Master of Arts in Social Policy
The Master of Arts in Social Policy is designed for practitioners, managers and administrators in public and private, for-profit and nonprofit sectors who want to learn more about how to make either governmental or organizational policies more effective.
In this program, you build skills in policymaking, implementation and analysis and develop a greater understanding of the connections among federal, state, local and organizational policies and policy processes.
Program Design
The Master's of Arts in Social Policy is a 36-credit program that includes 12 3-credit courses. There are four core courses, four electives and four research-related courses that conclude with a final project.
Required Courses
- Policy Process
- Social Policy Perspectives
- Policy Implementation/Evaluation
- Ethical Issues in Social Policy
- Qualitative Methods
- Modes of Inquiry
- Quantitative Methods
Electives
Electives reflect individual interests and reinforce the focus of the degree. They can be independent studies or residency based.
Final Project
The project focuses on a topic of your interest that draws upon your prior course work and allows for a meaningful contribution to your field of study and/or practice. This project may take several forms, including a thesis, a practicum, a case study or a paper series.
More Information
Explore this website for more details or submit a request for information.
Program Chair: Margaret Tally, PhD, Peggy.Tally@esc.edu
Students in the Master of Arts in Social Policy program want to be (or are) practitioners and managers, activists and advocates, largely in public agencies and nonprofit organizations, who want to learn more about how to make policies in local, state and federal government and nongovernment organizations more effective. Students in this program are frequently interested in understanding and improving policies that impact how well practitioners can deliver services through agencies and organizations, as well as empower underserved and vulnerable populations and their communities. You can learn how to improve social policies and better adapt to current policies and social environments.
Admission to the M.A. in Social Policy program is selective. This program begins new students in the fall and spring terms only.
Apply for Admission
To apply for the M.A. in Social Policy, review the admissions requirements and submit an online application.
