Higher Education - Public Policy
The Master of Arts in Higher Education Public Policy at the University of Michigan offers a carefully developed academic environment for students who want to understand how educational systems operate within broader social, political and economic structures. The program encourages learners to explore policy formation, governance, access, equity and institutional dynamics through a combination of theoretical instruction and evidence based inquiry. Students examine the policy challenges facing modern higher education, analyze how institutions respond to shifting demographics and economic pressures, and evaluate various policy approaches that shape academic environments. This structure promotes advanced understanding of policy analysis and institutional development, enabling learners to interpret educational issues through a rigorous analytical lens.
Students in this program benefit from an interdisciplinary community that values research clarity, professional awareness and long term academic growth. The curriculum allows learners to connect higher education policy with broader public systems, offering insights into legislative processes, regulatory frameworks, funding mechanisms and equity centered strategies. Through seminars, research projects and case based discussions, students refine their analytical skills while developing a deeper appreciation for the complexities of educational governance. With a strong emphasis on evidence driven evaluation and contextual interpretation, the program supports the development of policy professionals who are prepared to contribute to meaningful reforms within higher education institutions, government agencies and research organizations.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Higher Education - Public Policy
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 1 year
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: University of Michigan, United States
- Field of Study: Public Policy
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1 - Foundations in Higher Education Policy
• Introduction to Higher Education Systems
• Public Policy Theory and Analysis
• Governance and Administration in Higher Education
• Research Methods in Social Policy
Semester 2 - Applied Policy Studies and Institutional Practice
• Equity and Access in Higher Education
• Finance, Regulation and Policy Development
• Policy Design for Postsecondary Institutions
• Graduate Seminar and Applied Policy Project
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program gain strong analytical, organizational and research oriented capabilities that prepare them for careers across multiple policy and education sectors, including government agencies, institutional research units, nonprofit organizations and policy analysis centers. These roles require professionals who can examine the impact of proposed policies, evaluate institutional effectiveness, interpret data and contribute to the development of initiatives that support equitable access and sustainable growth within higher education. Through this program, students learn how to work with legislative information, regulatory guidelines and strategic institutional priorities, enabling them to engage with complex policy environments. This preparation also supports career opportunities in consulting, advocacy organizations, educational assessment groups and administrative offices where informed decision making and clear communication are vital to institutional improvement and public accountability.
Why Choose This Program
This program is well suited for students seeking a curriculum that blends comprehensive theoretical grounding with practical policy engagement, allowing them to explore how higher education systems evolve and respond to societal needs. Learners benefit from faculty expertise, detailed policy coursework and opportunities to analyze real institutional challenges that support both academic development and future professional success. The program encourages students to build strong research habits, interpret data in meaningful ways and evaluate how policy decisions influence students, institutions and broader social outcomes. With its commitment to high quality instruction and research guided learning, the program provides a structured academic experience that fosters confidence, analytical sophistication and preparation for impactful roles within higher education and public policy fields.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: 734-764-8129
Email: rackadmis@umich.edu
Address: Graduate Admissions Office, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
