advancing educational leadership. To qualify for most financial aid packages, applicants are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) early and to meet all application deadlines.

The university's financial aid office provides personalized guidance to prospective and current students, helping them identify suitable sources of funding and assisting with the application process. For international students enrolled in the program, there are limited scholarships available, and they are advised to seek external funding sources. The program's goal is to make education accessible and affordable, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder talented future educational leaders from obtaining their degrees. Moreover, some students may participate in part-time work opportunities on campus, aligned with their academic schedules, further alleviating financial burdens. Overall, the financing of studies in this program is designed to be flexible and supportive, promoting the development of well-qualified educational administrators and policy makers who can positively impact the education system.

The Educational Administration and Policy program at the University of Georgia is designed to prepare future leaders in the field of education, focusing on the administration, policy, and management of educational institutions. The program aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities within educational systems, including organizational leadership, policy analysis, and school improvement strategies. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering skills necessary for effective decision-making, strategic planning, and policy development in diverse educational settings.

Students in this program engage in coursework that covers topics such as educational law, finance, ethics, leadership theory, and data-driven decision making. The curriculum emphasizes research methods and data analysis to support evidence-based practices in education policy and administration. Through internships, practicum experiences, and collaborations with local educational agencies, students gain hands-on experience that prepares them for leadership roles in K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and government agencies involved in education policymaking.

The faculty involved in the program comprises experienced scholars and practitioners with expertise in educational leadership, policy analysis, and organizational change. The program also encourages active participation in seminars, conferences, and research projects, allowing students to stay current with emerging trends and challenges in education. Graduates of the program are well-positioned for careers as school administrators, district officials, policy analysts, and research consultants, contributing to the improvement of educational systems at state, local, and national levels.

The University of Georgia’s location offers students access to a vibrant educational community and opportunities for collaboration with public schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The program supports diversity and inclusion, aiming to prepare leaders who can address equity issues in education and promote inclusive learning environments. Overall, the Educational Administration and Policy program at UGA is committed to developing skilled, ethical, and innovative education leaders dedicated to fostering positive change in educational settings nationwide.