Skip to main
Close Search

Masters (MS) in Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies

Apply research skills and data analysis to real-world problems in education and other settings. This online program will prepare you to analyze data and communicate results to expert and non-expert audiences. Graduates of our program work in a wide variety of fields, including school districts, state and federal agencies, and health-related organizations.

Apply now

At a Glance

Fall 2024

Application Due Date:
07/26/2024
Start Date:
08/26/2024

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
12/13/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Credits and Tuition Cost (2023-2024)

Credits Required: 37
Cost Per Credit: $737.00

Format

Fully Online

Request Information

Learn more about the Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies online program.
We launch critical & innovative thinkers, creators, and doers.
Fill out this form to be sent information specific to your program of interest, including deadlines, tuition, application requirements and more!














Masters in Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies overview

Program format
Format
Fully Online
Total credits
Total Credits
37
Degree awarded
Degree Awarded
MS

Hear from Program Leaders

Sign up for a Virtual Open House

What You'll Learn

Overview

In the program, students will examine current educational policy issues through social, historical, philosophical, cultural, and political lenses. Concurrently, the program is designed to provide students with a core suite of research and policy analysis tools, including courses in quantitative, qualitative, evaluation, and survey research methods. Students completing the degree program will be well prepared for a variety of professional and academic placements, including K-12 or postsecondary institutions, testing organizations, state and federal agencies, or further doctoral study.

Each Educational Research Methods and Policy Studies student will choose one concentration area with six required credits and supporting electives for the concentration area with a minimum of nine required credits. All suggested supporting elective courses listed below are available in an online format. Students are not limited to the listed electives; students choose elective courses in conjunction with their advisor. Moreover, students can take up to 3 hours of independent study (EPE 785) and up to 12 hours of internship credit (EPE 790).

Course Examples

  • EPE/EDP 557 Gathering, Using, and Analyzing Educational Data I OR
  • EPE/EDP 558 Gathering, Using, and Analyzing Educational Data II
  • EPE 571 Writing Seminar in Ed Research
  • EPE 601 Proseminar
  • EPE 602 Social Policy Issues in Education
  • EPE 619 Survey Research
  • EPE/EDP 620 Introduction to Evaluation
  • EPE 663 Field Studies in Educational Settings
  • One contextual studies (i.e. non-research methods) course

Connect with a Program Representative

Schedule time to meet with a program representative one-on-one.

How to Apply

Application Requirements

Standard graduate application requirements apply.

Personal Statement - 500 words explaining how your personal goals align with what the program offers

CV - Please include work history, any certifications/license, publications and research, and hobbies or special interests.

Two letters of Recommendation (Only email addresses required. Our system will email them to upload their reference.) 

Admissions Criteria

Standard graduate admission requirements apply.

*THIS PROGRAM OPERATES UNDER ROLLING ADMISSIONS.  APPLY ANYTIME.  

Program Contact

Joe Waddington, Ph.D.
Program Director

Deadlines

Fall 2024

Application Due Date:
07/26/2024
Start Date:
08/26/2024

Spring 2025

Application Due Date:
12/13/2024
Start Date:
01/13/2025

Distance Learning

Licensure & Authorization

Where you live matters when completing distance education activities. If you will live outside of Kentucky while completing your program, please check the Distance Learning Authorization & Licensure page to confirm that the program can be offered in your state or country, and if relevant, that it meets professional licensure requirements in your state. Please note: Admission and enrollment in a fully-online program can NOT lead to the issuance of a J-1 or F-1 student visa. 

AUTHORIZATION & LICENSURE INFO
NC-SARA logo
University of Kentucky has been approved to participate in State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Student Support

Once you become a student, you will have access to a wide variety of academic support services to maximize your success. These services are available completely online to meet the needs of our online students.

Why UK Online

No GRE

Icon
No test scores required.

One tuition rate

Icon
Pay the same online tuition rate, no matter where you live.

Grad tuition cap

Icon
Save money by paying for only 9 standard credit hours per semester, even if you take more.

Flexible schedule

Icon
Fit learning into your busy schedule with no prescribed class times.
Follow On Social Facebook Icon YouTube Icon LinkedIn Icon Instagram Icon Network Icon
Find the Degree that Fits Explore Now