Apply to MSU's PhD program in
Education Policy
and
Prepare to Make a Difference
We seek motivated, independent students who want to contribute original ideas, in and outside of the classroom. We look for people with bright, curious minds who want to address questions of education policy through rigorous research.
Our Education Policy program was rated
#9 in the nation
by 2019 U.S. News & World Report



Average admission rate: 39%
(data from 2015-2018)

Possible concentrations include education finance ; urban education; education reform ; assessment, evaluation, and quantitative analysis ; or comparative and international perspectives
“ In my cohort, all the students are from different regions of the world, with different experiences. That really enriches the conversation. All of us challenge each other.” 
—Vanika Grover, doctoral student
“I was drawn to the program by the faculty and the projects they were doing. They do research in schools. And it was a good mix of people doing the research—qualitative and quantitative.”
—David Reid, Education Policy alumnus and assistant professor in the Department of Education, Leadership Management, and Policy at Seton Hall University
Our 5 CORE VALUES

  • A personalized approach to student growth and development
Every student is supported through close faculty mentoring, small initial cohorts, a welcoming education community, and opportunities to publish with top scholars.
 
  • A commitment to a mission of service
As a public land-grant university, service is at the core of what we do. In the education policy program, that means dedication to studying ways to improve the education of historically disadvantaged and underserved populations, sharing knowledge, and conducting research that will result in change.

  • Dedication to a well-rounded, cutting-edge approach to rigorous research
A well-rounded, cutting-edge approach to research includes studying quantitative and qualitative methods, and working with faculty across disciplines—in economics, education, political science, sociology, and law.

  • Guaranteed financial support throughout five years of the program
All students, domestic and international, are guaranteed five years of financial support, have paid summer research opportunities, and may receive funding to attend conferences to present papers.

  • Faculty at the forefront of research in their areas of expertise
Our faculty are leaders in their areas of expertise, in topics from accountability to teacher unions to school choice to urban and international education.