Graduate Certificate in Educational Policy

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Policy prepares professionals to work in policy analysis as analysts, educational researchers, and policymakers in a range of levels, including local school districts, state agencies, nonprofit agencies, as support for elected officials, and the like.

Application and Admission

Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree prior to admission, must have a minimum 2.75 cumulative undergraduate grade point average, and must declare their intent to pursue the certificate before completion of six credits in the certificate sequence. Applicants with a graduate degree must have a minimum 3.00 graduate grade point average. Those not already admitted to the Graduate School must complete the UW System online admission application. Select “Graduate courses for personal/professional enrichment” as your reason for applying.

Certificate Requirements

The Graduate Certificate in Educational Policy requires the completion of 15 credits of graduate work: 6 core credits, 3 credits of quantitative methods, and 6 credits of electives, chosen in collaboration with the program coordinator.

Ed Policy Core (6 credits)
Ed Pol 613	(512) Context and Foundations of Educational Policy
Ad Lead 832	Educational Politics and Policymaking
Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
Qualifying courses must include multiple linear regression. Acceptable options at UWM include:
Ed Psy 624	Educational Statistical Methods I
PoliSci 701	Techniques of Political Science Research
UrbPlan 740	Data Analysis Methods I
Sociology 979	Methods of Research and Analysis for Urban Social Institutions I
Other equivalent courses can also fulfill this requirement, as determined by department
Focus Courses (6 credits total; student’s choice)
Ad Lead 710	Organizational Change and Team Leadership
Ad Lead 862	School Finance
Advanced Statistical Methods Course (to be chosen with advisor)
Comm 862	Public Deliberation
Ed Pol 561	Education Issues in American Indian Communities
Ed Pol 602	Proposal Writing and Fundraising Skills for Community-Based Organizations
Ed Pol 610	Reproduction of Minority Communities.
Ed Pol 612	Community Participation and Power
Ed Pol 621	History of Native Education and Policy Development
Ed Pol 622	Community Policy Analysis (to be developed)
Ed Pol 625	Race Relations in Education
Ed Pol 630	Race and Public Policy in Urban America
Ed Pol 670	History of Urban Education Reform Policies
Ed Pol 680	Urban Education Policies: Problems and Opportunities
Ed Pol 822	Global Educational Studies
Poli Sci 749	Seminar in American Political Institutions
Other courses may be chosen in conjunction with student's advisor.

To complete the program, a student must have a minimum cumulative 3.00 grade point average in certificate courses taken at UWM.

Transfer Credits

Up to 3 credits of graduate coursework from another institution may be considered for transfer to the certificate program. To be eligible for transfer, the course must have been completed within the last 2 years, the student must have received a grade of B or better, and the Certificate Coordinator must approve the course for transfer.

Articulation with UWM graduate degree programs

No more than 50% of the credits required for the certificate may count toward meeting UWM graduate degree requirements.

Time Limit

Students must complete all courses for the certificate within 3 years from the date of initial enrollment in the certificate program.