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Education - Urban Education Policy
The Master of Arts in Urban Education Policy is an intensive one-year program designed to equip students with the tools, frameworks, and critical thinking skills necessary to address pressing issues in urban education systems. Grounded in equity-focused research and policy design, the program prepares future leaders to analyze systemic disparities, evaluate education reforms, and develop policies that drive meaningful change. Students engage with real-world challenges faced by urban schools, such as funding inequalities, access to resources, teacher retention, and the intersection of race, class, and education outcomes. Through a blend of theory and applied practice, participants learn to bridge the gap between policy development and classroom realities.
This full-time, on-campus program draws upon Brown University's strong interdisciplinary foundation, allowing students to take courses across education, sociology, political science, and economics. With mentorship from faculty and partnerships with school districts, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, students complete policy practicums that apply their learning in tangible settings. The curriculum also emphasizes data literacy, strategic communication, and leadership development, ensuring graduates can advocate for and implement reforms that are both context-sensitive and sustainable. The program is ideal for individuals committed to transforming education systems, particularly within underserved urban communities, through ethical, evidence-based policymaking.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Education - Urban Education Policy
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Location: Brown University, United States
- Field of Study: Education
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 – Foundations in Urban Education and Policy
- History and Politics of Urban Education
- Education Inequality and Social Justice
- Quantitative Methods for Policy Analysis
- Community Engagement and School Partnerships
Semester 2 – Policy Application and Leadership
- Urban Education Policy Design and Implementation
- Data, Accountability, and School Reform
- Policy Internship / Field-Based Practicum
- Elective: Youth Development, Budgeting, or Education Law
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Urban Education Policy program are equipped to make an immediate impact in organizations working to improve educational equity and effectiveness in urban settings. Common career paths include roles such as education policy analyst, school district strategist, nonprofit program director, or government education advisor. Many alumni contribute to state and local departments of education, advocacy groups, education research institutions, and philanthropic foundations, where they help craft and evaluate policies aimed at addressing educational disparities. Their expertise in data analysis, policy communication, and stakeholder engagement positions them to lead initiatives in teacher development, school finance reform, and curriculum equity. Some graduates also pursue further academic work or leadership roles in charter school networks and education-focused think tanks. With a deep understanding of the systemic barriers in urban education and the tools to address them, graduates emerge as change-oriented professionals capable of designing and implementing reforms that uplift entire school communities.
Why Choose This Program
The Urban Education Policy program at Brown University offers a unique, mission-driven curriculum that combines rigorous policy analysis, social justice advocacy, and real-world application. Students are not only immersed in academic theory but are also given structured opportunities to engage with the communities and institutions most affected by educational inequality. This deeply integrated approach ensures that graduates are not just thinkers but doers—professionals who understand both the challenges and the levers for change within urban school systems. The program’s intimate cohort model, faculty mentorship, and network of field partners provide a supportive environment for leadership development. Brown’s longstanding commitment to civic engagement, combined with its interdisciplinary strengths, empowers students to tackle urban education issues with intellect, empathy, and innovation, preparing them to lead with integrity and make lasting impact across the educational landscape.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 401 863 1000
Email: admissions@brown.edu
Address: University of Brown, Providence, RI 02912, United States
