The application fee has been waived for the Spring 2025 term.
Shape the Future of Education
Change the education culture through our online Master’s in Education Policy and Leadership.
Tell us about yourself.
Bachelor’s degree required.
CAEP-Accredited
The SOE is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the highest standard of accreditation.
20 Months
Earn your degree in 20 months,1 and start making an impact throughout education right away.
Connection
Complete a real-world consultancy project and join an active and supportive alumni network upon graduation.
100% Placement
Within six months of completing this program, 100 percent of our graduates land in the education field or further education.2
Education Policy Drives Social Change
Earn your online Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership to become a trusted leader with the skills and knowledge to effect change at local, state, and federal levels. Learn how to evaluate, create, and implement effective policy that facilitates exceptional learning experiences for all students and transforms systems for a brighter and more equitable future.
Our faculty members have worked in the fields they teach, which means they know that formulating beautifully written policy is only a first step in effecting positive and lasting change. We meet passion and our values with real-world, hard-won lessons to give our students the best possible chance for success upon graduating, ensuring that they have the resources and tools required to bring innovation and equity to the American education system.
The online Master’s in Education Policy and Leadership from American University can help you translate your desire to change the course of American education into actionable steps that have a true impact through innovative, evidence-based, and antiracist programs and policies. Focused on policy, leadership, law, economics, equity, and research, the program will prepare you to transform societies. As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to join a network of American University faculty, students, and alumni who are reshaping education in the United States.
Are You Ready to Transform Societies through Education?
Career Outcomes
Job
Average Salary
$48k
$125k
Legislators
$47,620
University Professor
$76,990
Social and Community Service Managers
$82,180
Education Administrators, Elementary and Secondary School
$100,040
Senior Learning and Development Specialist
$103,090
Public Relations and Fundraising Managers
$108,270
Assistant Clinical Research Director
$109,574
Organizational Development Director
$124,524
What I love most about the program is that I am developing skills that most education leaders do not have, such as data analysis, organization leadership, application of economic principles, and examination of legal issues.
Nicole Stohmann, Class of ’20
The students we worked with from American University were sharp, reliable, and focused, and their timely work helped us move forward with some significant work. The work we’ve done together over this semester has pointed a way forward for us and our partners on this topic, and we will definitely be engaging with the program again in the future.
Guy Johnson
Senior Program Director of Federal and National Networks
Key Dates & Deadlines
Applications require a $55 application fee. For the Spring 2025 term, the application fee has been waived.
Why American University
American University is a top-ranked university with award-winning faculty and a political and social legacy.
You’ll have access to American University’s cutting-edge research, coursework, and partnerships with academic institutions throughout Washington, DC.
Bringing the essence of the DC culture right to your home, the curriculum emphasizes cultural competence and diverse perspectives.
Learn more about the online Master of Education (MEd) in Education Policy and Leadership program.
1 Time to completion may vary depending on the number of credits taken per semester.
2 Based on an American University census.
