Education Policy, Research, and Leadership

The field of Education Policy, Research and Leadership (EPRL) is the study and analysis of the laws, regulations, and systems that shape education across a range of settings and contexts. It involves using data, theory, and real-world evidence to evaluate and improve how schools and other educational agencies and programs function, how students (e.g. children, adolescents, and adults) learn, and how education can be made more equitable and effective. EPRL exists at the intersection of research, policy analysis, and leadership, influencing everything from localized classroom teaching to state policy and national education reforms. By examining policies, as well as their implementation and outcomes, students will be prepared to ensure that educational systems are designed to support student success, teacher effectiveness, and societal needs.

The Five College Education Policy, Research, and Leadership certificate is available to undergraduate students at Amherst, Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, Smith Colleges, and UMass Amherst. If you are interested in pursuing the certificate, please contact the certificate advisor at your campus.

Key Outcomes for Students

• Students will understand how policy is made, implemented, and experienced across educational settings.
• Students will learn research methods and evidence-based approaches for evaluating programs and informing decisions.
• Students will build leadership capacities for ethically influencing groups of people toward the attainment of shared organizational outcomes.

Course of Study: Six Courses

The certificate program consists of six courses in the domains of education policy, research, and leadership.

Foundations of Policy (4 Courses)

Students will complete two courses that explore education policy through interdisciplinary lenses (historical, sociological, American education policy, international education policy, social justice education, government and politics, etc.). As part of the Foundations of Policy strand, advisors will encourage students to take courses that explore education leadership theory (e.g., bases of power, cultural considerations), approaches (e.g., transformational vs. transactional), skills (e.g. interpersonal communication); and strategies (e.g. strategic planning), and engage in self reflection about their own unique strengths and potential areas for leadership growth.

Foundations of Research (2 Courses)

Students will complete two research methods courses (i.e., research design, qualitative/quantitative methods, program evaluation, classroom assessment) that examine topics essential for effective educational policy work, including data analysis techniques, program evaluation frameworks, policy implementation assessment, and evidence-based decision-making.

Students are encouraged to use the Certificate Completion Form (below) to consult with their certificate advisor, plan for both which courses to take and for completing all certificate requirements. Students are expected to finalize this form with their certificate advisor and attach a copy of their unofficial transcript during the final semester of their senior year: no later than November 1 for fall/January graduates, and April 1 for spring/May graduates

Note that if you don't see classes from all campuses currently listed, they will appear as the campuses release their course schedules for the semester. The five campuses release their schedules on different dates. Visit this page for specific dates.